Clothing has always been an integral part of how childhood is viewed. Giving an indication to the expectations of children in society, how gender roles are viewed and even incorporating economic and cultural issues within a society, the clothes we choose for children have always had an enormous impact on the fashion industry.
The History of Children’s Fashion
Historically Western children’s fashion had a very distinctive look and was used to display the social class and age of a child. Younger children often wore dress like garments, regardless of their gender and limitations on the length and style of garments for children of different ages was adhered to. As children got older, boys and girls clothing became far more distinct and often included elements that were more focused on look over comfort as children began to be dressed in clothing very similar to that of adults of the era.
Societal Values in What’s Trending
Much like the wider fashion market, children’s wear has been constantly changing and evolving. In recent years, gender neutral children’s clothing has skyrocketed in popularity, reflecting a change in attitude around gender in the wider society. Folk inspired clothing in the children’s market has also seen a comeback with many parents opting away from the bright colours and bold prints that were popular in the children’s wear market in the early 2000s.
Comfort and Money
Clothing is now far more focused on comfort, and with a greater understanding of how children grow and develop, children’s clothing is far less restrictive and made of softer materials than it historically has been. The rise of fast fashion has meant that children now have more clothing items than they historically have and sharing clothing between siblings is far less common than it once was. A growing concern for the environment has meant that the popularity of natural fibres and hand made clothing has grown.
The childrens fashion market is now a highly lucrative field, as of 2020 it was outperforming the adult fashion market and as of 2017 was worth an estimated 203 billion US dollars. Almost all big name brands now include a children’s line with companies like Dolce and Gabbana cashing in on the mini me trend and adapting their adult clothing for children.
The children’s fashion market is one that is constantly changing and evolving, from the strict limitations of the past to the folk inspired trends of today. The value of this market truly shows the impact of this industry on society. The clothes we choose for our children shows the views and values of our society and helps shapes the beliefs of the next generation.
The Look 