The global baby and toddler apparel market is one that is expected to boom over the next few years. According to research from Business Wire, the entire market is projected to reach upward of US $207 million, with market growth projected to rise at an 8.6% CAGR over the 2020–2026 period.
These are important figures for fashion buyers worldwide, particularly those looking to break into the baby clothes market. But to ensure profitability, one must be informed on the market prospects along with key trends.
In this article we’ll take a look at 10 baby and toddler fashion trends that are projected to take off in 2022. We’ll go in-depth with information on popular fabrics, styles, and textures, and explore what’s driving the trends along with how buyers can best leverage them for their businesses.
Shortcuts
1. Keeping it natural: organic essentials
2. Timeless essentials: the crossover onesie
3. Romping it up: the bubble romper
4. Keeping it cool: the T-shirt romper
5. Timeless comfort: the knitted set
6. Classic and cozy: the quilted jacket
7. Quaint is in: the crafted dress
8. Twinning it up: the mini-me dress
9. Minimalist looks: the overall
10. Stylish comfort: the wide-leg short
This list of fashion trends has been compiled from clothing products that have shown consistent or upward-trending growth in popularity as seen from WGSN online retail data. WGSN product and style selection is based on product data across multiple retailers in the UK and US throughout the 2019–2021 period.
1. Keeping it natural: organic essentials
Consumers are looking to extend their sustainable lifestyles to clothing. Recycled cotton and polyester are on the rise. Other sustainable materials such as low-impact dyes or unbleached organic materials are also growing in popularity.
To add to the comfort factor, it is essential to keep styles, shapes, and details simple when working with organic materials. As customers are looking for natural looks, it will be good to go for calming, neutral colors such as butter, mint, and rose.
2. Timeless essentials: the crossover onesie
The onesie is a classic for babies the world over, serving as a great option for newborn baby girls’ clothes while also being perfect for baby boys. Pair the classic design with trending materials that tap into the sustainability and comfort demands of customers.
Buyers can opt for options made with organic materials, undyed materials, or plant-based dyes with higher eco-standards.
3. Romping it up: the bubble romper
Rompers give kids plenty of room to grow. The volume of the bubble shape allows customers to purchase products that can be used for an extended time, which is a plus in terms of sustainability.
To make the look even more fun, add accessories such as coconut shells, seashells, corks, or playfully colored buttons. You may also consider design details such as smiley-faces and pop-color embroideries.
4. Keeping it cool: the T-shirt romper
Adults are not the only demographic pushing forward loungewear or athleisure right now. The T-shirt romper is right with the times even for the little ones, and is both fun and comfortable.
The oversized style is relaxed and comfy, and gives kids room to grow. Buyers can choose unique styles such as the drop-shoulder or wide-cut sleeves. This look goes well with fun designs such as sunshines, berries, and smiley faces.
5. Timeless comfort: the knitted set
Knitted two-piece sets are gaining in popularity as they tap into two design elements that are in demand: timelessness and comfort.
There are many options for this look, including both short and long-sleeves, as well as matching knit shorts. In terms of materials, simple stripes, two-tone ribs, solid ribs, and space-dyed yarns work well.
6. Classic and cozy: the quilted jacket
Timeless classics sustain businesses beyond seasonal trends. Quilted jackets are an option that provides customers with both versatility and longevity.
Add some new life to this classic design by going with interior-inspired prints, modular features, piped details, contrast colors, patch and pocket designs, or zip or snap-off sections. As for materials, sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp are both eco-friendly and comfortable.
7. Quaint is in: the crafted dress
As customers return to old-fashioned, retro looks, buyers may consider stocking crafted dresses that play into the demand for both comfort and upcycling. Go with natural or upcycled materials, including hemp, cotton, and GOTS-certified linen.
To keep the quaint feel, opt for unbleached colors or pastels such as butter, mint, or lavender. Scalloped edges, pintucks, smocking, and lace collars offer unique style details.
8. Twinning it up: the mini-me dress
With multi-generational dressing on the rise, mini-me styles will be a great option for 2022 catalogs. The key is to tap into natural options with prints that work across generations.
Look for lightweight and comfortable dresses that have unique details such as statement lace collars, ruffle details, and puff sleeves from women’s fashion that would look adorable on girls.
9. Minimalist looks: the overall
With gender-inclusive fashion on the rise, unisex fashion pieces such as overalls (or dungarees) are gaining in popularity, particularly amongst millennials. Overalls also offer extreme comfort and volume, giving the kids growing room for extended wear.
Overalls tap into the minimalist design ethos, which is a trending lifestyle choice. Designs that feature neutral colors with slight pops of color work well in this segment. Go for sustainable materials such as man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCs), low-impact or recycled trims, and biodegradable algae.
10. Stylish comfort: the wide-leg short
While comfortable loungewear is certainly in, customers want their kids to be stylish. Wide-leg shorts make great toddler and baby girl clothes. Versions with wide-cut elastic waistbands add versatility, enabling wear as either high-waist shorts or mid-length pants.
Materials with a rustic look such as linen, crinkle gauze, and pastoral wovens will enhance the vintage style. For merchandising, these items can easily be paired with floral blouses or graphic tees.
Final thoughts
As baby and toddler fashion buyers start stocking for 2022, here are some key takeaways from the top trends:
- Maintain a comfort-based design ethos
- Invest in sustainable essentials
- Tap into timeless classics.
