With winter comes the need to dress kids appropriately for the cold weather. While many parents find it tricky, one sure thing they will always search for to keep their little ones warm is winter jackets. They are a great way to protect babies while walking to school, playing in the park, or enjoying some skiing in the snow outdoors.
Some winter jackets can layer perfectly with fancier outfits so toddlers won’t look off at formal events. This article will dive into six baby winter jackets businesses can stock to attract parents ahead of winter 2024.
Table of Contents
How big is the winter apparel market in 2024?
Baby winter jackets: top picks to keep little ones cozy
4 things to consider when choosing baby winter jackets
Rounding up
How big is the winter apparel market in 2024?
The global winter wear market crossed US$ 330 billion in 2023. Experts predict the market will readjust to US$ 490 billion by 2033 at a steady 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). They also attribute the market’s growth to the rise of urbanization and the demand for comfortable/stylish winter wear.
Baby winter jackets: 6 top picks to keep the little ones cozy
1. Hooded jackets
Hooded jackets are durable, comfortable, and warm, making them great for kids on any occasion. Manufacturers often make them from high-quality polyester, with stylish designs that appeal to fashion-conscious parents (and babies). Additionally, hooded jackets typically come with water-repellent finishes, ensuring they can accompany little ones on snowy and rainy days.
Hooded jackets raked in 18,100 searches in the last three months (May, June, and July). However, it’s not winter yet, so it’s no surprise searches are on the low side. The previous winter months saw hooded jackets reach 49,500 searches in December 2023 and 40,500 searches in January 2024.
2. Puffer jacket
Puffer or quilted jackets are popular for their distinctive look, with “puffy” sections created by the stitching. They come pre-filled with synthetic fibers or down insulation, keeping babies incredibly warm. However, it depends on the jacket’s quality and construction.
Despite their impressive warmth, puffer jackets are usually very lightweight. Down-filled jackets might be slightly heavier but are still much lighter than wool or leather jackets. This makes puffer jackets an excellent choice for keeping little ones cozy without weighing them down.
Searches for puffer jackets surged to 1.22 million and 1 million in December 2023 and January 2024, respectively. Although summer is in full swing, these jackets still raked in an impressive 246,000 searches in May, June, and July 2024, showing that many people are preparing for the coming winter months.
3. Parka coat
Parka coats for babies feature warm yet breathable fabrics like cotton, nylon, and polyester. Retailers can offer them parkas with synthetic insulation or natural fiber fillings to keep toddlers super warm. Some parkas have extra features, like removable hoods or waterproof outer layers.
Additionally, parkas come in various forms. Retailers can offer traditional ski parkas for babies in extremely cold areas. They can also stock lifestyle parkas, which offer a better blend of warmth and style due to having more natural fibers like cotton-nylon blends or wool. Longer-length “puffer parkas” are another excellent option for babies.
According to Google data, parka coats attracted 245,000 searches in July 2024, a 10% drop from 301,000 the previous month. But like other winter jackets, interest in parka coats surged in December 2023 to 673,000 searches.
4. Ski jacket
Some families love to ski and want to equip their kiddos with comfortable jackets. That’s where the superior ski jacket comes in. Ski jackets feature two shells to protect children from different elements (sleet, rain, or snow).
Ski jackets also have enough insulating fill to keep babies warm and comfortable on the slopes without overheating. More importantly, these jackets have flexible sleeves and relaxed fits, making playing in the snow easier. Ski jackets can also include extra features like reflective details, adjustable hems, and ski pass pockets.
According to Google data, ski jackets garnered the most attention last winter. They registered 246,000 and 301,000 searches in December (2023), January (2024), and February (2024), respectively. However, they dropped to 33,100 searches in May, June, and July 2024.
5. Down sweater jackets
Keeping babies warm in winter has never been easier than wearing sweater jackets. These jackets often have up to a 600-fill power, so parents won’t worry about their kiddos getting cold during the season. In addition to warmth, down sweater jackets are usually compressible with slim fits for easy wear on weekend adventures or at school.
Manufacturers also pack down sweaters with extra features like a zipper garage, hand warmer pockets, or full-length zippers for more comfort. Google data shows that down sweater jackets raked in 5,400 and 4,400 searches in December 2023 and January 2024. However, they attracted 1,300 searches in July 2024.
6. Windbreaker jacket
Children are generally active, and many don’t want the extra weight that comes with most winter jackets. But these kids still need warmth—they can wear windbreaker jackets as a happy medium. Windbreaker jackets feature polyester and complete fleece linings to keep active kiddos comfortable on chilly days.
Additionally, these jackets have zip fronts that remain secure regardless of how kids play. Their elasticized sleeve cuffs also prevent cold air from entering the jacket. Windbreakers have elastic waists, giving babies maximum flexibility for their daily activities. Other kid-friendly features include attached hoods and front pockets.
4 things to consider when choosing baby winter jackets
1. Materials
Most winter jackets are made of polyester, the most popular material because it’s warm, lightweight, breathable, and durable. Manufacturers also make winter jackets from nylon, but primarily for their outer layer.
Additionally, winter jackets often have down feather insulation, albeit at higher costs. However, for affordability, some versions come with polyester fillings instead of animal products.
2. Comfort
Comfort is the most critical factor in choosing the best baby winter jackets. It’s even more important when kids are sensitive to certain materials and textures. If the target audience is sensitive kids, retailers should focus on jackets and coats with fleece linings—they’ll prevent the material from touching the skin.
3. Insulation and waterproofing
Comfort, insulation, and waterproofing also play a significant role. Retailers should focus on jackets with insulating inner layers and water-resistant or waterproof outer layers. Some excellent insulating options include fleece, synthetic materials, and down.
4. Care instructions
Children will make a mess, regardless of their age. For this reason, parents always prioritize winter coats that are easy to care for. Most winter jackets are machine washable and compatible with tumble driers. Nevertheless, be sure to check the labels and description before stocking.
Rounding up
Babies need the most protection they can get when going about their day during winter. But warmth is not the only thing they will need for the harsh weather. Baby winter jackets also need safety features (like reflective materials and high-quality zippers) to keep them comfortable and safe outdoors.
Are you ready to start building that winter inventory for kids? Consider hooded, puffer, parka, ski, down sweater, and windbreaker jackets. Each one is a winter must-have with impressive search volumes in 2024—so be sure to stock them and leverage the winter rush by 2024.
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