Impressions - June/July 2017 - 24

t can be argued that trends don't bob and
weave in any other industry segments as
frequently as in the childrenswear and
teens/tweens apparel categories. It's vital that
manufacturers stay on top, if not ahead, of
developments in these niches annually to
capitalize on what customers in these demographics want.
Some trends are impossible to ignore.
For example, the "mini-me" look is overwhelmingly strong and manufacturers are
answering the call. "We capitalize on the
mini-me approach with our collections,"
says Kristin Slinn, designer/merchandiser
and creative marketing manager for LAT
Apparel. "LAT's collections are styles that
are available in sizing categories from infant
newborn to adult [6XL]. Parents are loving
a shrunken-down version of the styles that
they are finding appealing for themselves."
This leads to a selection of colors that goes
beyond the basic primary set. Amit Gupta,
CEO of MONAG Apparel, says reflecting
adult trends with vibrant colors adds to the
youthful spirit.
"The comfortable, sporty-style tees for boys
and flowy tees for girls seems to be the trend this
year for children, mirroring the adult fashion,"
he says. "The styles for kids are now available
in not only bright, vintage colors, but also in
different blends of fabrics."
LAT offers basics with a fashion twist via the
baseball and football tees in its Game Day Collection. Slinn says these tees take adult styling
and apply it all the way down to infant sizes.
"This way, the little ones can begin cheering
on their families' favorite teams as the newest
fan to the club," she says.
Within the past five years, Kavio!'s children's
division has grown substantially, says Ivy Mai,
the company's marketing associate. "Details
range from fun, fringy hemlines and high-low
tops to baseball raglan styles that were originally made for adults," she says. "The children
of today are more savvy and interested in what
their older siblings and parents are wearing."

Fabric Shifts
Another definitive trend driver in childrenswear and teen/tween apparel is fabric. Though

a shift to heavier-weight fabric is surfacing,
consumers still prefer the nice hand feel of
combed, ring-spun cotton. Whereas lightweight fabrics have been front-and-center for
several years, mid- and heavyweight fabrics
have a dominant place in the market.
"We recently launched our Classic Collection, which is [made of ] 5.5-ounce, 100%
combed, ring-spun cotton with specially
engineered Comfort Stretch fabric," Slinn
says. "This is a collection that runs from
infant to adult. It allows for a little bit more
coverage, long-lasting durability and an
amazing drape that makes for a premium
[wearing] experience."
Gupta sees a variety of fabrics in different
blends and vintage colors in both categories.
"The sportswear and flowy styles for teens/
tweens have introduced the cotton/polyester
blends," he says. "Compared to previous years,
[the] popularity of cotton/polyester [blends]
in childrenswear has allowed designers to
create more adult-influenced styles, which
are also comfortable and fun."

Trends to Monitor
MONAG's Gupta says apparel decorators
should take seriously the "non-traditional"
styles, as they will appear more frequently and
attract customers. "Decorators should continue to offer a wide selection of styles, fabrics
and colors in this growing market," he says.
And hear this: Gone are the days of only
black or white T-shirts. Now, consumers prefer on-trend, retail-inspired color palettes.
"[Buyers] are wanting exciting colors like chili,
papaya, key lime and hot pink," Slinn says.
"[This development] is adding some variety
and newness in merchandising."
While Kavio! had huge success last year
with its fringe dresses and youth raglans, Mai
says this year's newest hit is an asymmetrical side-fringe tank. "It is really one of our
best sellers for both our tweens and childrenswear divisions," she says. "Following
its adult version, the tank features side
slits with cascading side fringes, cut with
an asymmetrical hem."
If you never thought safety would be a
buzzword in childrenswear and teen/tweens

"The popularity of cotton/polyester blends in childrenswear
has allowed designers to create more adult-inﬂuenced styles."
- Amit Gupta, MONAG Apparel

P.24

I M P R E S S I O N S M A G . C O M JUNE/JULY 2017

Kavio!'s newest popular piece for
the children's and teens/tweens
categories is an asymmetrical
side-fringe tank.

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Impressions - June/July 2017

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