Impressions - June/July 2019 - 17

hey may be small, but children and teens/tweens have a
big voice in the apparel industry and are influential when
it comes to driving trends. However, the past several years
have seen a shift, as fashion for children and teens has
mirrored adult fashion trends - something that's expected to continue this year.
'Inspired' is a word Jennifer Oleksik, design and merchandising
manager, LAT Apparel, uses to describe children's and teen/tween
apparel for 2019.
"It is pulling so much inspiration from the adult categories and
adding a playful spin, whether it's through modified details or color
stories. There has always been a niche in childrenswear and teen/
tween fashion for the 'matching' pieces, but as trends evolve, apparel
for younger customers is borrowing from the adult trends at retail.
The idea of matching isn't so prevalent anymore and it has evolved
to more of a coordinated look."
Kevin Miles, senior manager of sales operations, Alternative Apparel, says customer feedback indicated that companion pieces to the
company's best-selling styles were in demand.
Another industry buzzword for childrenswear and teen/tween apparel - extending to colors and fabrics - is "vintage,' says Marcia
Cumberledge, vice president of merchandising, TSC Apparel. Miles
agreed, noting the across-the-board popularity of vintage and retro
options, with kids emulating their parents by wearing such styles as
baseball tees and joggers.
Still, kids are trendsetters in their own collective right. "While we
see styles inspired from adult fashion, the kids' trends are emerging
with [their] own unique patterns and defining their fashion," said
Amit Gupta, CEO, Monag Apparel.
Kids are smart, savvy shoppers and want to make a difference; such
is reflected in their interest in eco-friendly apparel, Miles says. In fact,
he thinks the emphasis on sustainably made apparel should continue
to grow as a key factor in this demographic's purchasing decisions.

The 'A' Word

The athleisure subcategory is illustrative of how adult fashion plays
a primary part in shaping children's and tween/teen's apparel. For
example, Oleksik says racerbacks, longer-length bodies to be worn
with leggings and design details that offer a better fit all are inspired
by the athleisure trend.
"It's important to look at how retail is addressing this trend and
make sure we are following suit where we can," she says. "Athleisure
has become so popular because of the versatility of the garments,
which is a great feature for any wholesale apparel to have as well."
Gupta agrees, saying athletic styles, such as raglan shirts, will continue to gain traction because the combination of popular sports styles
and classic fashion has created a fusion that is comfortable and stylish.

Quality, Fabric and Colors

Quality and fabric are important to consumers and will continue to
shape childrenswear and teen/tween apparel trends for the balance
of 2019.
"Right now, consumers are trending more towards quality garments, and that plays right into fabrication," Oleksik says, adding
that unique fabrics and those with exceptional hand-feel are doing
well in the market. Moreover, in this day and age of e-commerce and
Instagram, fabrics that have visual appeal are as important than ever.
"Quality also is a factor in the extra details that go into making a
garment more than just a basic,"Oleksik adds. "Design details that
we have found exceptional success with are side vents and drop tails,
as these add to the visual [appeal] of the garment, as well as elevate

Childrenswear is experiencing
an across-the-board
popularity of vintage and
retro options, with kids
emulating their parents by
wearing such styles as baseball
tees. Photo provided by
TSC Apparel.

the fit of the garment. Color blocking is another trend that just continues to evolve rather than disappear."
In childrenswear, lush cottons and blends with a mix of weights,
along with softness and durability, are important. "People don't want
that stiff or 'boardy' feeling; they want something that is soft," Cumberledge says, adding that heavier garments are becoming popular
again. "Four to five years ago, all tees were 4.5 ounces - which is still
out there, but we're starting to a see a move to 5.5- to 6-ounce shirts."
Gupta says childrenswear has embraced different fabrics, which
will continue throughout this year. "Basic and trendy styles are being offered not only in 100% cotton, but poly/cotton and polyester,
allowing [design] and decoration options like never before," he says.
In addition to poly/cotton blends, Cumberledge adds, TSC Apparel is seeing tri-blends that include rayon. "A lot of this is because
[rayon] makes it softer and gives it more of an interesting look, like
a heather, not a solid," she says. Such a development will play out
even more this fall, with fleece becoming softer and spongier because
of the different fibers used.
Gupta says apparel color choices now are limitless, emphasizing
that bright, vibrant and vintage colors are dominating the market.
Pastel colors that previously had lost customer interest are again
growing in popularity this year.
"The light shades with calm looks are trending now for childrenswear," he says.
Cumberledge says softer tones and a dusty palette, including sage
green, slate blue, peach and mauve, are prevalent.
Oleksik says earth tones, as well as muted colors, such as olive,
rose gold and natural, will be popular this year. "I think you will also
start to see neons make a comeback," she says.

Retail/Wholesale Channels

Oleksik says the wholesale market generally falls a year or two behind
what is happening in the retail channel. "Faster-fashion items that
are seasonal in retail won't work for the wholesale market, so we look
for trends that have a longer lifespan and cross multiple categories
JUNE/JULY 2019

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Impressions - June/July 2019

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