The Evolution of Fashion

It is amazing to see how the different events in history have influenced and changed the way people have dressed throughout time. Some of the most popular fashions are classic, they can stand the test of time and hardly ever "go out of style", only experiencing minor changes to keep up with the trends. Other Kidswear clothing items could be considered "fads", styles that are only popular for a short season and then never worn again. Often certain fashion trends are dependent on the tastes of particular groups of people or cliques and are usually associated with social status or cultural preferences like the type of music a person likes. Fashion can also be influenced by world events such as war or the economy. For example, during World War II, people were only allowed a certain amount of fabric so they were forced to create simple outfits that were practical enough for wartime duties. From the 1920s to the 1990s, popular fashions reflected the mood of each decade and showcased changes in society as the styles of clothing and accessories evolved with the times.

As we entered the 1980s, fashion evolved once more. Skirts and dresses were once again longer and featured straight lines and more serious design. As more and more women joined the professional work force business suits became a trend for women with straight conservative skirts and broad shouldered, boxy blazers topped the look. In the eighties, fashion became highly influenced by music stars and movies with eclectic looks shown off by Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and movie star Molly Ringwald. In the 1990s, skirts and dresses were not as prominent and more casual looks became acceptable with hip-hop and alternative music setting the scene for fashion early in the decade. Skirts and dresses were usually short and even provocative, especially in the latter part of the decade, however loose and flowing dresses as well as long denim skirts were also notable trends.

In the 1980s, as styles became slightly more casual and T-Shirts and polo shirts became acceptable tops, and for formal or business-wear, boxy tops with shoulder pads, blazers, dress shirts and sweaters were popular for men and women in the decade. Over-sized tops were popular in the 80s and 90s as well. The 1990's saw a lot more commercialization of fashion with designer labels appearing on the outside of clothing as a way to promote status and trendiness. That trend continues today as it is not uncommon to see people wearing stylish casual shirts that host a bold Guess or Ralph Lauren logo on the front. The nineties also saw an increase in the popularity of crop tops and halter tops as women's styles became more provocative. In the late 80s, 90s, and in today's fashion, T-shirts have become more of a way to express individuality and a person's tastes and preference with sassy catch phrases, funny pictures, or pop culture references appearing more and more in the mainstream.

Back to the Future - Fashion for Men & Boys from the ‘60s

Changes in boys’s fashion in the 1960s were just as drastic for men as they were for women. Like women, men wore basically the same thing in the early 60s as they did in the late 50s. By 1964, though, things started to change.

One change that was quite noticeable, is that the pants became much tighter. The fit around the thigh was sporty and not at all the relaxed fit that men were accustomed to.

The pea coat was quite popular for men in the mid-60s. Well, basically anything that looked straight out of London was good to go in the mid-60s. The Beatles were leading the way, as hair started to grow longer and pants fit tighter. Men still wore boots and hats.

The late 60s brought a whole new range of styles for men. In 1969 seeing a man wear a scarf was commonplace. But it wasn’t a big, wool scarf of today. It was a silk scarf that was tied like a loose tie. It was a very effeminate look compared to fashions of the past.

Also, men’s pants became flared at the bottom almost like women’s pants. It’s quite clear that at that time, women’s clothes were becoming more masculine while men’s clothes, including that of boys’ clothing, were becoming more effeminate!

Growth drivers of kidswear

Kidswear is a miniature version of adults wear. Kids today have all clothing options like that of adults, and even much more. Glued to the latest fashion trends, children of today have become brand conscious. Increasing media awareness, growing amount of disposable income due to dual earnings, and growing brand consciousness among children are fuelling the market for kidswear.

Earlier children's garments were purchased from small stores, and street shops. Branded clothing was only bought by high status people. This trend is going through a change wherein market for branded clothing is gaining importance. Along with it, shopping methods are also going through considerable changes. The onset of ecommerce in India has created an explosion of online shopping stores. With kidswear as one of the fastest growing segment of the apparel market, online retailing for kidswear is also witnessing tremendous growth potential. Dynamics of children's wear are changing with the manufacturers, and retailers expanding private brands.

Factors affecting the growth in purchase of kidswear

Some distinct factors like changes in the family system, increased spending on children, growing brand awareness among kids, and greater focus on the kidswear market by organized companies are some of the aspects that have contributed significantly to the growth of the kidswear market in India.

Another factor that has immensely contributed to the growth is the increasing number of double-income families in urban India. With rising purchasing power, parents in India do not hesitate to buy luxury kidswear brands. Consequently, the spending on children’s apparel, with better brand image and quality, has received a significant boost. At the same time, Indian kids in both urban and semi-urban parts of the country are increasingly exposed to various media and are thus aware of brands which cater to them. They have also started participating actively in purchase decisions related to their apparel.

Organized retailers and brands too, on their part, have made equal contribution to the growth of the kidswear market. Some have even invested time and money in establishing brands, which target the requirements of children as well as parents. By doing so, they have managed to attract consumers through the right product assortment, better visual merchandising, and focused advertising and promotional strategies. 

Summer Fashion tips for kids

Summer is coming, it is the warmest season of all the seasons in a year and the full of vigor lifestyle of kids makes it important for you as a parent to remember to dress your child appropriately. Summer and spring are the casual season but it certainly doesn’t indicate that you should not look for fashion statement in your kid’s clothing. Before you embark on to shop for your baby this summer and spring, know about the cute spring and summer fashion trends for the your little ones.

Never compromise with comfort

Never compromise with the comfort element in his outfit. As a parent, you must ensure that you are offering complete comfort to your kid, especially in the sultry weather. It is smart to choose comfortable dresses with magnificent style. The balance between comfort and style is something you must look after. Your kid is going to spend most of the time being active. Thus, provide them with the clothes having extra room to move around.

Go for cotton clothes

Cotton clothes should be on the top of the preferred list while you are going to shop for kid’s cloth for summers and spring. Cotton clothes have a tendency to keep the kid’s skin healthy and guards it from several skin diseases as well. To make your kids cope-up with the scorching summer; you must offer pure cotton products that are light in weight.

Offer them summer hat

Summer hat adds the fashionable charm and makes the kid look cute and adorable. In addition, the hats keep the heads covered under the boiling sunlight and keep the face in shadow as well.

Avoid dark colored dresses

Prefer light color clothes like white during hot and humid weather. Dark colors absorb heat and it results into excess sweat. The best solution to this problem is to wear light dresses that radiate the heat and thus are comfortable to wear in summers as well as the spring season. 

Half pant and short sleeve shirts

Half pants are really applicable in summer. Short pants for your kids are very much comfortable to wear in summer. Those clothes keep legs fresh and make less sweat. So kids should wear half pant with lose fitting short sleeve shirts.

The author of this blog has research on kidswear in Mumbai, boyswear in Mumbai, kidsfashion.

Casual wear: Fashion tips

In the European tradition, casual is the dress code that emphasizes comfort and personal expression over presentation, formality and conformity. More simply, "casual" can be defined as something relaxed, occasional, not planned, or informal. It includes a very wide variety of costume, so it is perhaps better defined by what it is not than what it is.

·         Ceremonial dress such as royal robes and full dress military costume

·         Formal wear such as white tie.

·         Semi-formal such as black tie.

·         Informal business professional wear such as suits and ties.

Quick Fashion Tips

Fit is King – The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the shape of your body – without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic.

Change the way you see casual – casual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

Never underestimate the power of details – The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. “Details” can include a scarf, a subtle pocket square, or the way you tie your tie knot.

Disregard trends – Beware of buying something just because it’s “in” right now – stick to what you truly like. A lot of people rush to get in on the latest trend and end up with a bunch of clothes they don’t wear. It’s better to learn to build a versatile and timeless wardrobe first – then bring in your own twists with some of the new fashion.

Experiment with style – The only way you’ll really learn, is if you go out there and try new things. I make an effort to try something completely out of my comfort zone whenever I’m at a store – many times you’ll end up loving something you never thought you would.

 About Author: The author of this blog has written many blogs related to boys wear in Mumbai.

The Casual wear market in India

The term ‘casualwear’ is a broad term that covers a gamut of products ranging from office and workplace casuals on one end of the spectrum to beachwear on the other. The related terms that are used in context of casualwear are ‘business casuals’, ‘corporate casuals’, ‘smart casuals’, ‘resort casuals’, ‘party wear’, etc. Business and corporate casuals are usually variations on the Dockers-khakis-polo shirt look. However, the boundaries between the different kinds of casualwear are blurring; the typical Indian consumer now prefers to use casualwear interchangeably in different occasions.

An insight into the Indian apparel retail market reveals that the idea of casualwear has more than arrived; casualwear is expected to make deeper inroads into the psyche of Indian fashion consumers. The year 2013 was an eventful year for the Indian fashion market. Despite the not-so-optimistic stories of slowing economic growth, the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, the skyrocketing consumer price inflation, the rising perception of corruption within government and the accompanying complaints of policy paralysis, many Indian and international fashion brands and retailers managed to drive growth within their apparel retail businesses. It is estimated that the Indian apparel market which stood at INR 2.05 lakh crore in 2012, will register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% to reach INR 3.15 lakh crore, in 2017. Further, given the increasing trend towards comfort and a trendy look, the growth rate is expected to be higher for the casualwear segment.

It is a much-vaunted fact that, while India’s population has more than doubled in the past fifty years, the population of urban agglomerations has undergone a fivefold increase. It is also estimated that, by 2020, almost 35% of the Indian population will be living in urban centers. This high urban population is expected to splurge on casualwear products and as a result, by 2020, there will be more than 70 million aspiring consumers who can afford to consume on par with consumers in the developed world.

Another driving force for the casualwear market in India is the change in the classification of fashion purchases. About 10-15 years ago, the Indian consumer was satisfied with need-based purchases. The fashion basket back then was dominated by formal shirts, trousers, sarees, salwar kameez, etc. The key purchase parameters considered while buying these items were their basic function, comfort, and price. However, with the increasing exposure to international fashion trends, the Indian consumer today wants more than just need-based clothing. There is a conscious effort at making a different fashion statement on different occasions and thus, the look is tailored to the requirements of specific occasions. Consequently, the fashion basket has expanded to include occasion specific-clothing like sports/gym wear, ethnic wear, casualwear, office wear, nightwear, party wear, etc. In addition to old parameters like basic functionality, comfort and price, better look, perfect fit, and trendiness have also become key purchase parameters. It is further expected that, in another 8-10 years, the Indian consumer will become more detail-oriented. Fast fashion will consequently make further inroads into the Indian market, with consumers seeking newer designs with every fresh purchase. Design-based assortments for occasion-specific attire, bespoke jeans at the higher end of the market, eco-friendly apparel labels, etc. are some of the new apparel categories that are likely to emerge, within the Indian casualwear market.

About Author: The author of this blog has done research on kids wear in Mumbai, boys wera in Mumbai, kids fashion.