Come April and games, movies, summer camps and picnics are on the cards for kids. But before you go holiday shopping, let's check out what's ‘hot' in kids wear fashion.
“The colour palette this summer would be pastel acidic shades, colours that have a pastel base but would still look bright and sunny like lime green, yellow and orange,” says Archana Nandal, Area Head for Kerala of Fabindia Overseas Pvt Ltd.
As always, cotton is the hot favourite to beat the heat. Bright and cool looking cottons with beautiful floral prints seem to be on the racks everywhere. Geometric prints would include stripes, plaids and polka dots. “Stripes are ‘in' right now,” she adds.
A T-shirt paired with ‘hip hop' pants is the new style statement. “Cool sleeveless T shirts, three-fourth pants or hip hops as they are called, shorts and jeans would be the fashion trend for boys. For girls, it is sleeveless top, short skirts, hip hops and cool sleeveless frocks,” says Neeraj of Zapp!, Kids wear range from Raymonds, Cochin
When it comes to clothing, girls always have a lot more choice. Be it tops, frocks or skirts, the patterns, cuts and styles seem endless. Most stores have a whole section of garments with varied styles specially designed for the summer. A little embroidery on the regular trousers or jeans adds colour and fun to the garment and this is a very popular trend now.
Accessories spice up the whole attire and kids look absolutely charming in them. “Colourful beaded chains, bracelets, belts, caps, handbags, eyewear and shoes are some of the favourites. We also offer crocs, that are very comfortable and can be worn in any weather,” says Lijoy K., Manager of Lilliput Kids wear Ltd . For toddlers, the summer collection includes dungarees, body suits and bibs.
Character merchandise is another trend that is fast catching up. Nowadays kids fashion has a lot to do with media, cult cartoon figures and peer pressure. “Kids love having their favourite cartoon characters on their clothing so we have a clothing range with characters like Bob the builder, Power Puff Girls and Thomas, the tank engine,” says Lijoy.
With the holidays, come weddings and parties. “I think kidswear is all about design detailing. There is so much that can be done with woven fabric – colours, prints, cuts and patternsThere is an Indian silhouette even for toddlers,” says Archana . While most people prefer knitwear or T shirts for casual wear, an ethnic silhouette like a woven shirt or silk kurta is preferred for formal wear. For girls, lehenga choli or salwar kameez look stunning and adds to the festive mood. So there's lots happening in kidswear this summer.
