Standard 17 Size Categories for Children, Men, and Women

Factors that Affect the Selection of Baby Clothes Comfort Size Price Fabric Garment construction Climate Time of year Availability of laundry facilities.

Apparel Needs of Infants and Children Comfort –Most infant and children’s clothing has growth features, which are attributes of children’s garments that allow them to expand as children grow –Knit garments are popular for infants because of the built-in stretch for a growing baby –Tight garments, or too many layers of apparel, make babies uncomfortable –Most infants dislike clothing that has to be pulled over the head. –Extremely fuzzy fabrics in baby clothes can irritate the nose and throat. Practicality –Grippers (heavy-duty snaps) are the easiest fasteners for young children to handle themselves. –Since children grow taller much faster than they grow wider, length adjustments are most important. –Children’s clothes are expensive and are outgrown fast, therefore they should fit but have features for growth. –Sometimes during the third year, children become aware of clothing and show an interest in dressing and undressing themselves. Safety –Most infant and children’s clothing has safety features, which are attributes of children’s garments that reduce the chances of injury or other hazardous occurrences

Infants’ & Children’s Wear Pre-fall (“Back to School”) is one of the three main production seasons for manufacturers –Fashion producers present new styles, fabrics, and colors Spring/summer Winter/holiday

Trends in Infants’ & Children’s Wear Styles designed for older age groups have begun to migrate to the children’s market. Licensing of children’s apparel has become big business. –Disney –Mary Kate & Ashley Safety trends also affect production –Fabrics used in the children’s apparel industry must meet flame-retardant standards. –Clothing must not cause tripping or catch on objects.

Classifications for Infant’s & Children’s Wear Clothing is organized by gender and sizes. –Infant –Toddler –Young children (sizes 2-6X) –Girls (sizes 6-14) –Boys (sizes 6-20)

Infant Size Categories based on a relationship of infant height and weight Age-Related Clothing Sizes –3 months –6 months –12 months –18 months –24 months –36 months –48 months General Clothing Sizes –Newborn –Small –Medium –Large –Extra Large Infant clothing should be selected by height and weight rather than by age.

Identify size categories for toddlers –1T (25 lb) –2Y (27 lb) –3T (33 lb) –4T (38 lb) Toddlers are young children, usually between 1 and 2½ years of age, who are actively moving or walking.

Clothing sized by trunk (body) length. –2 (20’ Waist) –3 (20’ ½ Waist) –4 (21’ ¼ Waist) –5 (22’ Waist) –6 (22’ ½ Waist) –6X (23’ Waist) Preschoolers are children between the ages of 2½ and 5 years.

Represents the largest share of the apparel industry Industry manufactures new lines for five different seasons each year Retail life of a line is approximately ten weeks Women’s Wear

Classifications for Women’s Wear Sportswear separates –Tops –Bottoms –Sports attire Dresses –One- or two-piece –From casual to dressy Evening and bridal –Cocktail dresses –Wedding gowns –Other dressy/formal attire Maternity Outerwear –Coats –Raincoats Suits –Indoor jackets with pants or skirts Active wear –Dancewear –Jogging suits Swimwear and beachwear Intimate apparel –Foundations –Lingerie –Sleepwear –Loungewear Accessories –Scarves –Gloves –Handbags –Belts –Hosiery –Hats –Jewelry –Umbrellas Footwear Miscellaneous apparel –Uniforms –Aprons –Smocks

Men’s Wear Fashion marketers present new lines twice a year: fall/winter and spring/summer –Fall/winter lines are most important Different seasons determine fabric weight Sportswear market has become style conscious, resulting in apparel makers showing new sportswear lines four times a year

Classifications for Men’s Wear Furnishings –Dress shirts –Neckwear –Underwear –Hats –Socks –Sleepwear –Robes Work clothing Footwear Sportswear –Sports shirts –Knot shirts –Sweaters –Shorts –Slacks –Exercise wear –Swim trunks Heavy outerwear –Parkas –Ski pants –Jackets Miscellaneous apparel –Rainwear –Uniforms –Caps Tailored apparel –Suits –Overcoats –Sports coats –Dress trousers