As the New Year approaches, many parents are eager to buy new clothes for their children, and local retailers are also preparing for a busy season. However, with price tags like “$998,†“$868,†and “$688†plastered across store shelves, some parents are questioning whether these prices are justified. “Compared to adult clothing, kids’ clothes aren’t worn as often. But isn’t this too expensive?†is a common concern among families.
To explore this issue, reporters visited several children’s clothing stores, manufacturers, and inspection agencies. In a large mall on Zhongshan Road, a pink mid-length down jacket for a 6- or 7-year-old girl was priced at RMB 998, while a similar brown jacket for the same age group cost over 1,000 yuan. A wool sweater for a 7-year-old girl was listed at 868 yuan, and a knitted sweater for the same age was priced at 688 yuan. These high prices raised questions about the value of children’s fashion.
While brand differences affect pricing, the general range for children's jackets falls between 400 and 1,000 yuan. In another shopping mall in Hong Kong, a windbreaker for a 4-year-old girl was priced at 600 yuan, and a duck down jacket for a boy of the same age cost more than 1,000 yuan. Even women’s boots were priced over 1,000 yuan, making the overall cost of children’s wear quite steep.
Parents have mixed reactions to these prices. One couple and an elderly relative took their 4-year-old son to shop. The mother sighed, “I don’t know why kids’ clothes are so expensive now. I spend five or six hundred yuan at a time, but my own clothes are cheaper.†The grandmother added, “Even if we don’t buy new clothes for ourselves, the kids must have new ones for the New Year.â€
Another mother spent over 1,100 yuan on a cashmere coat and cotton pants for her daughter. “I can’t figure out why kids’ clothes are so costly. Every year, I end up spending thousands just for the New Year. I usually buy them, and I have to for the holidays.†She also mentioned that she avoids cheap options because of concerns about quality and safety, and because cheaper clothes often lack style.
Ms. Wang, who often shops at foreign trade stores, shared her experience. “I split my purchases between malls and foreign trade shops. The same clothes can be twice as expensive in the mall.†She once saw a dress priced at over 200 yuan in a foreign trade shop, while the same item sold for over 600 yuan in the mall. She emphasized the importance of checking for chemicals and properly washing clothes before wearing them.
So why are children’s clothes so expensive? According to a salesperson at a Hong Kong mall, the higher costs stem from premium materials and smaller production runs. “Children’s skin is sensitive, so we use natural
Fabrics like cotton and linen, which are pricier. Plus, the market is fragmented—each size and age group requires different designs, leading to higher costs.â€
A manufacturer from Qingdao Xinqin
Garment Co., Ltd. confirmed this, noting that natural fibers like silk, cotton, wool, and hemp are used to ensure comfort and breathability. These materials are more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
Ren Guojun, a manager at Qingdao Banglian Tongda Trading Co., Ltd., added that children’s clothing also faces stricter production standards. “The printing and dyeing processes must meet higher safety requirements, such as low formaldehyde levels and proper pH balance. Additionally, many kids’ clothes are decorated with embroidery, bells, or cartoon prints, increasing production complexity and labor costs.â€
Some believe that businesses take advantage of parents' willingness to spend. Ms. Wang said, “It seems like anything for kids is expensive—clothes, school supplies, everything. It’s because most kids are only children, and grandparents spoil them. Businesses know this and set high prices accordingly.â€
Many parents agree. One mother recalled a time when she hesitated over a high-priced outfit for her daughter, but the salesperson insisted, “Everyone just has one baby. It’s not worth it to save money.†While she left without buying, she admitted that many parents fall for this tactic.
In conclusion, while children’s clothing is undeniably costly, factors like material quality, production scale, and marketing strategies all play a role. Some parents, like Ms. Huang, find ways to save by buying discounted items or shopping online, proving that smart choices can still keep expenses under control.
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