Mini fashionistas: Evolution of children’s wardrobe
Parents now have more options, with local brands bringing thoughtfully crafted clothing into the market
Not too long ago, preparing for a baby's arrival looked quite different. There were no ready-made racks of soft cotton onesies, readily available in stores, or beautiful gift sets wrapped in ribbons.
Nishat Ahmed, an undergraduate student at Brac University remembers her "nanu" (maternal grandmother) carefully cutting up her beautiful cotton sarees that she no longer wore and unused blouse pieces to make the softest little outfits and quilts to welcome her unborn sister.
Back then, outside Dhaka, baby clothes were not widely available. The few stores that carried them often sold stiff, uncomfortable fabric, leaving families no choice but to make their own. It was a labour of love, and those handmade clothes meant more than just practicality. They carried warmth, care, and a piece of the family's heart; a kind of love that cannot be bought. Soft quilts, delicate frocks and nimas were all sewn by hand to make sure the baby's first year was filled with comfort.
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Today, while some families still hold onto these traditions, the landscape of children's fashion has drastically changed. Parents now have more options, with local brands bringing thoughtfully crafted clothing into the market.
Shishu Poribohon, for example, located in Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, is one such name.
Inspired by a rescued ginger tabby cat, the brand specialises in everything from newborn essentials to stylish outfits for older children. Their gift boxes, priced between Tk1,799 and Tk3,599, make thoughtful presents, while cosy nima sets range from Tk599 to Tk850, depending on the material.
They offer an exclusive collection for both girls and boys, featuring a mix of ethnic and modern styles to suit different tastes and occasions. The prices vary based on the fabric and detailing, ensuring there's something for every budget.
Shanonda, a longtime tailor at Mouchak Market, shares that most children's clothes are made from voile fabric, known for being soft and breathable, making it perfect for a child's delicate skin.
For girls, parents often gravitate towards colourful dresses with frills, lace, and floral patterns. Princess-style gowns with tulle and net fabrics are especially popular for birthdays, ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk4,000, while salwar kameez sets for festivals start at Tk1,500.
He mentioned that nimas and cloth nappies are the most requested items, with parents asking for them for both boys and girls. These simple and practical pieces are priced as low as Tk100-150.
He chuckled as he mentioned that he receives fewer requests for boys' clothing. However, panjabis with intricate piping work are quite popular, starting at Tk1,900. These are typically made from cotton or linen, offering both comfort and style. Some parents also ask for stone embellishments on the panjabis, but he usually advises against them if the child is not old enough to avoid scratches on a child's skin.
For more formal occasions like weddings, suits for boys are in demand, priced around Tk2,500 and up. These suits are usually made from a blend of cotton and polyester for a polished look, and they come with a tailored fit, often featuring details like fine stitching, neat lapels, and decorative buttons which adds to the pricing accordingly.
Local brands like Aarong have also stepped in to offer a perfect blend of tradition and convenience.
Fahmida Alam, an Aarong employee, explains, "In today's fast-paced world, many people just don't have the time to make clothes, and that's exactly where we step in to help."
Aarong offers a diverse clothing range for children, from newborns to 15-year-olds, ensuring both comfort and tradition. Their festive collection includes outfits for Eid, Durga Puja, Christmas, and Pohela Boishakh, and other festivities with prices starting at Tk1,500.
The cost increases based on different age groups, fabric choice, hand embroidery, and intricate detailing. Known for using high-quality materials like cotton, silk, and muslin, Aarong proves itself to be a go-to option for parents looking for durable and stylish clothing for their children.
Fahmida adds that among all the fabrics, cotton clothes remain a forever favourite among parents, particularly for newborns and toddlers aged two to three years, due to their softness and breathability.
New mother Maliha Karim shares, "Baby clothes are expensive no matter where you buy them. But I don't mind paying extra if the material is good and won't irritate my child's skin."
Despite the growing presence of local brands, there remains a significant demand for imported children's clothing in Bangladesh. Many parents actively seek out international brands, believing them to be superior in quality or simply more fashionable.
As a result, shops in well-known shopping centres like Eastern Plaza, Rapa Plaza, New Market, Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, Jamuna Future Park are filled with imported clothes from countries like China, India, and Thailand, especially before major festivities like Eid.
Jahangir Alam, a salesman at Lifestyle Kids, at Jamuna Future Park, explains that the demand for imported baby wear has driven prices up, with some items reaching as high as Tk10,000.
Farzana Alamgir, a mother of five-year-old Afia Ahmed, shares her preference for imported clothes, citing their stylish designs and durability. While she acknowledges that local brands have improved, she sometimes finds their designs repetitive compared to the variety offered by international brands.
According to Jahangir, their combo sets of salwars and tops, starting from Tk2000, are perfect for both casual and festive occasions. The store also offers a variety of synthetic party dresses, at different price ranges such as the lowest being Tk3,500, which are popular for special events like birthdays and family gatherings. For boys, imported denim, shirts, and T-shirts are available starting at Tk2,500, offering stylish options for both everyday wear and special occasions.
In contrast, local boutique houses like Anjans and Aarong place a strong emphasis on comfort and climate-friendly fabrics, offering a wide range of options that cater to children of various age groups, budgets and occasions.
Arifur Ahmed, father of five-year-old Afia Ahmed, explains that although he once believed imported clothes were automatically better, just like his wife, Farzana, but now checks the fabric quality before making a purchase. He realised that some imported clothes are overpriced for the quality they offer.
Social media has also influenced shopping trends, with children becoming more involved in the fashion choices. Umama Noor, mother of eight-year-old Ira, laughs as she shares, "My daughter watches fashion videos and tells me exactly what she wants. She's only eight but already has opinions on what's 'in' and what's not!"
While both local and imported brands continue to compete for attention in Bangladesh's children's fashion market, all parents ultimately prioritise one thing above all; clothing that offers comfort and warmth for their little ones.
