Children's boots

Suppliers of baby and children's garments and fashion accessories in mainland China, Taiwan and India will emphasize functionality and safety in 2008.

Quality materials and testing procedures, combined with reduced tax rebates, and inflation and currency appreciation rates, will push product prices up.

Makers plan to maintain competitiveness by offering colorful and embellished styles of casual shoes, raincoats and sundresses.

Due to rising material costs, China suppliers of children's casual shoes plan to increase product prices by 3 to 15 percent in the year ahead to keep margins reasonable.

To justify higher quotes, makers are strengthening their capability to produce novelty designs and models with enhanced aesthetic appeal, increased breathability and better comfort.

Some companies will pour as much as 20 percent of annual sales into R&D on such shoes.

Upcoming releases will be embellished with beads, rhinestones, embroidery and fabric patches. Low-end models will have PU, PVC and fabric uppers while upscale designs will come in genuine leather such as full-grain or split cowhide.

TPR, EVA, phylon and rubber will continue to be employed for outsoles. Pigskin, faux fur and mesh lining will provide insulation.

Slip-on models with hook-and-loop tape closures that are convenient to put on and take off will remain popular. Reflective trimmings will be incorporated, not only because they are decorative, but also because of their visibility.

Suppliers in Taiwan and mainland China aim to improve the functionality of children's rainwear in the coming year.

Future releases will include designs in high-performance nylon blended with Supplex and Cordura, which are engineered specially for enhanced durability and comfort. Rainwear in these materials is suitable for playtime and engaging in sports.

Taiwan suppliers will employ EVA and PEVA sheets on new models, while mainland companies will continue to focus on low-end rainwear in PVC and PU. Soft to the touch and washable, EVA and PEVA are biodegradable and do not emit toxic fumes when burned.

Nonwoven fabric, used mainly in industrial apparel and surgical gowns, will be applied more often in rainwear from Taiwan. The base fabric, two- or three-layer spunbond PP laminated with PE, has the water resistance and breathability of PVC and cotton. It is also low in cost and as lightweight as nylon.

Models will be coated with PU, Teflon, PVC, rubber, EVA or Hypalon to ensure water resistance and breathability. Upcoming releases will also have zippered underarm seams to allow the dissipation of body heat.

Other features such as fleece-lined collars and pockets, foldaway or detachable hoods, storm flaps, and elasticized waist and cuffs will be added for comfort and protection.

More China garment makers will venture into offering organic cotton dresses as they continue to emphasize comfort and quality in 2008.

Aside from having excellent breathability and absorbency, the material is grown without the use of toxic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. This makes it ideal for children's garments.

Suppliers plan to apply special finishes to make the fabric resistant to fire, stains and wrinkles.

Organic cotton costs more than conventional types and such models of baby dresses have a higher minimum order requirement.

Makers will also implement various QC measures to ensure that incoming materials do not contain azo dyes and meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

For babies' and toddlers' dresses, the trend will be to keep trimmings minimal and stitched securely onto the garments. This is to prevent buttons, beads and fabric motifs from falling off or being ingested by babies.

For 8- to 12-year-old girls, dresses will be more ornate. Easy-care fabric types such as denim, poplin and canvas will be employed. They will feature crocheted motifs, applique, satin ribbons, and eyelet and lace trimmings.

India makers will apply its expertise in handmade embroidery and beadwork. Metallic thread and sequins will be used for a glittery effect.