A resounding success: 81st National Garment Fair–Kidswear Edition attracts 15,000 national and 50 overseas buyers

26 June, Mumbai 2025

Held from June 23-25, 2025, the 81st National Garment Fair (NGF) - Kidswear Edition ended on a successful note. Organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), this pioneering event, dedicated exclusively to Kidswear attracted over 15,000 buyers from across India and more than 50 overseas buyers representing 15 diverse countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, the UK, and the US.

A hub for kidswear innovation and trends

The fair showcased approximately 590 kidswear apparel brands, presenting their latest collections for the upcoming Autumn/Winter, Festive, and Wedding seasons. This extensive display spanned an impressive 3.5 lakh sq ft across three halls at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Complex, Goregaon East, Mumbai, offering a comprehensive overview of the market's current and future trends.

Highlighting the dynamic growth of the kidswear apparel industry, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, remarked, the segment is emerging as the most dynamic and fastest-growing category within India’s apparel industry. It is likely to grow from $22 billion (Rs 1.87 lakh crore) in 2024 to $34 billion (Rs 2.89 lakh crore) by 2029, growing by an impressive CAGR of 9 per cent, he projected. This robust trajectory is driven by rising household incomes, discerning parents prioritizing comfort and quality, and the increasing influence of digital access and fashion-forward sensibilities, Katariya explained. While the broader apparel market faces some short-term moderation in discretionary spending, kidswear continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, propelled by functionality, style-consciousness, and aspirational buying, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, he noted.

Strategic focus and positive putlook

Speaking on the response to this editon, Rohit Munjal, Vice President and Chairman of the Fair Sub-Committee, CMAI, said, the dedicated Kidswear Edition of the 81st National Garment Fair represents a defining moment—not just for the kidswear segment, but also for how we curate industry platforms in response to evolving market dynamics. Recognizing the category's strategic importance, CMAI introduced an exclusive, standalone format to provide sharper visibility and more focused engagement between brands and buyers, a move that ‘exceeded expectations,’ he emphasized. The format enabled buyers to spend meaningful time with exhibitors, resulting in high-quality interactions and encouraging order volumes, with footfalls surpassing projections by Day 2, Munjal added.

Notable kidswear retail brands that visited the fair included G3+, Paridhan, Big Shop, Kalyan Silks, Pinakin Garments, Kings Life Style, Kasam Selection, and Madan Collection. Their participation underscored the fair’s significance as a key platform for sourcing the latest trends and innovations, reflecting the growing interest and investment in this dynamic segment.

Exhibitors shared their positive experiences. Sandeep Jain, Owner of Suruchi (Indore), noted, there is a strong demand for traditional kidswear for Indian weddings. Rawal Mehta, Owner of My Silk (Surat), observed, there is a shift from seasonal buying to demand-driven purchases, with a significant rise in ready-made garments, particularly lehengas for kids. Varinder Joshi, Business Head of Duke Fashion (Ludhiana), highlighted, the tremendous growth in the kidswear market is being driven by new trends and innovative fabrics. Apoorva Khandhar, Owner, Badboys, noted, customers' are increasingly focusing on ‘quality and value for money’ over just price. Manish Khurana, Owner, Rivaaz, emphasized, success in kidswear hinges on making the best of the best in style and quality.

Upcoming men's & women's wear edition

Following this successful Kidswear Edition, the second phase of the 81st National Garment Fair - Men’s and Women’s Wear Edition - is scheduled from July 14 to 16, 2025, at the same venue in Mumbai. This expansive event will showcase over 800 menswear and womenswear brands alongside more than 40 accessory labels, spanning over 15,300 sqm for Men’s Wear and 21,200 sq m for Women’s Wear. It promises a comprehensive, category-focused marketplace representing the scale, diversity, and energy of India’s apparel industry, with seamless access to both shows via a single visitor registration.

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