The Evolution of children’s fashion

Children's fashion has undergone a stunning transformation, influenced by changes in society, technology, and culture. From simple garments to the vibrant and diverse styles we cherish today, the evolution of children's clothing offers a fascinating glimpse into our creativity and ingenuity. But how did we get here? Read on to learn more about this exciting journey!

Introduction to Modern Children's Fashion

The story of children's fashion is truly captivating. While kids' clothing has been around for centuries, in this article we will focus on how their style has evolved from the 20th century to now.

Early 20th Century Trends

Throughout the 20th century, Western culture experienced a period of exponential change. With all the technological advancements and historical events happening, people's tastes were constantly evolving. Each decade brought new styles and ideas, and it even changed the way parents and children interacted. 

Back in the early 1900s, kids dressed just like their parents, blending right in with the grown-ups. But as time went on, children started to develop their own sense of style. They needed clothes that could keep up with their active playtime, so lighter, more durable fabrics became popular.

As we moved into the 1910s, the sailor look was all the rage for kids. It was so classy that it even became a popular school uniform! Girls traded in their hats for stylish headbands, and stockings were replaced with knee-high socks. The evolution of fashion in the 20th century was stunning!

The Roaring Twenties: Flapper Dresses for Little Ones

The 1920s marked a significant change in children's fashion, heavily influenced by the flapper fashion that emerged post-World War I.

Flapper fashion, born by a group of young women challenging social norms, featured shortened skirts, fringe, sequins, and long gloves. It often included a feathered headband, capturing the essence of the Charleston and jazz scenes.

Children embraced elements of this style, albeit with less embellishment than their parents. This era also introduced gender-specific color associations, with pink for girls and blue for boys. 

Sailor-inspired outfits became popular, featuring rompers and sailor collars in navy, beige, or cream for boys, while girls adorned sailor-style dresses or vibrant plaid prints with high-waisted silhouettes and full or pleated skirts. Hemlines reached the knees, often paired with knee-length or ankle-length socks, ensuring comfort with the use of lightweight cotton fabrics and fewer layers.

The 1930s and 1940s: Utility Clothing and War Influence

The New York Stock Market Crash of 1929 changed the character of people; the Roaring Twenties were over, and that influenced fashion, which became much more austere due to events like the Great Depression and World War II. Everything became gray. Military uniforms were introduced. Kids were all dressed up in Marine uniforms for their First Communion. Because there was a shortage of fabrics and materials, fashion became simpler and plainer. Back in the day, only the high society used to wear pants, but now even women in the rearguard and partisans started wearing them.

Post-War Fashion and the Baby Boom

After World War II, the United States experienced a period of prosperity and optimism, in contrast to the difficulties of Europe, giving rise to the iconic baby boom. This demographic growth not only led to increased demand for consumer goods, but also influenced fashion, with a growing need for children's clothing. 

In this context of optimism and growth, children's fashion became brighter and more glamorous, reflecting the spirit of hope and renewal that characterized the times. 

The 1950s: The Rise of Teenage Culture and Its Impact on Children’s Wear

In the 1950s, teens in the US and Canada were all about that movie star style! Inspired by icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe, fashion designers started making clothes for children that looked just as chic and elegant. Think fancy dresses and sharp suits—kids in the '50s were all about that sophisticated vibe.

Over in Europe, though, things were a bit different. Shortages of material meant no more nylon stockings, and recycling was a must. Children didn't have as many trendy options, so they often ended up wearing hand-me-downs from their older siblings.

The 1960s: Mod Fashion and Bright Colors

The 1960s saw the emergence of the Mods, an influential youth subculture known for their sophisticated fashion sense, love of modern music, and motor scooters.

Even though they first came onto the scene in the '60s, the Mod vibe has made a comeback and still inspires fashion and music today. Mods loved to rock bold and vibrant colors in their outfits to stand out and turn heads. Think red, yellow, electric blue, emerald, green, and fuchsia pink - these were all the rage in Mod fashion. From psychedelic prints to sleek silhouettes, fashion in the '60s was all about embracing boldness and creativity.

Evolution Through the Decades

As we have seen, fashion in the twentieth century was dynamic and varied, influenced by a few factors, including historical events, social and cultural changes, technological advances, and the creativity of designers and consumers. 

Each decade brought new styles and trends that reflected the values and sensibilities of the time.

The 1970s: Flower Power and Denim

The seventies were a time of eclecticism in fashion. New subcultures emerged, such as the hippies and the mods, which influenced the styles of the decade. 

Trends like "formal chic" popped up, mixing floral prints with denim for a funky look. Ladies were rocking miniskirts and groovy psychedelic dresses, while guys were all about bell-bottoms and snazzy fitted jackets. 

Mimicking the adult trends of the time, children's fashion became a playground of colors, patterns, and experimentation. Young ones sported miniaturized versions of the popular styles, with a playful twist. Floral prints danced alongside denim, creating an effortlessly cool vibe.

The 70s also made unisex clothing popular, and people started trying out all sorts of different fabrics and styles.

The 1980s: Bold Colors and New Materials

The '80s were all about going big and bold when it came to fashion. From crazy colors to shiny materials, this era made a statement with its clothing choices. 

Neon, fuchsia, lime green, and electric blue were everywhere, turning heads and breaking traditional fashion rules. Not to mention the funky fabrics like spandex, polyester, and nylon that gave outfits a futuristic edge. 

Punk and sportswear also played a big role in shaping '80s style, adding even more attitude to the already bright and flashy looks. It was a time of being daring and expressive through what you wore, and that spirit shines through in the clothing of the era.

The 1990s: Casual and Comfy Styles

The 1990s were a time of minimalism in fashion. Skinny jeans, basic t-shirts and sneakers became popular. Grunge fashion, influenced by alternative music, also came to the fore, with worn-out clothes and casual styles.

The 21st Century and Beyond

The early years of the 21st century were marked by a mix of retro and modern styles. Trends like low-waisted jeans, short tops and cocktail dresses emerged. Designer fashion also became more accessible thanks to the proliferation of fast fashion stores.

2000s: The Influence of Pop Culture

In the 2000s, children's clothing took its cues from the vibrant and ever-changing world of pop culture. 

Just like adults, kids were influenced by the styles and trends popularized by celebrities, movies, and TV shows. 

This era saw a mix of casual and trendy clothing, with graphic T-shirts featuring popular cartoon characters or movie logos becoming a staple in children's wardrobes. In addition, fashion trends from music videos and teen-oriented TV shows influenced the way kids dressed, with styles ranging from preppy to streetwear-inspired looks. 

The rise of fast fashion made it easier for parents to keep up with the latest trends without breaking the bank, allowing children to express their individuality through their clothing choices while staying in tune with the pop culture zeitgeist.

2010s to Today: Eco-Friendly Materials and Gender-Neutral Fashion

In recent years, we have seen a significant shift in the fashion industry towards sustainability and inclusivity. With an increased focus on protecting the environment, designers and brands have begun to incorporate eco-friendly materials into their children's fashion collections. This includes the use of organic fibers, such as organic cotton and hemp, and the reuse of recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

There is also a movement towards gender-neutral fashion, which challenges traditional gender norms and promotes equality and diversity. Rather than designing clothes specifically for boys or girls, many brands are creating collections that are inclusive and accessible to all genders. This is reflected in looser cuts, neutral colors and unisex prints that allow children to express their identity in an authentic way, free from gender stereotypes.

Looking Ahead: Coco Au Lait, the Future of Children's Fashion

We are committed to creating beautiful and meaningful clothing for children. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, we use eco-friendly materials in all our collections, ensuring that each piece is safe for children. 

Our gender-neutral designs allow children to express their unique identities free from gender stereotypes. 

As we look to the future, we're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of children's fashion, creating clothing that is not only stylish and comfortable but also ethical and sustainable. 

Join us on this adventure as we reimagine children's fashion inspired by our commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and timeless style.