Evaluating Children’s Wear Options on the High Street
Drapers evaluates the children’s wear offerings at major high street chains including Topshop, H&M, Zara, Mango Kids and JD Sports, considering style, sustainability, fit, price and more. There is ample choice for parents across different price points and priorities, but quality and consistency can vary significantly. Each store’s approach also reflects the latest trends in children’s fashion design and sustainability.
Style and trends
Stores are adapting their selections to keep up with evolving children’s fashion trends, including tie-dye, athleisure, logo mania and retro ’90s styles. Topshop, Zara and Mango Kids debuted on-trend colorful collections for Spring/Summer, with motif prints, playful polka dots and bright pastels. H&M’s range includes on-trend tie-dye and camo pieces, and eco-friendly options. Trends are continuously evolving, so collections change rapidly.
Sustainability
Most chains now include eco and ethical options, but approaches differ. Mango Kids and H&M focus on organic cotton, recycled polyester and eco-dyed designs. Topshop has a dedicated sustainable line and aims for all cotton to be sustainable by 2025. JD Sports’ range includes vegan and cruelty-free shoes. However, ‘eco’ means different things to each brand, and standards are not always clearly defined. Prices of sustainable pieces also vary, despite little difference in cost or quality.
Fit, price and quality
Stores provides options across a range of price points, from just £10 up to £100+ for dresses, suits or coats. H&M and Topshop generally offer the most budget-friendly and high-street friendly prices, while Mango Kids caters to a mid-range customer and JD Sports a value-conscious one. Selecting based on price alone risks lower quality, while expensive does not necessarily mean high quality or excellent fit. Quality, durability and sizing consistency vary between collections and can even differ between stores of the same brand.
For parents, the choice of children’s wear on the high street is ample but complex. By considering style trends, sustainability, fit, price and quality, customers can evaluate options and determine the best store(s) for their needs. Each brand does justice to certain priorities better than others. With so many choices available, finding what works or searching for alternatives may require browsing multiple stores or websites to find the perfect pieces at an affordable price.
