The 81st edition of the National Garment Fair (NGF) by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) concluded successfully, marking a strong milestone with its first-ever standalone Kidswear Edition.
Held from June 23 to 25, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the fair recorded over 15,000 trade visitors, including top retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and more than 50 overseas buyers from countries like the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Spain, and South Africa.
The dedicated kidswear trade show brought together 590 brands, covering the latest Autumn/Winter, Festive, and Wedding collections across a 3.5 lakh sq. ft. exhibition space spread over three halls. Exhibitors received encouraging order volumes, with a noticeable spike in bookings for the upcoming festive season, indicating the growing strength of the kidswear segment in India’s apparel market.
Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI remarked, “The kidswear segment is emerging as the most dynamic and fastest-growing category within India’s apparel industry. The category is increasingly driven by functionality, style-consciousness, and aspirational buying—particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. With children’s apparel now seen as an extension of lifestyle choices for young families, the segment is poised for sustained long-term growth.”
Speaking on the success of the Kidswear Edition at the 81st National Garment Fair, 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. Recognising the growing strategic importance of this category, we introduced an exclusive, standalone format to offer sharper visibility and more focused engagement between brands and buyers. I’m delighted to share that this initiative has exceeded expectations.”
Retailers like Kalyan Silks, Kasam Selection, Paridhan, and Big Shop were among the key buyers at the event, showcasing industry-wide interest in kidswear trends and innovations.
Exhibitors from various regions shared positive feedback. Brands from Indore, Surat, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata reported strong interest and expected growth. Notable trends included demand for traditional festive outfits, premium co-ord sets, and increased focus on quality and style over just pricing.
The next phase of the 81st National Garment Fair, focusing on Men’s and Women’s Wear, is set for July 14–16, 2025, at the same venue. This edition will feature over 800 brands across 15,300 sqm for menswear, 21,200 sqm for womenswear, and 680 sqm for accessories, promising a comprehensive showcase of India’s dynamic apparel landscape.
