The addition of practical elements such as extra pockets to baby and children's shorts and pants also helps enhance visual appeal.

Manufacturers of baby and children’s shorts and pants are varying garment construction to boost functionality and aesthetics.

	This pair of boy’s cargo shorts from Dyontex is made of pure cotton jersey. The model has four pockets and comes in up to size XXL.

Companies are employing multiple pockets to increase utility and provide a casual and outdoor look. Cargo designs are particularly popular for both apparel categories.

In addition, makers are using more comfortable and elastic textiles for the waist rather than self-fabric. To illustrate, recent woven bottoms adopt softer ribbed bands. Apart from the better fit, the material contrast serves as a decorative element.

Prints and embroidery continue to be the mainstream trimmings for the lines. The first is usually employed for shorts, while sewn details are found on pants. The embellishments are often small and concentrated in certain areas.

The typical motif for boys is lettering. Embroidered versions sometimes use thick acrylic thread, which has a raw or worn-out look. Flowers, stars and hearts are the popular designs for girls. Sequins may be incorporated.

China-made shorts and pants for babies and children are available in knitted and woven fabrics. The first material comes in pure cotton, and 95:5 cotton- and viscose-spandex. They are offered in jersey, terry or interlock constructions and weigh 150 to 320gsm. The usual choice for shorts is 190 to 240gsm jersey, while that for pants is 250 to 320gsm terry.

Other manufacturers are introducing new knitted textiles. Dyontex Ltd is adopting pure cotton slub jersey, which is said to be more elastic than regular jersey and look similar to bamboo rayon.

Among the popular woven options are cotton twill and poplin, and polyester microfiber. Some factories are able to supply denim variants. Twill is common for fall and winter apparel, and poplin is ideal for spring and summer.

In general, all pants and shorts undergo washing as long as the textile does not contain spandex. The treatments make the garments softer and can provide a casual or distressed appearance. Enzymes are normally employed to treat woven fabrics.

Most models have elastic waistbands, although several use drawstrings. Other releases incorporate zipper closures.

Pricewise, the main determinants are the materials and design complexity. The least expensive products are $2 to $4. They employ polyester, cotton or T/C in jersey, interlock or poplin constructions. Basic styles with minimal or no trimming are common.

Midrange models are $4.50 to $8.50, while high-end versions are $9 to $14. Both categories utilize pure cotton or 95:5 cotton-spandex terry, twill, corduroy or poplin. Organic cotton and bamboo rayon are available in the most upscale pairs. The items are decorated with sequins, prints or embroidery. YKK zippers are adopted.

Product gallery

Product gallery Dyontex Ltd Model: 3BK3I0115 MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color, 3,000 pairs per order Delivery: 60 days Description: Boy’s cargo shorts; pure cotton jersey; 32s; 230gsm; four pockets; sizes up to XXL; solid color Dyontex Ltd Model: 3CY4I009P MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color, 3,000 pairs per order Delivery: 60 days Description: Girl’s pants; 95:5 cotton-spandex; 250gsm; stud, sequined tape trimmings; sizes 74, 82, 90, or XXS, XS Dyontex Ltd Model: 3EL7I0137 MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color, 3,000 pairs per order Delivery: 60 days Description: Girl’s harem pants; 95:5 viscose-spandex; 220gsm; two pockets; sizes 74, 82, 90, or XXS to XXL Hangzhou Ouqi (Fashion & Accessories) Co. Ltd Model: KS001 MOQ: 1,000 pairs Delivery: 60 days Description: Cargo shorts; pure cotton poplin; for 2 to 12 years old; black Hangzhou Ouqi (Fashion & Accessories) Co. Ltd Model: KS002 MOQ: 1,000 pairs Delivery: 60 days Description: Shorts; pure cotton; yarn-dyed; plaid; for 2 to 12 years old; beige Hangzhou Ouqi (Fashion & Accessories) Co. Ltd Model: KS005 MOQ: 1,000 pairs Delivery: 60 days Description: Cargo pants; pure cotton twill; for 2 to 12 years old; beige Note: This article "Usability, aesthetics lead R&D agenda for baby and children's shorts, pants" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.