Model YY-03 from Yangyuan of mainland China is fitted with snap buttons that resemble flowers.

Mainland China and Hong Kong suppliers of children’s rainwear are coming out with more models that are both practical and visually appealing. Companies are stepping up structural and design improvements in line with efforts to move upmarket amid rising costs and keen competition in the low end and midrange.

The latest raincoats, jackets and ponchos are constructed with functional elements such as removable hoods and multiple pockets. Several also feature reflective strips, usually on the sleeves, cuffs and hem, for high visibility.

Some companies are selling models with carry bags for greater portability and convenience. A few have developed pieces that can be converted into pouch bags or backpacks.

To enhance the market appeal of their rainwear, suppliers are offering designs in various colors, including Pantone and transparent types. Prints or patches of flowers, animals, cartoon characters, action figures and other motifs are being added to generate more excitement among children.

Novelty rainwear, often constructed to resemble bees, butterflies, ladybugs and other animals, are also becoming popular. These are sometimes offered with matching umbrellas and other accessories.

In the mainland, Xiamen Uptex Industrial Ltd is offering model C402C with a knapsack attached to it. The raincoat can be folded and placed in the pack when not in use.

The product comes in various colors and sizes, including pink and blue. Cartoon figures and other motifs can be printed on the back.

At Yangyuan Raincoat Mfg Co. Ltd Nanan Fujian, the latest designs include model YY-03, which features snap buttons that resemble flowers. The lower part of the raincoat is decorated with a duck print.

The YY-01 design, meanwhile, has an allover floral print. Snap buttons similar to those of YY-03 act as the closure.

Another product, the YY-02 poncho, comes with bee patterns. Black stripes on the body and antennas on the hood emphasize the theme.

Elen International Co. Ltd is offering raincoats and ponchos with reflective strips. The Elrain003 model, for example, has one on its front pocket. Blue, green, yellow, red, pink and transparent versions of the raincoat are available.

China Sources International Industrial Co. Ltd has released the HZP100 raincoat with multicolor prints on the two front pockets. The product is offered in yellow, blue and green. Transparent pieces and versions in various color combinations are manufactured as well.

Protex Chinalight Industries Ltd’s selection includes a jacket and pants set with reflective strips on the cuffs and hem. The model is available in Pantone colors.

In Hong Kong, the SB9051 poncho from Sinobest Umbrella Co. Ltd is offered with transparent front pockets that feature butterfly patches. Prints in a similar design decorate the body. The product comes with a fabric pouch.
Safer materials

Safety is a primary consideration in choosing materials for rainwear and its embellishments. This is particularly true at companies with their sights set on the EU due to the stringent requirements of the market.

Conventional PVC is increasingly being replaced by versions with lower or no phthalate content. The latter costs about 30 percent more, resulting in a price difference of 15 percent for finished products.

EVA is a popular alternative to PVC. Although 10 to 20 percent more expensive, the material is considered safer and more durable.

TPU is another nonphthalate option, but the high cost of the material makes it less attractive compared with EVA. Some companies also use LDPE, which is nontoxic as well.

Meon Garments Fty is among the Hong Kong-based suppliers manufacturing EVA models. The line currently accounts for about 30 percent of its entire rainwear output, while phthalate-free PVC, PU and nylon pieces make up the rest.

Wai Yuen Indl & Development Ltd, also in Hong Kong, is offering raincoats and ponchos in LDPE.