Knitted T-shirts and vests market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the market for knitted T-shirts and vests in Poland experienced consistent growth, with consumption rising from 163 million units to 241 million units. This expansion was fueled by the rapid development of e-commerce and digital sales channels, which broadened product accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the shift to online shopping and altered consumer behavior, increasing demand for comfortable home wear. Subsequent years saw the market further stimulated by the introduction of new environmental standards and a growing consumer preference for sustainable products, which encouraged segment development, while the entry of new niche players intensified competition and diversified the available assortment.

Market volume contracted to 194 million units in 2023, a correction that coincided with industry challenges such as high product return rates. During this period, Poland's leading apparel group LPP expanded its portfolio with a new home line, illustrating strategic diversification within the sector. By 2024, consumption recovered to 215 million units, aided by the adoption of improved sizing and assortment-matching tools designed to reduce returns, alongside the ongoing consolidation of omnichannel retail strategies.

Production knitted T-shirts and vests in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's production of knitted T-shirts and vests, measured in monetary value, declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output peaked at 24 233 K $ US, but by 2020 it had fallen to 22 313 K $ US, marking a 7.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall increased by 20.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The most significant rise occurred in 2019, when production jumped by 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In terms of physical units, Poland produced 2 949 K units of knitted T-shirts and vests in 2020, a 3.4% drop compared to 2019. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 2 746 K units, which represented a sharp 28.0% decline from the previous year. However, it rebounded in 2019 with an 11.2% increase. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 22.7%, translating to an average annual decline of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Poland in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports knitted T-shirts and vests from Poland

Exports in kind, M unit

Poland's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests, measured in units, grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 141.5 M units, up 8.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 67.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Czechia remained the top buyers of knitted T-shirts and vests from Poland in terms of units. Germany accounted for 27.5% of exports, Romania for 14.0%, and Czechia for 11.6%. Together, these three countries made up 53.1% of Poland's total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Poland's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests, measured in value, continued to rise for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 749.7 M $ US, a 25.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports nearly doubled, growing by 96.2% with an average annual rate of 25.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Romania led as the primary buyers of knitted T-shirts and vests from Poland in value terms. Germany dominated with 47.4% of exports, followed by Czechia at 7.2% and Romania at 6.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 61.0% of Poland's total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Poland in value, 2017-2020

Imports knitted T-shirts and vests to Poland

Imports in kind, M unit

Poland's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests, measured in units, increased for the third straight year. In 2020, imports stood at 319.7 M units, up 9.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 41.9%, with an average annual increase of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Bangladesh, India, and Germany—collectively absorbed 73.9% of Poland's total imports of knitted T-shirts and vests in terms of units.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Poland's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests, measured in value, rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 973.1 M $ US, a notable 15.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 57.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, Germany, and China were the largest suppliers of knitted T-shirts and vests to Poland in value terms. Bangladesh led with 38.8% of imports, followed by Germany at 12.4% and China at 9.3%. Together, these three countries formed 60.6% of Poland's total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Poland in value, 2017-2020