Men's knitted outerwear market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian men's knitted outerwear market opened the period at 345.2 million USD in 2018. The following year, it contracted to 300.6 million USD, even as fashion trends presented at Pitti Uomo highlighted a shift towards technical fabrics and functionality, signaling an evolution in men's style. A rebound occurred in 2020, with the market growing to 365.9 million USD, supported by product innovation showcased at Milano Fashion Week where comfortable silhouettes, material yarns, and versatile pieces with detachable sections catered to modern demands.

Market volume stabilized near 362.2 million USD in 2021, a year in which the pandemic continued to influence men's style, blending relaxed and workwear elements, as seen in Ermenegildo Zegna's collection featuring articulated knit constructions. A sharp expansion followed in 2022, driving the market to 464.5 million USD. This surge coincided with fashion trends returning to drier silhouettes and urban styles for jackets, while knitwear saw elevated quality and a focus on natural fibers like merino wool and cashmere, boosting consumer interest.

After a slight dip to 450.2 million USD in 2023, the market resumed growth, reaching 507.4 million USD in 2024.

Production men's knitted outerwear in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Output volumes fluctuated 2.1 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Italy's production of men's knitted outerwear reached a value of 414.4 million US dollars, marking a 24.8% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.9%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 80.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Production showed notable volatility throughout the observed years. The lowest output volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, representing a 2.7-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Italy produced 14 841 thousand units of men's knitted outerwear, showing a gradual decrease of 3.5% from 2019. The peak production volume was reached in 2019 at 15 379 thousand units, which also saw the largest increase of 148.3%.

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

Exports men's knitted outerwear from Italy

Exports in kind, K unit

Italy's exports of men's knitted outerwear grew for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country exported 2 645 thousand units that year, representing a 5.7% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 40.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 12.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 519 thousand units, which also experienced the largest decline of 19.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 64.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export destinations for men's knitted outerwear were quite diverse. France accounted for 28.6% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 11.0%, and Germany for 9.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 48.9% of total export flows, indicating a broad partner portfolio.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's exports of men's knitted outerwear amounted to 125.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 95.6 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 133.0 million US dollars. The largest increase took place in 2019 at 39.2%.

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

The country composition of Italy's exports in value terms was highly dispersed from 2017 to 2020. France accounted for 15.3% of export value, the United Kingdom for 11.5%, and Germany for 9.2%. Combined, these three countries represented only 36.0% of total flows, with the remaining 64.0% distributed across a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports men's knitted outerwear to Italy

Imports in kind, K unit

Following two years of growth, Italy's imports of men's knitted outerwear declined in 2020. Import volumes stood at 3 519 thousand units that year, representing a 27.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 4.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 848 thousand units, which also saw the largest increase of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports of men's knitted outerwear in kind were widely distributed across partner countries. China accounted for 22.7% of imports in kind, Belgium for 10.0%, and Bangladesh for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented just 41.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, Italy's imports of men's knitted outerwear in value terms declined in 2020. The country imported 77.3 million US dollars worth of these goods that year, reflecting a 23.8% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 101.5 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the largest suppliers of men's knitted outerwear to Italy in value terms, but none dominated the market. China accounted for 20.6% of import value, Belgium for 14.4%, and the Netherlands for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented 42.2% of total imports in value terms, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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