Men's knitted suits, jackets and trousers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the market volume for men's knitted suits, jackets and trousers in Italy remained stable at around 71 000–72 000 thousand units, supported by growing consumer demand for high-quality and sustainable products. The increased focus on eco-friendly materials and Italian craftsmanship, alongside the adoption of digital knitting technologies and environmentally friendly dyes, helped maintain sales volumes despite shifts in import patterns.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in 2020, reducing the market to 37 538 thousand units, although the knitwear segment showed resilience and online sales began to gain traction. Recovery over 2021–2022, reaching 61 551 thousand units, was reinforced by Italy's mandatory separate collection of textile waste from 2022, which pushed companies toward sustainable practices, as well as the expansion of casual wear lines and market consolidation through mergers. Digitalization, including 3D knitting and virtual fitting rooms, enhanced customization and production efficiency.

Following the post-pandemic rebound, market volume fell to 40 957 thousand units in 2023 and stabilized at 41 116 thousand units in 2024, reflecting a normalization of demand after the recovery phase.

Production men's knitted suits, jackets and trousers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while the maximum occurred in 2018, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy's output of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers was valued at 257.2 million US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 51.2% compared to the previous year. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 684.6 million US dollars. The largest increase was observed in 2018, with a growth of 227.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Market behavior was volatile during these years. The period from 2018 to 2020 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 9.8 times. In 2020, Italy produced 3,606 thousand units of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers, down by 88.9% from the year before. The maximum production was recorded in 2018 at 35,282 thousand units. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 779.6%.

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

Exports men's knitted suits, jackets and trousers from Italy

Exports in kind, K unit

Italy's exports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 17,962 thousand units, a decrease of 15.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 21,359 thousand units. The largest increase was in 2018, with a growth of 13.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Italy's exports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers. Germany accounted for 12.8% of exports in kind, Spain for 11.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.6%, together making up only 34.7% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

After a two-year increase, Italy's exports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 401.2 million US dollars, which is 8.1% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 436.5 million US dollars. The largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 18.9%.

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

The market base for Italy's exports in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.3% of exports in value, Germany for 10.8%, and France for 9.1%, together representing just 33.1% of total flows. The remaining 66.9% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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 suits, jackets and trousers to Italy

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year improvement, Italy's imports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers declined. In 2020, Italy imported 60,416 thousand units, down by 14.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 60,416 thousand units. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, China, and Cambodia were the main sources for Italy's imports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers in kind. Bangladesh accounted for 39.7% of imports, China for 13.0%, and Cambodia for 7.6%, together making up 60.3% of total 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 a two-year advance, Italy's imports of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 362.6 million US dollars, showing a drop of 13.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 419.8 million US dollars. The largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 13.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports in value terms of men's knitted suits, jackets, and trousers relied on a wide range of partner countries. Bangladesh accounted for 21.7% of imports in value, China for 13.3%, and Belgium for 7.8%, together taking just 42.8% of total flows.

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

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