Fashion market in South Africa

The South African Fashion eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$961.2 million by 2024 and accounts for 20.7% of the total eCommerce market in South Africa. It is expected to increase over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 17.5%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$1,833.9 million by 2028. Within the Fashion market ECDB considers the following three sub-markets: Apparel, Footwear, and Bags & Accessories.

Market development

eCommerce revenue development in the Sweaters market in South Africa

The South African Sweaters eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$28.7 million by 2024 and accounts for 5.2% of the Apparel eCommerce market in South Africa. It is expected to increase over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 25.6%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$71.5 million by 2028. The Sweaters eCommerce market is a sub-market of the Apparel market. Further categories within the Apparel market are: Dresses & Skirts, Jackets, Coats & Anoraks, Other Apparel, Pants, Socks, Suits & Trouser Suits, T-Shirts, Shirts & Blouses, Underwear & Nightwear, and Workwear.

eCommerce revenue development in the Sweaters market in South Africa

in million US$

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

eCommerce revenue growth in the Sweaters market in South Africa

in %

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

Net eCommerce revenue split by sub-category

in %

Note: Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

20202021202220232024202520262027
Revenue (in mUS$)0.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
Growth (in %)37.118.426.671.154.119.539.158.7

Online share

eCommerce online share of the total Sweaters market in South Africa

The online share refers to the proportion of the retail volume that is transacted via the Internet. It includes purchases via desktop PC, tablet or smartphone, both via website or app. Only retail of physical goods is taken into account. In the South African Sweaters retail market, the online share is 14.8% and will increase by an average of 16.3% to 27.1% by 2028.

eCommerce online share of the total Sweaters market in South Africa

in %

Note: Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: Statista Market Insights , ECDB analysis

20202021202220232024202520262027
Online share (in %)42.9%77.4%23.6%30.0%46.1%49.2%30.9%87.7%

Market definition

Definition of the Sweaters market within the Fashion market

Market definition: Fashion > Apparel > Sweaters The category Sweaters includes the online trade of hoodies (e.g. pullover hoodies, zip-up hoodies), sweaters (e.g. crewneck sweaters, turtleneck sweaters, cardigans) and longsleeves (e.g. long-sleeve t-shirts, henley shirts). This category does not cover t-shirts, shirts or blouses. All monetary figures refer to the annual gross revenue and do not factor in shipping costs.

In-scope

  • Hoodies (e.g. pullover hoodies, zip-up hoodies)
  • Sweaters (e.g. crewneck sweaters, turtleneck sweaters, cardigans)
  • Longsleeves (e.g. long-sleeve t-shirts, henley shirts)

Out-of-scope

  • T-shirts
  • Shirts
  • Blouses

Market comparison

The South African Sweaters market in a global comparison

Market comparison by growth, online share, and revenue in 2023

in %

Source: ECDB analysis