Nearly 30% of 18- to 24-year-olds said they purchased leisurewear amid the pandemic, and 20% said they planned to purchase but hadn't yet. The figures were similar for 25- to 54-year-olds.
Conversely, those 55 and older proved less likely to join the bandwagon. Just 12% said they purchased leisurewear since the pandemic hit; 11% were planning to buy, and 78% said they weren't interested. The oldest cohort lead the other groups in its rejection of leisurewear by an average of 22%.
Apparel sales have taken a hit this year as consumers pulled back spending in the discretionary category during lockdowns. We forecast a 21.9% drop in 2020 for total retail sales of apparel and accessories, which equates to a year-over-year loss of $103.42 billion.