According to a report from Research and Markets, the Dublin-based market research group, the global dye sublimation apparel market is set to grow to US $8.1 billion by 2027.

This growth, which equates to a 12.9% CAGR during the forecast period, is dependent on a number of factors including the increasing number of clothes being printed across the world, consumers spending more on personalised items, the time saving benefits of the technology and the growth of online marketplaces selling personalised and printed garments. 

In the report Research and Markets said, ‘The demand for dye sublimated apparel is boosted by the huge volume of clothes dyed in the market. The latest printheads provide higher print speed and an automatic circulation system, hence decreasing downtime. The customers are encouraged to dye their clothes with high quality due to the decreased amount of time and higher production of photographed and printed garments.

‘The sportswear industry has moved to sublimation printing as it is a less costly method. Moreover, it is a sustainable printing process that consumes less time. The demand for appealing and fashionable sportswear apparel has been increased due to the growing style and fashion trend among  Generation Z. In addition, the demand for sublimated sportswear has been driven by the increasing awareness about innovative designs and customisation options. The primary customers for sublimated sportswear are the mainstream customers like professionals sports teams.’

Popular products helping to drive this growth are set to include printed T-shirts, golf shirts, hoodies and leggings, with the latter predicted to display the most growth between now and 2021. The report explained, ‘leggings have gained high popularity among consumers as a must-have clothing product because they provide flexibility, comfort, and mobility. This factor is responsible for the growth of the segment.’

In terms of regions, the research suggested that North America is expected to showcase the fastest growth rate during the forecasting years. This will be fuelled by rising demand for ‘comfortable and stylish decorative apparel’ as well as the return of major public events such as concerts and exhibitions.

The report did stress that the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could restrain the predicted growth.