Both women’s and men’s apparel sales rebounded strongly in 2021 as consumers got out and about more once many were vaccinated and lockdowns ended. Handbag sales rebounded strongly, too. There was also a big uptick in bridal wear, as weddings postponed from the early days of the pandemic were rescheduled.

Among the subcategories where online sales growth slowed were two that had surged in 2020: sleepwear and sportswear. Consumers wanted more comfy pajamas to lounge in at home during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and garb for exercising outdoors when gyms were closed. But they had other priorities when it came to spending on clothing in 2021.