
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Polymer Group, Inc.'s 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-28-1996 
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-28-1996
<CASH>                                          37,587  
<SECURITIES>                                    10,892
<RECEIVABLES>                                   68,600
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,848
<INVENTORY>                                     55,637
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               184,427      
<PP&E>                                         471,740     
<DEPRECIATION>                                  65,213   
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 708,115     
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           91,273   
<BONDS>                                        362,745 
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           320
<OTHER-SE>                                     195,598     
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   708,115        
<SALES>                                        521,368         
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               521,368         
<CGS>                                          389,013         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  389,013         
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0      
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0     
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              33,641      
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 25,552      
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,730     
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             14,822     
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               (13,932)    
<CHANGES>                                            0 
<NET-INCOME>                                       890
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .43
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .43
        
<FN> 
<F1> Earnings per share is presented before extraordinary item.
</FN> 
                                  


</TABLE>
