
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Polymer Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-03-1999
<PERIOD-END>                              JAN-01-2000
<CASH>                                         37,180
<SECURITIES>                                   19,115
<RECEIVABLES>                                 143,836
<ALLOWANCES>                                   10,587
<INVENTORY>                                   113,229
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              348,985
<PP&E>                                      1,004,143
<DEPRECIATION>                                180,794
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              1,466,246
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                         160,080
<BONDS>                                       600,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                          320
<OTHER-SE>                                    241,964
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                1,466,246
<SALES>                                       889,795
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              889,795
<CGS>                                         650,185
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 650,185
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             71,882
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                52,024
<INCOME-TAX>                                   18,584
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            33,440
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                   33,440
<EPS-BASIC>                                      1.05
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    1.04


</TABLE>
