Underwear and the Economy

This seems more convincing than the theory that when hemlines go up, the stock market will rise.

Blue Chip, White Cotton: What Underwear Says About the Economy

(WashPost) For one answer to the nation's most pressing economic question -- when will the recession end? -- just take a peek inside the American man's underwear drawer.

There may be some new pairs there, judging by recent reports from retailers and analysts, and that could mean better days ahead for everyone.

Here's the theory, briefly: Sales of men's underwear typically are stable because they rank as a necessity. But during times of severe financial strain, men will try to stretch the time between buying new pairs, causing underwear sales to dip.

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