Is your man's beat up underwear a sign of the times? The underwear economic indicator implies the answer is yes; that fraying elastic is a sign of what's going on with the economy. Apparently, former Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan used to track the undie factor carefully, arguing that the economy is the pits if men or their significant others can't be bothered to replace the ratty old pairs.
Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst of consumer behavior tracking company NPD Group, mens' underwear sales leveled off during February and March after undergoing a 12 percent decline through the end of January. Cohen explains the difference means the economy is stabilizing and is a good sign that people are buying new undies again.
Do you think there's validity to the undie indicator? Does your man's underwear drawer contain more ratty pairs than usual?
Ben Sherman
Opening Ceremony
Hanky Panky
If you have a reasonable number of pairs of underwear, of a reasonable quality (maybe not the 6 for $1 pairs) it takes more than a few months for them to get ratty. Frayed undies are probably a better indicator of whether or not you have a violent washing machine.
1There’s a fab new book out called “The Power of Small” by Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval and the whole premise is how small acts (even small talk!), can have a big impact in ones personal as well as professional life. Never underestimate the small indicators is what I’ve learned from reading this must-read, educational AND inspirational book!
2it's funny that you say this - because a couple months ago, my mom and i noticed that my husband's socks had holes in them so we went out and bought him like 20 pairs of socks. i felt bad cause he doesn't have a job right now and he can't buy stuff for himself - so i have to surprise him and unpack and hide the socks in his drawer so he doesn't get upset with me.
3I work in an intimate apparel shop and this past month has had an increase in mens undies and tee's. could be b/c of Father's Day as well though.
4My husband keeps like, every pair of undies he's ever owned since high school because he hates throwing stuff out. So even though he has lots of good undies that I buy him, he also has ratty ones with frayed elastic and holes in them from like 10 years ago. One of these days, I plan on going in there and just throwing them all away, lol!
5I don't know if it's recession related - but I did read a Dear Abby column this week about a woman whose grown son wouldn't wear new underwear. His wife [daughter in law] had bought him new undies in the proper size - he was wearing ones that were too tight and had holes everywhere. That was probably more about the son not wanting to recognize that he'd gained some weight than the recession...
I don't know if men buy as much new underwear as women in general...I don't think it's related to economic stability!
6Yeah, my boyfriend's underwear is ALWAYS a little ratty...
I don't get it, I can't get anything done if I'm not wearing decent undies!
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