WP: Evaluating The Economy With The Men's Underwear Index

[mjah]

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

Can't say I knew about this...

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.

"It's a prolonged purchase," said Marshal Cohen, senior analyst with the consumer research firm NPD Group. "It's like trying to drive your car an extra 10,000 miles."

[China]

That's a good one. I'll have to add that to the Hemline Index and High End Girlfriend Index as an important economic indicator.