Sales of Men's Undies Rebound With Economy

Analyst sees hope in unusual indicator's promising numbers

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 13, 2009 3:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – Amid mixed reports about recession and economic recovery, here's a bright spot: Men’s underwear sales are on the rebound. Believe it or not, that's a reliable indicator, because selling unmentionables is “such a need-based business that it really is a good indication that the consumer hasn't checked out,” an industry analyst tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. Sales were up 4.6% in the first 6 months of 2009 over a year earlier, even as sales of women's skivvies dipped 3.3%.

Unlike women's undies, men's scanties are comparable to kitchen staples—they typically don't get replaced until they're completely worn out. So when sales are off, that means guys are truly cutting back. And when they're feeling flush? "After a week, if he hasn't done laundry, he's out buying new underwear," says the analyst. "Women will have ample stockpile of product."

Underwear for sale. (AP Photo)

Packages of Hanes underwear. (AP Photo)

Underwear for sale. (AP Photo)

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Sales of Men's Undies Rebound With Economy

Analyst sees hope in unusual indicator's promising numbers

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Black Friday Sets $11.4B Record

Consumers shrug off unemployment, pessimism, and spend

Next 12 Months: No Recession, but Slow Growth

Risk of recession at 26%; unemployment likely 9% at year's end

Brace Yourself for Even Worse 2nd Recession

Could devastate a still-ailing economy, writes Catherine Rampell

Recession Worse Than Thought; GDP Growth Weak

Economy grew just 1.3% over past three months

It's the Busted Consumer Bubble, Stupid

With no consumer spending, economy keeps dragging

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Sales of Men's Undies Rebound With Economy

Analyst sees hope in unusual indicator's promising numbers

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

recession • consumer spending • retail sales • lingerie • analyst • apparel • men's underwear

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Black Friday Sets $11.4B Record

Consumers shrug off unemployment, pessimism, and spend

Next 12 Months: No Recession, but Slow Growth

Risk of recession at 26%; unemployment likely 9% at year's end

Brace Yourself for Even Worse 2nd Recession

Could devastate a still-ailing economy, writes Catherine Rampell

Recession Worse Than Thought; GDP Growth Weak

Economy grew just 1.3% over past three months

It's the Busted Consumer Bubble, Stupid

With no consumer spending, economy keeps dragging

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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