Men’s Underwear Is Helping To Track How The Economy Is Going

Typical economic indicators are the unemployment rate and inflation rate, and then there’s the men’s underwear index.

Things that might not necessarily be on the forefront of your mind could indicate economic trouble, including purchases of men’s underwear.

University of Tampa associate Professor Abigail Hall says during tight times, worn undies are a cost saver, “rocking a pair of boxers with holes all over it. It might not be his preference. It might be an indication of what’s going on with the overall economy.”

According to WikiPedia, the men’s underwear index (MUI) is an economic index that can supposedly detect the beginnings of a recovery during an economic slump.

The premise is that men’s underwear are a necessity in normal economic times and sales remain stable. During a severe downturn, demand for these goods changes as new purchases are deferred.

Hence, men’s purchasing habits for underwear (and that of their spouses on their behalf) is thought to be a good indicator of discretionary spending for consumption at large especially during turnaround periods.

This indicator is noted for being followed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.

Clothing retailer Tommy John asked 2,000 Americans about their habits and the survey discovered that 45% of people said they’ve worn the same pair of underwear for two days or longer, and 13% said they have worn the same pair for a week or more.

It also found that 46% owned the same pair of underwear for one year or longer and 85% didn’t know how long they’ve owned their oldest pair of underwear.