https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/26/economy/recession-underwear-a…
Those sales are usually stable, “so on those few occasions where it dips, that means that men are so pinched that they are deciding not to replace underpants.”
The men’s underwear index (yes, it exists) backs up Greenspan’s theory: US sales of men’s underwear fell significantly from 2007 to 2009, during the Great Recession, but gained steam again in 2010 as the economy recovered.
The men’s underwear index (yes, it exists)
A crappy indicator, literally and figuratively.
The Captain
The SPI (“Smarty Pants Indicator”)?
Pete
Interesting.
I buy some underwear about once every ten years. I run out of socks first… those I buy every five years or so as they wear out from use.
t.
I don’t know…my approach to underwear is much different. I buy underwear, usually multi-packs, when I see a really good sale. Then I put the package into the drawer. When I see a pair become really ratty, I throw it out. And, much more likely, if my wife sees a ratty pair of mine, say in the laundry, she will throw it out. Eventually when there are only a few “good” underwear remaining in the drawer, I’ll open a new package and add those to the rotation.
I suppose this dampens out any “underwear inflation” for me. 
I suppose this dampens out any “underwear inflation” for me.
I do the very same rotation then toss when they reach the religious state of Holy with underwear, socks and T-shirts. Meanwhile there are new ones in the dresser drawers that have never been worn.
Our Pandemic Bengal toyger cat has learned how to open dresser drawers and steals socks and underwear to support her play habits.
Anymouse
LBYM tip: You can wear underwear four times before washing.
PSU
You can wear underwear four times before washing.
Sounds like a lot of folks may end up on skid row.
Pete