Will this turn out to be a Y-shaped recession?

Just a brief piece on some sales data which highlights an interesting feature of the current recession in the UK. You might think the analysis is pants, but still possibly of interest…

According to leading department store retailer Debenhams, sales of Y-fronts have increased by 35% since the recession began.

The rise in demand for Y-fronts, which are being substituted for boxer shorts and slimline trunks, is attributed to the Y-front design offering men a greater sense of security in these troubled times.

In a separate article, leading Y-front brand Jockey reported that sales of coloured Y-fronts have risen by an average 60% over the last six months and baby pink pants in particular have risen by 62%.

A classic case of a substitution effect in a consumer market. The fallout from the recession has driven men to reasses their underwear needs. And all of a sudden, my entire underwear collection has come back into fashion…