Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Unconventional Economic Indicators: Strange Trends That Predict Recession
Some unusual things can help predict if the economy is going to have a hard time.
For example, when the economy is good, skirts tend to be shorter, and when things get tough, skirts get longer.
Also, when people don't have as much money, they might buy more lipstick because it's a small treat they can afford.
Men may also delay buying new underwear when money is tight.
The amount of trash we throw away can also tell us about the economy – less trash means people aren’t buying as much.
These indicators may help signal an upcoming recession.
Economic indicators can be unconventional.
Skirt lengths may reflect economic conditions.
Lipstick sales often increase during economic downturns.
Men's underwear sales can decline during recessions.
Changes in trash volume can indicate economic shifts.
- Who
- Economists and investors.
- What
- Unusual trends, such as skirt lengths and underwear sales, can predict economic downturns.
- When
- Observed for decades, particularly during the 2008 recession and the 2010 downturn.
- Where
- Not specified in the article.
- Why
- To provide early warnings of economic changes.
- Hemline Index
- Skirts get shorter during economic booms and longer during downturns.
- Lipstick Effect
- Cosmetic sales often rise during economic downturns.
- Men's Underwear Index
- Men's underwear sales decline during recessions.
- Trash Index
- Trash volume decreases when people buy less, potentially indicating a recession.
- Sandwich Index
- Sandwich sales increase during economic downturns.