Supposedly the sale of men's pants is a good indicator. During lean times us men cut back on non-essentials such as new undies (sorry Bel). Supposedly this year will see negative spend growth in the UK undies market.
Don't know what they mean, my underwear last years and years anyway. And I only need two pairs, as I wear one whilst the other is in the wash. Four days use out of one pair:
Forwards
Backwards
Inside out forwards
Inside out backwards