This is not exactly sports related, but we do know our readers, and gay men in general, are very picky about their choice of underwear. It seems as if the recession is cutting into the amount of briefs and boxers guys are buying these days, the Huffington Post reports.
A revised survey by the leading global research company, Mintel, shows relatively large drops in the sales of men’s underwear in the United States. The study, to be released April 9, projects a 2.3 percent drop in sales of all men’s underwear products in 2009. Underscoring just how quickly the market has gone south, in November 2008, Mintel had forecast sales to grow by 2.6 percent in 2009. A serious downturn led to a serious revision.
Officials in the business say a variety of factors are to blame, including an influx of private label products from China. But the truth is, the psychology of the recession plays the biggest role.
“Men’s basic apparel products probably have the least fluctuating sales of all [apparel products],” Matt Hall, a spokesman for Hanesbrands Inc. said in a brief interview. “But recessions impact all categories and men’s underwear sales are no different… Men’s underwear is a replenishment item. If you see a dip in the market it is because of the economy. But over a longer-term period it will even out. They tend to be later going into the recession and earlier coming back… Men certainly aren’t wearing underwear less frequently than before.”
I am curious as to whether this holds for gay men as opposed to all men. Macy’s had a 25% off sale last week on underwear, in addition to 15% off coupons in the paper, so I bought a couple of new pairs (2xist, if you are curious). I would not have paid full price and I know that Macy’s has underwear sales a couple of times a year.
Is underwear something you have skimped on, or are you buying as much as you usually do? Also, boxers or briefs or boxer briefs? I’m a briefs guy.
on Apr 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Interesting article and blog posts. I’m 19 and I own way too many regular boxers because I’ve bought a lot of funny or cool patterns over the last 3-4 years. Sub premium underwear such as that from AnF, Hollister Co., Etc. tend to run a minimum of 12 dollars per pair. Doesn’t matter what type it is. And then there’s your premium underwear that runs about 15-40 dollars a pair. Underwear is actually a pretty good money making field from what I’ve read. Ginch Gonch which is notably worn by men who are comfortable with their sexuality sold an astonishing amount the year they introduced their new style of design. Just goes to show you.
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 8:08 am
My boyfriend buys my underwear. So, not sure of cost!
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Not this gay man. I still have to have my Ralph Lauren and Papi underwear
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Sure sign of the Apocalypse.
on Apr 11th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
macy’s running a sale? NEVER! I think that I last bought new underwear last fall; I have so much already! it’s like socks, I could go years without buying new pairs
on Apr 12th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I only ever buy underwear on sale. And since you asked, I’m partial to Calvin Klein 365 trunk style.
on Apr 12th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I didn’t get the neat nic or style gene the stereotype of a gay man would leave the world to believe we all have. I’m fashion impaired, red/green color blind and usually have to have my choice of a tie, shirt and jacket proofed before going out in public.
I always wear my skives until they are thread bare and falling apart or I need a rag to change the oil in the truck or another such messy chore.
Boxers or boxer briefs in the winter for warmth and briefs in the summer if I can’t wear shorts w/a liner.
I hate to shop for anything but tools and sporting goods. Except for work cloths, groceries and beer, if I can’t buy it online and have it delivered I usually don’t buy it and go w/o.
My ex’s and BFs have bought me tons of skives over the years and continue to. I guess that’s a heavy hint and I have no idea the cost. Provided my waist doesn’t increase beyond 32″ I think I am set for life.
on Apr 13th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Time to freeball it
on May 4th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Sale at our online jockstrap store are up over this same period last year. Our customers are predominantly gay men.
Talking to one of our suppliers who has a brick and mortar store as well as an online operation, he told me sales at his storefront in Chelsea has declined drastically but his online sales have increased. Not sure how to interpret that, but there you go.