Small things

An intriguing article on the Economix blog by Floyd Norris points to a little used index of US department store inventory prices which reveals that inflation in the price of women’s underwear is way higher than in any other category of goods in this market. Norris wonders if the price of cotton can really provide the explanation, since this has been falling recently.

Well I am far from being an expert in the price of women’s underwear, but I can confirm that the price of basic white cotton briefs in budget outlets such as George at Asda has rocketed. Not long ago you could buy three perfectly serviceable pairs for £1; now you get 4 pairs for £2.50. An increase of 87.5% in unit price.

Let us hope that the reining back in the price of cotton means at least no further increases.

My rather abstemious attitude to the purchase of undergarments resembles that of American men, who simply do not buy enough of the stuff to justify a separate statistical category in the inflation figures. But I can confirm that the price of a basic George t shirt for a man (plain round neck, short sleeves, surprisingly good quality cloth & stitching, any colour you like as long as it’s white, size up to XXXL) has also risen steeply, from £3 to £5 for two.

Link
Inflation Out of Sight

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