Women's Skirts Speak For Economic Situation

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While most wait for data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, others use less conventional ways to measure the strength of an economy – like a woman"s hemline.

There is what is known as the Skirt Length Index. This index has come up with an exciting finding that when the economic situation is good, women"s wear mini skirts, and when things are not so good they are worn longer.

The idea behind this theory is that shorter skirts tend to appear in times when general consumer confidence and excitement is high, meaning its a bullish market.

In contrast, the theory says long skirts are worn more in times of fear and general gloom, indicating bearish market.

Not only women's skirt but also their cosmetics talk for the economy. This is done by studying Leading Lipstick Indicator theory. The finding says that in times of economic unease or recession, consumers tend to go for cheaper “feel-good" options, such as lipstick or mascara.

Leonard Lauder chairman of Estee Lauder had coined the term when he consistently found that during tough economic times, his lipstick sales went up.

“Believe it or not, the indicator has been quite a reliable signal of consumer attitudes over the years. For example, in the months following the September 11 terrorist attacks, lipstick sales doubled," he said.