Ridiculous as it might sound, there is an economic theory saying that skirts’ length helps determine the condition of current economy. The seemingly pseudoscientific theory is called the Hemline Index.
In 1926, Economist George Taylor coined the Hemline Index or the Skirt Length Theory. Yes, the name is Taylor and it is not referring to tailor as a pun. In short, the theory suggests that the length of hemline reflects the economic condition of a country. With shorter skirt comes stronger economy.
One among Taylor’s finest proofs was regarding the 1930s Great Depression. Prior to the event, women wore shorter skirts. Afterwards, when the Great Depression attacked, women went back to wear longer skirts.
However, the translation of this theory is, somehow, ambiguous. Some analysts predict it is true because, when the economy slumps, women cannot afford to buy expensive stockings to cover their legs, so instead they buy longer skirts. Others, in contrast, argue that tailors are not able to purchase more fabrics when the economy slumps, so they make shorter skirts.
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Controversies Revolving around the Hemline Index
Over the decades, Hemline Index becomes a widespread discussion topic, at least on the medias. While some series of events indicated that the change of hemlines at an identical time with the change of economy, the theory remains unjustifiable.
Many economists have argued that this theory is nothing but an anecdote. For there is no strong establishment of scientific proof and logic, many have argued that this is a mere logical manipulation.
However, many scientists have conducted studies to rigorously examine the validity of the index. Over the years, many scientists such as Marjolein van Baardwijk and Philip Hans Franses, and Hao Chen, Yinghong Dong, and Kaisheng Lai published studies pertaining to the matter.
Apart from its validity and reliability, one thing that should be assessed is its practicality. In real life situations, this theory appears to be not practical.
Accordingly, the reason is that, most of the time, hemline change and economic change happens at the same time. Furthermore, it makes investors encounter difficulties to generate prediction.
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