There is an old saying among economists that the best way to assess the state of the economy is to look at people's underwear.

Underwear Sales Increase, Suggesting A Rebounding Economy.

OK, there's no such saying. But when he served as chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan did use the sales of male underpants as a way to take the temperature of the country's economic well being. And if the Maestro were to take a peek right now, he'd find evidence that things are gradually improving.