The idea that hemlines reflect the economy’s fortunes was first perpetuated in the roaring twenties, as women began showing some leg for the first time in seeming celebration of the thriving times. Economist George Taylor — who wrote his PhD dissertation on the hosiery industry — posited that the “Hemline Index” could be used as an economic indicator. But is it true? Do stocks rise along with hemlines? And do lengthening skirts indicate recessions? Launch the slide show here to follow women’s hemlines through the economic ups and downs of the past century.
Business + Economy
Can Your Skirt Length Point to the Next Boom or Bust?
Getty Images/The Fiscal Times
