With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the latest statistics released from Ciao give a unique new insight into recession spending – through our underwear shopping!
Whilst we are no longer officially in a recession, apparently smaller budgets from last year equal smaller panties, with a 100% rise in the search for women’s thongs in comparison to last year’s figures. The same is not true for our waistlines – corsets were four times as popular in 2009 as they were in 2008, suggesting that we may have been hitting the chips to make up for our budgetary restrictions.
Perhaps unsurprisingly designer togs have also seen a huge decrease in popularity – Diesel, Gucci and Prada all made appearances in the ‘most searched for’ brands of 2008, but not a single one made it into the top 15 list for 2009.
Women may be prepared to wear tiny pants but the same is apparently not true for British men – or not anymore. As many as one in ten men searched for thongs in 2008, but the 2009 figures show that only one in a hundred are pushing the boat out with tiny pants. Their increasing conservatism is also displayed in the Christmas search figures: “socks” was the third most popular search term for Christmas 2009, despite being completely absent from the top lists the previous year. At least Britain’s men will keep their feet warm in the snow!
If underwear isn’t top of the list for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, the Ciao community has a great selection of alternative ideas. A romantic trip to Europe could be the ideal solution, providing culture, knowledge and a well-deserved rest as well. Visit ciao.co.uk for all the latest escape options – whether it’s San Sebastian beach in Spain or Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Or for something closer to home try Brighton, home of Brighton Pier and an array of unique boutique hotels and restaurants.
If you have any thought provoking opinions on the results, or recommendations on other great destinations for Valentine’s day please get it touch and post a comment here!