Men's Apparel Sticker Shock and Interview Sweaters

Forget gold as the store of value... Highbeam reports:

Retail prices for men's apparel in February increased a seasonally adjusted 1 percent against January, well ahead of the average price for all consumer goods, which advanced 0.2 percent, the Labor Department reported Friday in its monthly Consumer Price Index.

On a year-over-year basis, however, men's apparel prices last month lagged that of the overall inflation rate, increasing 1.2 percent against February 1995 as prices for all retail goods rose 2.7 percent. Although men's wear retailers are pushing through moderate price increases, they are still under pressure to give value to consumers. Prices for boys' apparel in February reflected deep.

In looking at the six month change in the 'men's apparel' portion of CPI vs. the index, we see a spike that is unprecedented.



So what's the deal? My guess was that the demand for suits was rocketing as individuals are being thrown out of the workforce and once again interviewing (and suits being expensive would push the average price level higher). However, looking at the data we see that it isn't suits that are on the rise... it's shirts and sweaters. The WSJ asks:

What is going on with the price of mens’ shirts and sweaters? Over the last two months these prices are up at a 64% annualized rate. Mens’ apparel more generally is up at a record 29% rate, contributing to the strong 1.3% sequential increase in apparel prices in today’s report.

On a side note; while I will admit my explanation was wrong, in doing some more research I discovered that men are actually interviewing in sweaters these days (have I been in finance and New York City too long?). AskMen.com with the details in 'Dressing for a Job Interview':

With comfortable, professional clothes in mind, it is OK to wear a blazer or sweater over a tie and chinos when dressing for a job interview in the service industry. You want to look responsible and well-pressed as well as approachable to the public.

Not sure what I understand less; why men's apparel is on the rise or why people wear sweaters to interview. But while interview sweaters are a fascinating concept, if I can figure out why the price level of men's apparel is on the rise, I may be able to make some money buying the right retailer.

Any ideas?