Believe it or not, there is a long-standing theory that skirt length is linked to booms in a country's wealth: the better the economy, the shorter the skirt (and vice versa).

Stockbroker Ralph Rotnem noticed that the long-term trends of stock prices and the hemlines on women's skirts appear to be connected. Skirt hems rose to miniskirt shortness in the 1920s (flappers) and in the 1960s (mods), peaking with stock prices in the US both times. Floor-length fashions appeared in the 1930s and 1970s (the Maxi), and the price of stocks dropped at the same time.

Do women therefore become more active and wear bolder fashions when the economy is strong?
 
Non-believers

Lots of stock market experts disagree and think that the connection is as thin and flimsy as a miniskirt itself! 

Their main argument against it is that England was not in great economic shape during the 1920s. There was striking, mass unemployment and depression. So why did women take to wearing short skirts? Perhaps it was because living standards were improving at the same time, with a rise in the entertainment market and consumer goods. Also, magazines began to give more knowledge to women who had gained a new independence after the war years.

We never had it so good

It was the same in the 1960s. Stock prices may not have been high, but the early part of the period is remembered for its economic affluence and high employment rate. The standard of living improved steadily throughout the decade. The 1960s are thought of as being “swinging” and liberal, with increased consumer confidence and the blossoming of pop culture that spread across the world.

So, rising hemlines are more likely to be an indication of the mood of the time. The shortening of skirts shows a general increase in friskiness, excitement and daring among the population, and long skirts are sometimes worn in times of fear and general gloom. The stock market may or may not change direction in step with these expressions of mood.

People who disagree with the link between skirt lengths and economics tend to think the concept is no more helpful than astrology, and one doubter even created graphs to disprove the theory!

Making investment decisions based on women's skirt lengths alone probably isn't the best thing to do… But next time you walk down the street, it might just be worth a look!