You know that an economic downturn is taking place when articles start appearing that offer utilitarian and, dare I say it, thoroughly useful advice. Like the article on The Times' website entitled "How buy clothes that last". There's nothing earth-shattering included...especially for someone like me who hand-washes about 90% of their clothing and therefore examines the labels on garments with an alarming degree of detail...but it is nice to see common-sense advice being proffered.

And while I admit that it may not take a genius to ask the question "With trousers, skirts or dresses, sit down, stand up, sit down. Is it creased and disorderly? Are you? Is your underwear on show to the world when you’re seated?...it often seems that it might, especially with the vast amount of knicker-related sightings that one encounters on a day-to-day basis.

Of course, it would be lovely if an upsurge of interest in durability led to more clothes that were actually...well, durable (a drop in prices for "decent" clothing would be nice as well)...but that's probably just wishful thinking.