Revealing UK sales for men's underwear MEN'S underwear is revealing itself to be a recession-busting item, with one major British retailer noticing a 28 per cent increase in sales since the start of the year. Selfridges likened sales of men's "bodywear" - underwear, sleepwear and socks - to the lipstick effect, the term coined for women buying small but luxurious items in times of recession. The category has emerged as one of the strongest performers at the store, to the extent that it is opening a 20 per cent larger bodywear department this week. The 835 square metre area will stock nearly 25,000 pairs of underwear, of which 10,000 will be displayed on a curved wall "set to be the largest of its kind in the world." Those immune to the recession can choose from underwear made by Versace or Dior, which has a range of briefs at STG55 ($A80.15) a piece, or a silk dressing gown by Savile Row tailor Derek Rose for STG915. Those wanting to spend a little less will find pairs of Happy Socks for STG8. The store said its best-selling styles were trunks, making up 46 per cent of sales, briefs (27 per cent) and boxers (13 per cent), with the most popular colours being black, white and red. "Sales of men's underwear at Selfridges have been very healthy throughout 2012 and they have been even stronger since the start of the year," Selfridges menswear buying manager Richard Sanderson said. With our new men's bodywear space, we are forecasting weekly sales of nearly 3,000 pairs of underwear. Men have become much more fashion-conscious in their choice of underwear and are looking for details and distinctive features such as contrasting belts, mix of texture in the materials used, patterns and even devices to enhance their natural shape.