Gen Z and millennials are panicking over what they think is one of the biggest recession indicators – stores selling outfits that look like they came from the dystopian young adult novel and movie The Hunger Games.
Shoppers are taking to social media to warn that Hunger Games-style clothing that’s better suited for factory work is available at affordable clothing chains like Old Navy, which they think is a sign of times to come.
The new warnings are part of a hashtag: the #RecessionIndicator social media trend, where younger generations are saying everything from pop music to empty bars are a sign that the economic downturn is on its way.
Many young women are flocking to TikTok to point out what they view as signs the economy is on the brink of a recession.
Content creator Zoe showed off a recent shopping trip to Old Navy and said ‘we’re pretty sure they’ve got some recession predictors out here,’ before holding up a ‘District 12 frock,’ referencing the poorest of the areas in the Young Adult novel.
District 12 was located in Appalachia and known for its coal mining industry, and was where protagonist Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) hailed from.
‘It’s made out of a nice rough material… It doesn’t need washing that often. That is recession-core,’ the content creator said about the $18 beige linen dress.
‘They’re trying to get us prepared to get back to work,’ Zoe and her friend joked, before showing off Rosie the Riveter-inspired jeans that one commenter compared to Civil War pants, a red bandana, and an oatmeal ‘District 12 shirt.’
Content creator Zoe showed off a recent shopping trip to Old Navy and said ‘we’re pretty sure they’ve got some recession predictors out here,’ before showing off a ‘District 12 frock,’ referencing the smallest and poorest of the thirteen districts in the Young Adult novel
‘Old Navy wants us back in the factories y’all,’ the creator captioned the viral video, where commenters were quick to weigh in and complain about the colorless clothing.
People called the selections the ‘burlap special’ and ‘Gilead coded,’ in reference to the dystopian novel turned TV show The Handmaid’s Tale.
‘Sad beige clothes for sad beige recession factory workers,’ one commenter claimed, as another called the outfit ‘the full mining uniform.’
‘The smocking on the back is also an indication of cost cuts because it’s not tailored,’ one commenter explained.
‘Also them getting rid of plus size because at some point we won’t be able to afford to eat!’ an aggravated viewer wrote.
‘I will NOT apologize for buying the button down oatmeal shirt last week, I’m preparing for the depression!’
They aren’t the only creators who are theorizing about potential recession fashion indicators.
In March, the Data But Make It Fashion Instagram account shared the statistics behind sartorial recession indicators.
District 12 was located in Appalachia and known for its coal mining industry, and was famously where protagonist Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) hailed from
‘It’s made out of a nice rough material… It doesn’t need washing that often. That is recession-core,’ the content creator said about the $18 beige linen dress, although plenty of commenters said it was their go-to summer frock
The account shared data that explained there has been a rise in young women buying more corporate outfits ‘as people emphasize work and their presence in the workforce’ and minimalism ‘as people prioritize less-flashy, less-‘happy’ style.’
There has also been a rise in lipstick purchases, which has always been a major economic drop indicator, as it quickly becomes one of the only affordable luxuries in times of depression.
The lipstick effect stems from the theory that during any kind of economic downturn, more women begin purchasing makeup items in a bid to treat themselves without breaking the bank.
The data comes as betting markets show a 62 percent chance that the United States will plunge into a recession this year after President Donald Trump announced the latest round of international tariffs.
J.P. Morgan announced that the ‘the probability of a recession now stands at 40 percent,’ with one of the major indicators being a lack of consumer confidence, which is degree of optimism consumers have about the state of the economy and their personal financial situation, which then influences their spending behaviors.
Experts have warned in recent weeks about recession indicators, including Americans prematurely withdrawing money from their 401(k)s to cover financial emergencies.
However, experts seem to have missed this massive indicator, which is that fashion has evolved to hold up for a massive downturn, giving shoppers inexpensive, easily washable, dull outfits that could signify what’s to come.
