People Are Buying New Shirts, But Not New Pants Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Wal-Mart Headed for Top of Fotune 500

One of the advantages of working from home during the global coronavirus pandemic is that you don't have to get dressed up in nice clothes to go to the office. Many people are lounging around in pajama pants and a t-shirt while working hard from their couch or home office.

While that may be fine under most circumstances, nobody wants to look like a slob when on a video call with their boss or coworkers, so they put on a nice shirt and set up their camera so it doesn't show the fact that they are wearing a comfy pair of pants.

As a result, Walmart has seen a surge in people buying new shirts, but nobody seems to be buying new pants.

"We're seeing increased sales in tops, but not bottoms," Walmart's executive vice president of corporate affairs Dan Bartlett told Yahoo Finance. "So, people who are concerned, obviously, from the waist up."

While some may not feel the need to get dressed in the morning, Paul C. Witt, an LA-based retail consultant and the founder and co-owner of menswear shop WITTMORE, told Rolling Stone that it is important to put on clothes every day, even if nobody is going to see you.

"Keeping your normal routine now is more important than ever," he said. "Structure is good and helps your mind. Plus, in the world of Zoom and FaceTime, you still want to look put together."

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

Photo: Getty Images