Chapter 15, Underwear Power Summary and Analysis

Andy considers himself to be truly American because of his penchant for buying things. As opposed to other countries and cultures that enjoy the give and take of commerce, Americans prefer only to buy. Today, the target of Andy's consumption habits is underwear. Andy calls one of the B's to see if B wants to accompany Andy to Macy's Department Store to purchase new underwear. B would prefer to shop for underwear at Bloomingdale's where B normally buys the store brand of pure pima cotton underwear.

Andy convinces B to accompany him to Macy's and the two discuss the law of diminishing returns regarding socks. No matter where they are washed or who washes them, one sock is always lost in the laundry. Arriving at Macy's, Andy and B are overwhelmed by the big Saturday shopping crowd...