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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do you buy anything marketed to men that is just as good, or better than the "womens" version?

191 replies

somethingnewandexciting · 04/11/2025 20:00

We all know women pay more for everything, clothes, beauty, toiletries etc, the pink tax or whatever they call it (cba to look up references and stats, it's a thing).

On that, and because I am a bit more broke than usual this month, what do you feel you save on by buying that isn't the mainstream? I saved £20 on a pair of walking boots last week because I bought the men's ones - am a size 8 which can hard to get in women's shops anyway. I also get men's razors, shaving foam, jumpers and boxer shorts - so much more comfy!

What am I missing? Interested in multivits (currently get one that is designed for women but am wondering if its just the same stuff as men get, maybe with folate added?) and other clothes or better quality things that are made to last.

As for the AIBU - AIBU that in 2025 we should not have to double check prices of the same things against men's products because they know we will pay more even though we earn less?

OP posts:
Muffsies · 04/11/2025 20:27

TimSamandLulu · 04/11/2025 20:23

I always buy men’s socks. I’m convinced they are thicker and better quality than women’s.

I buy men's running socks. The women's are usually pink, white or light green. I generally prefer the black and luminous colors in the men's selection.

isitmytime · 04/11/2025 20:26

Razors, they seem sharper and are definitely cheaper compared to the equivalent marketed at females.(

Just for men to dye my eyebrows

SparklyCardigan · 04/11/2025 20:25

Socks and jumpers. Never thought to look for men's joggers or hats, but will do from now on!

HelenaWaiting · 04/11/2025 20:24

Tomatoblush · 04/11/2025 20:14

I always buy men’s Pajama bottoms.
the cosy check ones.
They are better than the ladies versions and cheaper and always have pockets.
Also I can never find women’s ones without cutie teddies and shit on them.

Me too. Except I buy the full pyjama set. I'm tall, like my nightwear roomy and have no wish to be dressed as a giant toddler.

NoraLuka · 04/11/2025 20:24

T-shirts, jumpers, joggers and football stuff. I like men’s jeans because the material is thicker and the pockets are bigger but it’s difficult to find a pair that fits over the hips and bum.

Wheech · 04/11/2025 20:23

I don't know why I never thought to try pyjamas. I'm tall and struggle with women's pyjamas being too short and then shrinking which is even worse.

I bought men's trainers socks on a whim while queuing in Primark a while ago and am blown away by the difference in quality. My toe hasn't gone through a single sock yet.

TimSamandLulu · 04/11/2025 20:23

I always buy men’s socks. I’m convinced they are thicker and better quality than women’s.

toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 04/11/2025 20:22

Deodorant

yuol · 04/11/2025 20:21

Men’s razors and foam, men’s T-shirts as I far prefer the fit, men’s pyjamas shorts, they always have far nicer designs and I wear teen boy jeans as I’m short.

PeonyBulb · 04/11/2025 20:21

I much prefer men’s Gillette razor and shaving foam
Men’s boots are too wide for me but happily wear men’s socks

JumpOverTheCakeJake · 04/11/2025 20:20

Jumpers
Sweatshirts
Socks
Moisturiser
Razors
Shower gel
T-shirts
Deodorant
Joggers
Thermals
Hats, caps, sunhats

I'm actually very girly in lots of ways but refuse to pay more for quality items.

Fgfgfg · 04/11/2025 20:20

Razors
Jumpers - women's are always too short
T shirts - thicker and more substantial, wash better
Deodorant - more effective and unscented
Towelling dressing gowns - better colours i.e. not pink or pastel but dark green or dark blue

OneFootAfterTheOther · 04/11/2025 20:20

hiking boots, socks (M&S cushioned men’s socks aka grandpa socks are the best) and anti-perspirant.

Justwanttobebythesea · 04/11/2025 20:19

i’m 5 3 so I just get teen stuff (jeans, trainers, hoodies) as it’s VAT free so always cheaper

Glitchymn1 · 04/11/2025 20:19

Men’s razors, shaving gel and sometimes shower gel.

InterestedDad37 · 04/11/2025 20:18

Intrigued by so many buying men's razors! Men's razors are notoriously an absolute rip off! I get cheapo muliltipacks from Lidl or Aldi 👍🪒

QueenOfThorns · 04/11/2025 20:17

Tomatoblush · 04/11/2025 20:14

I always buy men’s Pajama bottoms.
the cosy check ones.
They are better than the ladies versions and cheaper and always have pockets.
Also I can never find women’s ones without cutie teddies and shit on them.

Can you please tell me where you get these? I have two brushed cotton pairs that I bought from Next years ago, but they’re a little past their best now! Next don’t seem to do them anymore, and the ones I’ve seen in other places aren’t very nice looking

Tryingatleast · 04/11/2025 20:16

I find men’s jumpers warmer, also men’s wooly hats … aside from that I’ve no idea!!

Ponderingwindow · 04/11/2025 20:16

It’s easier to get the stupid moisture strips off of men’s razors. Since I can’t use a razor with one attached I buy men’s.

also a men’s shaving cream is the only allergen free one I have found.

Toooldtopretend · 04/11/2025 20:16

slonestranger · 04/11/2025 20:11

Minoxidil, I buy the mens version as it works out cheaper.

🙌🏻 Alpecin rather than Plantur 39 here - significantly cheaper

Lifejigsaw · 04/11/2025 20:15

Nivea men’s shaving balm

G5000 · 04/11/2025 20:15

Regaine Minoxidil foam - exactly the same ingredients, except that you get 3 bottles in men's multipack for the same price as 2 bottles in women's version.

houseofisms · 04/11/2025 20:14

I’m 5ft 9 so all my hoody’s and jumpers are men’s! Also pjs, women’s pjs always shrink so o go for men’s lounge pjs. They also always have pockets!

notacooldad · 04/11/2025 20:14

I dont go put of my way to buy 'men' products but I generally pick up deodorantsthsts on offer, its hot 'for men' i dont care. Dh doesn't care if its in 'female' packaging .

Tomatoblush · 04/11/2025 20:14

I always buy men’s Pajama bottoms.
the cosy check ones.
They are better than the ladies versions and cheaper and always have pockets.
Also I can never find women’s ones without cutie teddies and shit on them.

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