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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:
Bettyfromhomeroom · 04/11/2025 20:14

Mens razors and mens Dove cotton fresh deodorant, I like the smell as it isn't too 'manly' and I think gives better protection.

Edited to add, I'm lucky enough to have size 4 feet so I buy kids trainers which work out much cheaper

DarkEyedSailor · 04/11/2025 20:14

Razors
Work shoes and socks
Deodorant

UnaOfStormhold · 04/11/2025 20:14

At 5'¹ and a size 3.5 shoe it's basically just razors that I get from the men's range (lovely bulldog bamboo handle). But I get kids stuff a lot!

Whatshesaid96 · 04/11/2025 20:13

Men's tshirts. I wear them to bed with women's pj bottoms. I find even when I size up in women's tops they come up short on my back, drives me insane.

houseofisms · 04/11/2025 20:12

Razors!! I just can’t get on with women’s ones with all the fancy guards and lotions etc

BlackeyedSusan · 04/11/2025 20:12

Mens t shirts. Prefer the fit.

Mens walking boots. Wide tied big foot who wears lots of socks.

BIC razors.

Walking jacket. (Better pockets)

mamagogo1 · 04/11/2025 20:12

No because it’s actually not that simple, shops were called out on this ages ago and they’ve equalised the pricing. I can’t wear mens clothing because it doesn’t fit, I do wear girls or unisex shoes though as small feet. Many “women” products are cheaper but often poorer quality

slonestranger · 04/11/2025 20:11

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

MycroftSholmes · 04/11/2025 20:11

Razors

Original poster
somethingnewandexciting · 04/11/2025 20:11

Yes @Goldeh the quality is markedly different. You'd not think men ran hot and women cold if you had a sample of clothes made for each sex, would you?

OP posts:
youalright · 04/11/2025 20:10

Razors and the odd tshirt if I want just a basic plain tshirt

Goldeh · 04/11/2025 20:09

Sunhats. The ones in the women's section tend to be designed for fashion or cuteness so are, frankly, shit. I don't want a baseball cap with a bill so small it would barely shade a gnat, never mind my face, plus the back of my next is then exposed. Nor do I want a comically huge and floppy straw sunhat flapping around my head and shoulders. Mens section are always practical, actual do the job, are slightly larger so my head doesn't feel squeezed, and are usually cheaper too.

Also winter hats. Women section always seems to be shitty bobble hats or those knitted infinity head bands whereas mens section has actual warm hats.

Original poster
somethingnewandexciting · 04/11/2025 20:09

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 04/11/2025 20:07

Razors but that’s about it. I have bought men’s walking boots and trainers before because they were cheaper but it was a false economy as they were too wide and my feet slid around in them.

Ah, I am lucky I guess as have quite wide feet and prefer a square toed shoe usually anyway!

OP posts:
Original poster
somethingnewandexciting · 04/11/2025 20:07

Oh yes, I'm 5ft 9 so love men's jumpers and joggers - they do seem to be better quality and last longer too!

Which deodorants would you suggest, being more fruity and less woody? That's something I haven't thought of!

OP posts:
GargoylesofBeelzebub · 04/11/2025 20:07

Razors but that’s about it. I have bought men’s walking boots and trainers before because they were cheaper but it was a false economy as they were too wide and my feet slid around in them.

Ineedanewsofa · 04/11/2025 20:04

I’m a shade under 6ft so have always bought men’s joggers but they do tend to be better quality than women’s (as well as longer!)
Men’s deodorant tends to be cheaper as well