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

[somethingnewandexciting]

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?

I always buy men's disposable razors. Why should I pay more just because it's pink?!

Jumpers
l p
i’m a size 9, so i often have to wear men’s boot and shoes, but then spend a fortune on heel grips and insoles as they’re too wide.

Rucksacks - I’m tall ish and broad. Women’s rucksacks look ridiculous on me, and men’s always have more pockets and more adjustable straps.

T shirts - as above, tall and broad. I roll up the sleeves and cut down the neck. Also socks and gloves, I have big feet and hands.

Glasses (spectacles) - just nicer. I don’t want diamantees.

Yes I buy men's shirts (i have a long body and they are better quality and cheaper), men's glasses (not cheaper but women's glasses don't fit), men's socks (better quality and cheaper), men's disposable razors, joggers, pj bottoms, jeans, hats, wallets, bags, dressing gowns sometimes shoes. I am sure there are more things. I prefer plain good quality items and it's much easier and cheaper to find these marketed at men. Women's seem to have less focus on practicalities such as pockets and more focus on decorative, unnecessary aspects such as lace trim, sleeves that don't go all the way down, plunging necklines, patterns etc. Also men's stuff seems to have a wider range of neutral colours whereas women's has a wider range of pinks, purples, yellow, orange etc.

I don't like sweet/floral scents and some perfumes give me migraines. I wear mens aftershave/edt, have done for over 20 years. Like loads of other PP use mens razors, shaving gel and shower gel.

Absolutely love men's boxers from next, the multi coloured packs, hoodies/jumpers are borrowed from my husband, oversized and cozy. Wear mens tshirts, prefer regular fit and longer length, they look way better with jeans.

Walking gear mainly mens as the quality is better, that's everything from base layer to waterproofs. Only a size 4.5 so have boys walking boots, again they were cheaper than any in the womens range.

Mens Zara long wool coat, XS but looks oversized and gorgeous with a pair of jeans and my fav DMs.

I've never been a girlie girl but love my long nails and can't resist a stunning handbag 😊

I am confused by people saying rucksacks. I just get them from a camping shop, and they're not differentiated ny sex as things like walking trousers are.

I think the 'posher' sort do differentiate as they cater for broader shoulders and longer backs etc. But unless you're doing something quite strenuous or extreme, I don't think it really matters.

Wellies, walking shoes, waterproof coats, jerseys, T-shirts, some ordinary shirts.
All are better quality, cheaper, longer in the back and in nicer colours than women's. Plus the footwear is wider. It helps that I am broad-shouldered. I'm 5'7".

Plus antiperspirant, razors, soap.

I'm not a girly girl and never have been.

I have an 80l rucksack with adjustable back and strap heights, so ot can cater for people of different builds, but I don't think it was sold as "men's" or "women's".

Yes. Most rucksacks have adjustable straps etc but there are some (look in specialist trekking or outdoor magazines) which are specifically aimed at men or women.

Razors
Deodorant
Jumpers

My bicycle came from the children's section of the bike department in Halfords. I'm a short-arse and the largest girls mountain bike was a better "fit" than the smallest ladies one.

I only noticed it being gendered in TK Maxx where I have pictures of about 5 bags I sent to DD to pick. I wasn't impressed with the selection and couldn't understand how anyone was using them as actual school bags because they were fashion bags with thin straps that looked like they'd dig in with any weight. I luckily went upstairs to find a pan in the kitchen section (which is next to the menswear) and discovered a whole other range of sturdy laptop bags and proper hiking backpacks tucked away around a corner of their area. Online the bag I ended up buying is classified as 'Men's backpack'

Unfortunately can’t buy men’s clothes or shoes because I am 5’4” and shoe size 5, but I was annoyed at the better quality of men’s walking sandals when I was looking for some.
Have bought trainers from the boys section though so might try that next time I need sandals!

Men’s razors are better I think.

Deoderant I tend to buy a neutral smelling spray one like dove original and DH and I just share.

Main thing that annoys me is what feels like wasting much money on periods!!
sanitary products, pain killers, iron medication and when there more than one women per household…… it’s so annoying

@Cherrypopping DD and I use period pants - I had a whole tall wooden box next to the loo full of tampons and pads and liners and one day I read about the bleach in tampons and just decided to stop buying them. I was fed up with the weird perfumes they put on the pads anyway (always felt they advertised the fact you were on your period whenever you walked into a room!). We now have 8 ModiBodi boyshorts each. Initial cost is big but they are game changing in that you can actually just forget about them. I find those the most comfortable and less worrying for leaks. I just bung them in the wash and don't tumble dry them. Noticeably less plastic and rubbish (those plasticy sanitary pad wraps that stick to you with static used to annoy me floating about in bins!).

Agree though the cost is annoying - I find the same with the multivits and B12 and migraine meds we pay for.