I don’t like to cast judgements about people, but I’m going to assume if you’re reading this article, you’re a woman. If you’re not a woman, chances are, you probably already shop like a man so this particular article might not be especially helpful to you but, in the interest of open-mindedness, I accept there may be men who shop like women too, so if you fall in to any of these feminised shopping afflicted categories, read on.
Being a woman is expensive. There’s makeup, jewellery and waxing, hair-colour, handbags and heels. Even the most sensible spenders among us can’t avoid things like costly haircuts and overpriced footwear. Sure you can buy the cheapest heels in the shop, but they will inevitably give you blisters and arch spasms and don’t even get me started on discount haircuts… ouch.
But being a woman needn’t always be more costly, the secret is so glaringly obvious you won’t believe you didn’t think of it before: don’t buy women’s products, buy men’s.
Clothes & belts
Ok, so you’re not going to find a satin cocktail frock in the men’s department, but there is money to be saved in leisurewear and basics. Men’s tracksuits, hoodies, t-shirts, boxer shorts and tanks are often vastly cheaper than ladies’ and smaller sizes (perfect for girls!) are often reduced. Want a man style shirt? Well you don’t get much more manly than menswear and I don’t know if you girls have noticed, but there is nothing more comfy than a man’s tee shirt. Do yourself a favour and buy one. It will keep the man in your life happy too, because you can finally stop stealing his.
Shoes
The only difference between a girls’ thong and a guys’ thong is the size and maybe a few diamantes (to clarify here, I mean thong as in flip flop, rubber sandal type thing, not the dental floss-esque undergarments of the same name). Ugg boots, gum boots, plimsolls and canvas flats are the same, just a really simple cut and shape in a bigger size. Broaden your horizons and scope out the menswear department next time you’re looking for a pair of basic flatties, you might be surprised how much more we pay for a floral motif.
Accessories
I had to chuckle when I saw chunky, men’s style sporty watches featured in a trendy high street store the other week. Apparently they’re all the rage and apparently this is supposed to make me want to pay $60 for a piece of made-in-China fluoro plastic that will be hip for about 2 seasons and then I’ll be sick of it. Why wouldn’t I just buy the real thing? Ok, so not a Rolex, but men’s sport watches can be very affordable, particularly in discount and department stores.
Razors
Over the last 20 years, developments in men’s shaving technology have progressed exponentially. Scientists have created skin-smoothing, vibrating, sci-fi style razorblades sharp enough for split an atom. For women, they put a picture of a flower on the handle.
Men’s razors are often half the price of women’s, so stock up and enjoy the shavings, *ahem*, savings.
Founder, Savings Guide
Personal Finance Blogger
Alex (A.J.) Wilson is the founder and head personal finance writer of Savings Guide (a registered Australian company with ASIC).
Alex has 12+ years of experience commenting on personal finance in Australia with major media publications including Sydney Morning Herald, News.com.au, The Daily Telegraph, The New Daily, Your Mortgage and more.
Alex is regularly featured on Channel 9, Channel 7 and ABC Radio as a leading consumer advocate.
Holding a degree from the University of Sydney (UTS) in Communications and Information Management, Alex is based in Sydney Australia and works full time while simultaneously running Savings Guide to help Australian’s make smarter personal finance choices.
Follow Alex on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex by email.
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