The women’s fashion world has fallen in love with menswear-inspired pieces, but still many women breeze right past the men’s department. Are you looking for a comfortable and oversized sweater with a great fit? Next time you go shopping, take a trip to the men’s section, and you’ll likely find the perfect thing.
The men’s section is filled with hidden gems – it will open up many more options to you and will set you apart from the 50 other girls that have your same floral shirt. In addition, the prices in the men’s section can often be much lower than the women’s.
Not convinced? Here are the best things to buy in the men’s section of your favorite store. I hope this will convince you to give the men’s section a shot!
Table of Contents
1. Sweaters
Product: Printed Cardigan
It’s sweater weather season. And what better way to get into the spirit than grabbing a men’s wool or cashmere sweater off the racks? These are usually better quality and often even more comfortable than those in the women’s section. You can go for an oversized look with a regular style, or if you fear overwhelming your frame, shop for a slim-fitting sweater.
2. Sneakers
Product: Quilted High Tops
I usually buy my Nikes from the men’s section. Therefore, I am now fluent in the language of men’s shoe sizes. (Find your mens shoe size here!)
These sneakers have an edgy streetwear vibe that will bring a little something extra to any outfit. They are also super comfy. Sneakers like these are perfect for when you’re on the go and your flats, heels or boots don’t make the cut. And, again, you won’t have the same sneakers as every other girl you know!
3. Ties
Product: Paisley Bowtie
A bowtie is not the easiest thing to incorporate into a look, but it’s a unique way to accessorize once you decide how you want to style it.
To start, let it hang loose for a playful feel. Need some inspiration? See outfit 2 here, as well as this awesome Buzzfeed roundup of women rocking bow ties.
4. Button-Down Shirt
Product: Printed Button-Down Short Sleeve Shirt
My favorite item on this list is the classic and crisp button-down shirt.
A button-down shirt can dress up any casual outfit and you can make it work for almost any occasion. I love the feel of a loose button-down shirt from the men’s section. It’s more roomy and comfortable, especially if I’m out and about all day. All I have to do is tuck it into my skirt (or jeans) and go.
5. Duffle Bag
Product: Nylon and Suede Duffle Bag
Need to pack for a weekend trip? Mens duffle bags are usually more durable and long-lasting than those you’d find in the womens’ section. They are also more spacious for the million and one things we all carry around. Duffle bags from the men’s section come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll be sure to find something that complements your style.
Your Thoughts
Have you ever shopped in the men’s section? If not, would you ever shop in the men’s section? What would you shop for? Which item is your favorite? Share with us in the comments section below.
I’m about 5’11” and grew up in Japan, so I only ever could buy my shoes in men sizes. My parents would buy me as many sandals and boots that they could when we came up to the States or Canada, but I was always pleased with what I could get in the mens section (they always had something in a nice light pink :p).
I love the men’s section and my dad’s old clothes lol. So far in just this semester I’ve gotten perfectly loose t-shirts, my backpack, a baseball hat, sweaters, and all sorts of flannels and button downs. I’ll have to try for sneakers next, because I’ve started finding women’s sneakers trying way too hard to be traditionally feminine lately. I’ve also noticed that men’s items seem to be cheaper than women’s, even if they’re basically the same thing – ie. razors, fragrances, grooming needs, and often clothes as well.
The most loved items in my closet are mens department finds My fav is a white linen button down shirt. The prices are usually better and the fit is awesome. Also, no one else ever has what I am wearing! ??. Go shop menswear!
Lovin’ men’s shirts. Better quality for lower price than in women’s depts.
I could have written this article, except about the shoes…which i’ll be looking at next.
My current fave shirt is a blue/white plaid, NOT button-down, with a “tricots st. raphael” label, from Steinmart. (Now they’ll raise the prices, drat!!!) I like soft fabrics and this particular shirt is soft, nicely sewn, shoulders well- sized, and going to be with me a long time.
Button-down collars are so last century in my world, except for pink, but none are soft enough fabric for me.
I buy on sale. It’s a cold day in July when i’ll pay full price for anything.
I turn up the cuffs, buttoned or unbuttoned, and put it over any of my tees or long sleeve knit tops, leave it unbuttoned and go. I’m 5’6″ 125 lbs and wear a bra that minimizes all that I have topside(not giving away the cup size!!!!). The one chest pocket holds my little phone if I need it available.
The trick, IMO, is to shop carefully and be fussy. And don’t try to be too up-to-the-latest-minute fashionable, which costs plenty and lasts just a little while, and once you know your own style you can save lots of money by careful sale shopping. Sorry this is so long, but this is just my topic and I didn’t get to the shoe issue…lucky you!!! LOL
I wish I could buy mens clothes, but they look funny on my 5’4 95lbs body. Which is why the boys department is a great alternative for us petite girls, though I usually have to get the “husky” boys clothes because boobs.
Hahaha! Button-down shirt from the men’s section? Only if you don’t have breasts, I guess.
Yeah or I’m flat chested but pear shaped an plus sized and shirts that don’t have waist tailoring are a huge NO. And the shoulders in men’s items are often cut to make men’s shoulders look broad and I don’t need help in that area.
I feel like men’s clothing only looks great on super skinny girls.
I agree with what most commented; men’s sweaters are the best. I like a roomy sweater and sometimes when they fall off the shoulder. I honestly can’t see what else you can swipe from the men’s side except maybe button down shirts.
www.shopbellaeve.com
I love hats from men’s department. Boots and oxfords. Graphic T-shirts.
Men’s sweatshirts are the only ones I will buy. They are longer and roomier and are nicer quality for less money. Great for running around in or just to relax in.
Men’s sweaters are the way to go! I will never buy a women’s sweater ever again (unless it’s a plus size one) because I find that many brands for some reason think every thing has to be tight or showing your “curves”. I like that, but sometimes I just want something to be baggy and I can just tuck in the front of my jeans or wear tights underneath.
I’ve been wearing men’s sneakers since I was in grade school because they always had the basic colors. It seems like most of the women’s shoes are always bedazzled and bright.
If you have any sort of bosoms, men’s shirts are…not going to be flattering without some sewing skills. I remember wearing a button down shirt that fit me across the shoulders just fine, and literally three people made jokes about what I was smuggling in under my shirt, because once the shirt covered my boobs it hung like a tent. NOT flattering, unless I take the time to handsew darts.
Next time, fit for the chest first and go from there…….i see lots of that sort of top in women’s wear. And sometimes wish i carried safety pins to offer, but since i decided that fixing everything is NMJ (not my job) I don’t bother…….