5 items from the menswear department we're buying for ourselves

| Aug 24, 2017

Why the menswear department is actually a goldmine (and money-saver) for us gals

I'm not being anti-feminist when I say I sometimes wish I was born a man because I only wish it when I visit Penneys. Yes, Penneys' women's department is like no other, and yes, I've picked up a bargain or ten million in my day, but by God, have you been in the menswear department? It's a regular pin prick in a black hole.

A trip to Penneys is the experience many the hilarious website has made a list about. You do have to battle through crowds! The only pair of shoes you like in your size is always the most obviously tried-on pair! The price at the checkout is always quadruple what you thought it would be (given the Narnia wardrobe sized pile of loot you plonked on the counter). But have you ever experienced the glory that is the men's department? Compact. Relatively neat. Full of stuff I'd wear if I were a boy. Full of really good stuff.

menswear department

What menswear departments they lack in size, they make up in worth. Because women's trends and styles vary so widely, they tend to be of a lower quality to men's. Blame the retailers' budgets on that. They can also be cheaper. Buy a women's basic work shirt. So far, so cheap. Buy a man's basic work shirt. So far, so cheap. But buy a woman's trendy over-sized shirt and, guess what? It costs more than the man's shirt, and it's pretty much the same thing. Actually, men's shirts can be better. They don't have the annoying lines and seams that shirts designed for women have to make them more fitted and 'shapely'. And dated. *pictures a Next catalogue model*

This season, oversize sweaters are 'in'. You know what I'm going to say. Don't spend time and energy searching for one that everyone else doesn't have, get it in the men's dept. Side note: men's jumpers are usually better quality than women's. Probably because men wear that one same one for weeks on end.

menswear department

MAKE them fit you

While we're here, let me remind you that celebrities never wear the off-the-rack version of the item of clothing they buy. They always get them tailored. Men's clothes can be catered to all women's shapes and sizes, too. Slim fit tuxedo jackets would look amaze on a petite gal - just tailor the sleeves. And, come on, men's jeans are 'boyfriend jeans'. (And, again, because of that, they're cheaper than women's boyfriend jeans. Besides, men shop in womenswear for skinnies.

Don't ignore the bags and accessories section, either. Chunky watches are made for your delicate wrist. Same goes for the chains and earrings, except swap wrist for neck and ... you get me. Also, 'men's' bags are brilliant.