lightspeedsound:

“Why can’t women manage their money tho?”

One thing I’ve realized after being in a long term relationship/married is that the reason why women are so often portrayed as “not knowing how to manage money” and “binge shopping irresponsibly” is that men, particularly straight upper middle class cis men without daughters, have NO IDEA how much women’s products can cost.

The average dudebro can spend $10 on a hair cut. Most men don’t use shampoo. When it comes to business casual wear, sure they might have to invest in a couple good suits but they can wear those suits interchangeably for the entire year. Dress shirts and ties might cost some money, but not more than your average regularly priced blouse at, say, Talbot’s.

Men’s razors are more efficient and generally cover way less surface area than women’s brands, so they wear out less often and often, men’s shaving cream is cheaper. Men don’t often invest in skin care products either unless there’s a specific need due to their own special problems.

Men’s underwear is generally boxers/briefs and the occasional undershirt. These are all products that come in multipacks, even at department stores, unless you’re getting specific themed boxers and even then, price-wise, I haven’t seen anything over $20. IF THAT.

Even silk boxers aren’t too pricey, when you think about it. Maybe $30-40.

Men’s shoes can be pricey but they can wear the same two pairs of dress shoes with everything.

ON THE OTHER HAND LETS TALK ABOUT WOMENS BUSINESS CASUAL BULLSHIT.

Let’s talk about bras first. A lower end, functional bra from target runs anywhere from $15 (on sale, no padding) to $35. Just for ONE BRA. (Also you need different types of bras for different tops. You can’t wear a black bra with a light colored blouse. Sometimes you need a strapless, sometimes you’re nursing and need a front-open. Sometimes you need a racer back for certain tank tops. And sometimes you need sports bras WHICH ARE WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT EXISTS TO COLLECT SWEAT AND KEEP THINGS FROM BOUNCING). Good quality department store bras are more in the $35-50 range. Yes, for one bra. Victoria’s Secret btw tends to be not great quality and also in that price range for bras, except on sale and then they can be old with usage from being tried on by too many people (because yes, you DO need to try them on! It’s not a standardized system!!)

And let’s talk about underwear. Almost no women i know match every day with their bra because it’s just way too much money (and you can air-and-Re-wear a bra; you can’t do that with Panties. Sure, you can get Haynes multipacks at target for like $15 for five, but that’s all one type and also one type of material (cheap cotton). Sometimes you need different cuts (high bikini, low waist, brief, boy shorts, thong, string bikini, high waist) for different outfits or activities. Sonetlmes you need special no-seam material for certain outfits and dresses. You may have special period underwear too that is perfect for either soaking up blood on its own (thinx) or holds pads in place well.

Expensive undies are in the $15-35 a pair range.

Now let’s talk about clothes. Yes, women have to change their outfits every day. We can’t get away with one suit or one dress. And it’s just gross sometimes when you’re on your period (stuff leaks !)

So we have to buy more clothes because it’s not socially acceptable to just swap out tops to suit pants and jackets every day. And people WILL notice.

Now let’s talk about haircuts. Your low end cut? Like at your basic strip mall chain? At least $25/30 for a shampoo, rinse, cut and style. Most women’s hair can’t be cut dry like at s barbers (lots of professional women gotta keep their hair at a length that can be pulled back). We also use conditioner to manage our hair and probably a couple different types of shampoo (for various problems). Most women moisturize, esp if they have a business-casual and above level job, where they may be expected to wear a certain minimum level of makeup (and makeup, btw, is expensive AS HELL. Drug store cheap lipstick that will last long and won’t give you a rash? $8 AT LEAST. You need multiple colors for different seasons and outfits. Foundation, concealer, eyeliner and powder all cost more. And for high end lipstick, like Sephora stuff? $20, easily.).

Also, waxing and shaving cost more too. Because the western standard is to shave your under arms, legs, and if necessary, wax your eyebrows and upper lips. This btw is also why we take “so long” in the shower. You try to shampoo and condition shoulder length hair, shave both your entire legs, both underarms, your bikini line, and soap off properly and rinse thoroughly so you don’t get a UTI. All while not wearing your glasses, standing under the shower, propping your legs up against the wall, balancing against the glass door with one hand dispensing the shaving cream, the other spreading it, your razor in your mouth and avoiding shampoo in your eyes.

And then of course after we do all that and try to get dressed, we have no pockets so we gotta coordinate a purse and make sure it has everything we need. That has to match, or st least be functional enough .

AND SHOES. Fuck shoes. Boots for winter, open toed for summer, walking flats and heels to change into, sandals vs open toed, wedges vs Stilleto, and sneakers for working out.

Hair ties, clips, headbands all go in the purse in case you need to tie your hair back or work out later etc. my husband was offended btw that essentially a rubber band coated in cloth can cost so much money. (He was shocked at $8 for a ten pack at Safeway. LOL!!!)

Not to mention pads and tampons are very expensive too, like $6 for a pack of 36, which is enough for maybe one period cycle? And you might need pads too.

Pantyhose, socks, tights?? All are expensive, you need multiple colors and shades, and they tear SO EASILY. A pack of just black tights at target? $10. For one pair.

So why do we spend so much money at target? Because EVERYTHING COSTS SO MUCH. And sure you may not think these things are essential, but when’s the last time somebody commented on your clothes at work? I once went without makeup to court and everyone kept asking if I was sick and I was mistaken for a juvenile by strangers (I’m an attorney).

So basically, we have to spend twice to three times what men do for “basics” on the same salary. Yet women are paid LESS on average. And thus men shake their heads and say “women just don’t manage their money well.” WHAT MONEY????????