New Jersey woman sees Abercrombie’s new $85 wool sweaters. Then she catches something alarming in the material: ‘Pink tax is insane’

A New Jersey woman is calling out Abercrombie & Fitch over what she calls a “pink tax.” Comparing two $85 wool sweaters, she questions why the women's version contains significantly less wool than the men's.

On Oct. 11, a woman (@elyse9438) compared the two sweaters in a TikTok that has amassed 441,000 views as of Wednesday.

“I don't know why more people aren't talking about this Abercrombie pink tax situation, but this is blasphemy,” she says.

What's wrong with the Abercrombie women's sweaters?

In a video, the woman highlights a men's 100% merino wool crewneck sweater priced at $85. She then compares it with a women's wool-blend crewneck sweater that costs the same amount.

“It's also $85,” she says, pointing to the women's sweater.

The women's version contains just 25% wool, alongside 40% cotton and 35% nylon. The man's sweater, meanwhile, contains 100% merino wool.

“That's weird, they're the same exact price,” she says. “No excuse in the book could justify something like this.”

The woman also raises concerns about the durability of synthetic materials. She argues that garments containing plastics and acrylic can break down faster than those made entirely from natural fibers.

“The garment's gonna break down faster,” she explains. “Which means you're back inside their store soon enough to replace it.”

Overwhelmingly, viewers were similarly frustrated by the woman's observation.

“They prob think we are dumb and won't notice,” said one user.

“I've started buying from the men's section more, and the products are usually so much more comfy,” added another. “It is so infuriating.”

“I've been convinced that they make women's things weaker, forcing us to go buy more because women will just go back out and buy another,” wrote a third.

Is a ‘pink tax' a real phenomenon?

The pink tax is a documented consumer issue, but experts distinguish between gender-based price differences and differences in product quality. A 2015 study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs examined nearly 800 products across five industries. It found that women's products cost more than comparable men's products 42% of the time. Overall, women's products cost 7% more on average.

The study found that women's personal care products, clothing, and accessories often carried higher prices. Researchers also noted that manufacturers and retailers may charge different prices for similar products based on gendered marketing and consumer demand.

However, the study does not establish that every price difference reflects gender discrimination. Product composition, construction, and other features can also affect manufacturing costs and retail prices.

@elyse9438

Subplot reached out to @elyse9438 via TikTok direct message and email, and to Abercrombie via email.

The post New Jersey woman sees Abercrombie's new $85 wool sweaters. Then she catches something alarming in the material: ‘Pink tax is insane' appeared first on Subplot News.