Originally Posted by
Phil_gretz
^ he has a run in his stocking. Otherwise...
To the OP topic, yes, there differences. Lycra/spandex clothing made from multiple panels is sewn with an anatomical shape in mind. Women (typically) have a wider pelvis and smaller bones than men do. The pad is designed to fit anatomically, and a man's pad is shaped differently from a woman's pad. Can you do what you've asked? Why not experiment and report back?
I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a pair on FB Marketplace when I found a set of Canari shorts for men in my size for $20 so I bought a set of those. I only have 1 set of Castelli bibs and they're AWESOME but for longer rides they make nature breaks very awkward so looking fwd to having some shorts.
If I do get a pair of women's then I'll let you know, but my questions were basically answered here, it sounds like they are shaped for a women's body and not just for marketing purposes.