My sister in the effort to rethink pink, Peggy Orenstein, has reported on Abercrombie's "push-up" bikinis for girls 7-12 a couple of times. Today she noted that the retailer has removed "push-up" from the description, though not, apparently from the bras. In my research, I also noticed the sexualization of bathing suits for even younger girls. In the early 1990s, bathing suits for baby girls were almost always one-piece; “femininity” was expressed through color (not just pink), floral prints and ruffles. In the summer of 2010, on one shopping website, which aggregates items from multiple sources, one third of the girls’ bathing suits in sizes 0-12 months were two-piece styles, nearly all of them bikinis. Why do BABIES need bikinis? They certainly aren't practical, and they can't be as comfortable as a tank-style one-piece.
Meredith
3/28/2011 09:50:03 am
I share your disgust with kiddie pushup suits. I'm not advocating baby bikinis but 2 pieces for babies
Beth Blevins
3/28/2011 10:46:21 am
Actually, I like two-piece suits for girls because it's easier for them to go to the bathroom in them than having to pull down a wet one-piece suit. However, I favor tankinis--which gives one-piece coverage and the ease of a two-piece.
maria
3/28/2011 02:46:37 pm
i like the two-piece rashguard-type suits i've seen on babies and toddlers of all genders. besides the diaper advantage meredith mentioned, i think a lot of parents like the "t-shirt" style tops because they cut down on the need for sunscreen.
Besides the diaper point, my daughter's long body that grows up more than it grows out, is far better suited to a bikini than a once piece, which within weeks is riding up on her. Comments are closed.
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