Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think kids shouldn't wear bikinis?

157 replies

cinnamonswirl99 · 02/02/2025 11:23

I'm just browsing the kids swimwear range on the John Lewis app, and keep coming across bikinis for little girls.
I don't know, am I weird for thinking this isn't right.
If I had a daughter, I wouldn't want her to wear something like that at such a young age.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Devianinc · 03/02/2025 04:43

Never saw those on Long Island beaches.et everyone choose their and who care s. Too many people having an opinion. Look away

Devianinc · 03/02/2025 04:40

Really,y can no girl be able to choose for themselves and little zbaby girls need two pieces for diaper changing.u common sense

SwingTheMonkey · 03/02/2025 04:37

Printedword · 03/02/2025 01:01

Yes they should, boys don't get this pressure to dress like that

Lots of boys wear ‘skinny’ joggers and jeans. Some little boys even wear leggings. No child should have to cover their form in loose clothing. It’s deeply disturbing that you think they do.

2O25 · 03/02/2025 04:36

Bikinis and two piece swimsuits do not mean the same thing. I assume the OP did not mind her daughter wearing a two piece swimsuit but did want her wearing a bikini. "The difference between the bikini and its two-piece predecessor is brevity. Simply defined, the bikini is an abbreviated two-piece swimsuit with a bra top and panties cut below the navel".

eightIsNewNine · 03/02/2025 04:21

It's unclear what you really complain about and what you suggest.

There is no reason to bother young girls with one piece costumes (unless competitive swimming/their own preference) - hard work at toilet, a lots of unnecessary wet fabric.

From my point of view, small children should be fine with bottoms only. Once it isn't enough, any kind of top which works for the activity is fine - be it full t-shirt for sun protection or the bandeau style top.
I would agree that some of the obviously adult imitating pieces can be impractical, especially the triangles with laces for tieing up, but it doesn't disqualify all two pieces.

I would like to see more short shorts styled bottoms over the knickers one in the shops, just to give more choice though.

LoudSnoringDog · 03/02/2025 04:09

No issues. My daughter much prefers wearing bikinis/ tankinis

Wannabegreenfingers · 03/02/2025 03:41

I couldn't agree less. They are are far easier to go the toilet than a one peice. My daughter has always worn one. There is nothing sexual about a young girl in a bikini.

Printedword · 03/02/2025 01:01

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Yes they should, boys don't get this pressure to dress like that

hulahooper2 · 02/02/2025 23:03

I don’t see any issue with them

Glitterbomb123 · 02/02/2025 22:50

MissTrip82 · 02/02/2025 21:42

It’s impossible to sexualise a toddler.

Bikinis shouldn’t be worn for sun protection reasons.

There is no other reason. There is nothing sexual about a three year old. People who find a three year old capable of being sexualised are sick.

Please explain this because I'm genuinely confused. Are you aware that there are weirdos around that would take pleasure from seeing a child dressed like this? Of course People who find a three year old capable of being sexualised are sick. So why dress them in minimal/adult clothing!?

SwingTheMonkey · 02/02/2025 22:19

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

BlueSilverCats · 02/02/2025 21:50

@MissTrip82 so why not put a 3 yo in a thong bikini? Or a mini skirt and a tube top? Why have any rules about clothing at all?

Printedword · 02/02/2025 21:45

SwingTheMonkey · 02/02/2025 21:39

Do you live in Siberia? The UK is a temperate climate. Leggings are perfectly fine as a bottom covering for most of the year.

Sorry not a fan. Windy weather and leggings are not compatible. Also, as the mother of boys, I'd not want any kids looking like they in leggins. Yuk

coldcallerbaiter · 02/02/2025 21:43

Women should not really either tbh.

I used to fill my bikini bra with wet sand as a small child to amuse myself and other children with boobies.

MissTrip82 · 02/02/2025 21:42

FumingTRex · 02/02/2025 11:35

I do not think a child should wear an adult style bikinis as it is sexualising. Its making out they have boobs and drawing attention to them. A vest or tank top two piece is fine. Two flimsy triangles covering the boob area is not.

It’s impossible to sexualise a toddler.

Bikinis shouldn’t be worn for sun protection reasons.

There is no other reason. There is nothing sexual about a three year old. People who find a three year old capable of being sexualised are sick.

Cakefolk · 02/02/2025 21:42

I find it more weird you're browsing kids swimwear and don't have a daughter, I guess you could have a son??

SwingTheMonkey · 02/02/2025 21:39

Printedword · 02/02/2025 20:20

Well, they are not practical if worn as trousers. Really cold

Do you live in Siberia? The UK is a temperate climate. Leggings are perfectly fine as a bottom covering for most of the year.

SwingTheMonkey · 02/02/2025 21:37

TemporaryPosition · 02/02/2025 20:02

Bikinis aren't as practical or comfortable as a swimming costume.

I’m not sure what that has to do with what I said about leggings?

But actually, ‘bikinis’ as I’d think of them- like the pictures posted up thread (that people denied were bikinis and instead called them 2 pieces) are much more practical than swimming costumes for things like going to the toilet. They’re also more comfortable and don’t ride up ones crotch…

Lovelysummerdays · 02/02/2025 21:02

It’s much easier to pop to the loo in a two piece. My daughters prefer them. They are cropped top / sports style rather than the triangle type with ties. Those are inappropriate for children imo.

Mrsdyna · 02/02/2025 21:00

Yanbu

BlueSilverCats · 02/02/2025 20:50

Reallyyyyyy · 02/02/2025 20:02

They shouldn't be wearing them. One, all kids should be wearing suits that protect from the sun. And also, why are we sexualising kids. Y putting them in adult styled clothes, this goes with shorts too. Girls shorts are always so much shorter than boys. So I buy from the boys section. Young girls don't need crop tops either.

And more expensive.

BlueSilverCats · 02/02/2025 20:49

DrRichardWebber · 02/02/2025 20:09

But, it’s a million times easier for wees when you’re wearing a bikini! Just the thought of taking off a wet swimsuit to wee then putting it back on makes me shudder.

A two piece does the same job, doesn't have to be a bikini.

PLHJ84 · 02/02/2025 20:38

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 02/02/2025 11:26

I like a tankini. Covers more, easier toileting.

My daughters have always worn them since they were out of swim nappies. Doesn’t show much more than a costume.

Toomanyusernamestochoose · 02/02/2025 20:30

Agree with majority that the triangle style ones don't really sit right with me but DD regularly wears crop top or tankini style because they are so much more practical than one piece. Rash vest worn when in hot sun and then taken off for evening swims on holiday

TheEllisGreyMethod · 02/02/2025 20:30

I don't like kids in bikinis or crop tops and I hate girls in those bloody Nike pro shorts.
Call me what you want, but kids have plenty of time to wear what they want when they grow up, they don't need to be dressing as adults from about 5 years old. It's disgusting.