New Look responds to backlash over padded bikini for young girls

You can "choose not to buy" something only to the extent that alternatives are available. The same applies to padded bikinis as for any other pieces of clothing; the reality is that options that are not so revealing (or in this case, also padded) are hard to find.

It doesn’t really matter either way. Lots of nine year olds are developing breasts.

Girls are entering puberty earlier

Hasn't that been debunked? I thought it remains broadly in line with long-term historical norms

Girls are entering puberty earlier.

It is normal for girls with breast buds to want to wear those moulded soft cup bras and swimsuits, because they don’t want the outline of their developing breasts to be visible in public, because males of all ages will comment on it.

Covering up the shape is not about sexualisation anymore than women wearing T-shirt bras are trying to look more sexualised.

It’s not these girls’ faults or their parents that they are trying to disguise their nipples in a society that think the outline of a nipple is too sexual.

I preferred moulded swimsuits and bikini tops from a young age for modesty reasons. I had very prominent nipples and I was self conscious as are a lot of girls. It had nothing to do with trying to be grown up or look sexy.

I can’t get excited about this to be honest. Parents can choose to not buy them. I remember reading years ago that teenage girls,prefer padded bras not because they’re trying to exaggerate anything but because they feel it provides more of a barrier than a flimsy non padded bra. I imagine it’s the same for a bikini. Some 9yos will have breast development and may feel more comfortable psychologically with padding.

They're moulded not padded.