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AIBU?

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Original poster

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:
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5
PinkiOcelot · 02/02/2025 11:24

Why?

Eileen101 · 02/02/2025 11:24

YANBU. I wouldn't be comfortable with mine in a bikini.

Bigtom · 02/02/2025 11:24

PinkiOcelot · 02/02/2025 11:24

Why?

This

Moonlightstars · 02/02/2025 11:25

I agree always looks very weird. My daughter absolutely refused to wear them when her nana tried to put them in them. She more boys swimming trunks or a costume until she started getting boobs.

Youcanttakeanelephantonthebus · 02/02/2025 11:25

I don't allow my dd because 1/ I want shoulders and as much skin covered if we are out on the sun and 2/ if she's swimming inside she's either doing swimming lessons and needs something more practical, or is going down slides so needs something that won't ride up/down and remain on.

PizzaPunk · 02/02/2025 11:26

You haven't said why you think it isn't right?

If it's anything to do with sex or sexualising a child's body then yes, of course you're being weird.

Or is it something like too much sun exposure?

If so there's always sun block.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 02/02/2025 11:26

I like a tankini. Covers more, easier toileting.

Pat888 · 02/02/2025 11:27

Why - because she has nipples like boys who NEVER have a range of bikinis in their swimwear.

HPandthelastwish · 02/02/2025 11:27

Little girls like to copy their mum's. Bikinis or two pieces are far easier to get changed out of on the beach. Far easier to go to the toilet in. Can be worn under rash vests or wetsuits to protect from the sun

Rachmorr57 · 02/02/2025 11:27

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

KimberleyClark · 02/02/2025 11:27

I wore a bikini from age 6 but it was definitely a child’s bikini, the bottom had a little skirt and the top was not bra shaped, more like a short vest.

Precipice · 02/02/2025 11:29

Neither should adult women, really. Nobody should be parading around in underwear, arse half on show, adjusting the gusset.

Men and boys get to move around freely and comfortably with their whole bums covered.

YoungGunsHavingSomeFunCrazyLadiesKeepEmOnTheRun · 02/02/2025 11:29

My dd wears a two piece because it's easier for her going to the toilet, nothing wrong with it.

Mielbee · 02/02/2025 11:30

Totally agree.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 02/02/2025 11:30

I do think it’s odd tbh. There’s nothing for the top to cover! I know you could said the same re a costume but it seems a bit silly to have that top just to cover nothing.

When my dd was very little (like a toddler) she just wore the swim nappy (like a reusable one not single use) or that with a sunsafe type top if we were outdoors. But once she was old enough to have friends etc she’d want a costume the same as them.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 02/02/2025 11:31

YoungGunsHavingSomeFunCrazyLadiesKeepEmOnTheRun · 02/02/2025 11:29

My dd wears a two piece because it's easier for her going to the toilet, nothing wrong with it.

That is fine obviously - I guess I was imagining really little kids who might as well just wear the bottoms.

pizzaHeart · 02/02/2025 11:32

Agree that for swimming lessons a swimsuit is better. Also agree with the stance about sun. However i don’t think it’s about sexualisation on parents part , the average parent is all about money and practicality. If on holiday, 2 piece is much more convenient for going to the toilet plus dry out quicker so it’s probably that. And yes, I know you can get 2 piece with a top ( DD has one) but they are more expensive, less widespread and slower to dry.

MarshMallowHeather · 02/02/2025 11:34

Not quite the same but my DD likes wearing a tankini because it's easier to use the loo

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.

Octavia64 · 02/02/2025 11:37

I didn't want mine exposed to the sun at that age.

We had rash vests and swimming shirts (boy and girl)

Moonshower · 02/02/2025 11:46

Mostly due to sun exposure we have full costumes or wetsuit styles. I don’t mind the fuller bottoms and tank top styles on kids but the bra styles always give me the ick

ClassicStripe · 02/02/2025 11:53

When my DD was younger (4/5) she always wanted to wear a bikini. They were crop top and knicker rather than looking like an adults. Now she’s older (7/8) she always wants to wear long sleeved two pieces.
I do believe though if you see anything sexual in it that’s on you.

Whatabouthow · 02/02/2025 11:53

PinkiOcelot · 02/02/2025 11:24

Why?

Because little girls don't have boobs to hold the top in place. They come up and move around and aren't very comfortable. It is a piece of clothing designed for an adult body that does not fit a prepubescent one.

SushiWarrior · 02/02/2025 11:54

I don’t mind a tankini, or even a cropped top style, but I think triangle shaped bikini tops on kids just look a bit odd because they don’t fit their bodies.

HolyMacaroonBatman · 02/02/2025 11:57

When you think about it any swimwear that cover little girls nipples, unless it's for sun protection is odd. You couldn't tell a boys chest from a girls under about 9 in most cases, yet we're giving the message that there is something there that shouldn't be seen.