Recently, I joined two friends on a swimsuit shopping expedition for our five daughters, who range in age from 10 to 17. With Shopko running a substantial sale, it was the perfect opportunity since the girls had outgrown their suits from last summer.
These girls maintain what I would term a healthy and positive view of their bodies. They actively reject the pressure to conform to overly feminine standards and express frustration at their bodies being objectified. As their mother and a female figure in their lives, I have consistently emphasized that they are more than just their appearances. I’ve encouraged them to see their bodies as tools to be nurtured, rather than objects to fit into a specific mold. We’ve had discussions about the messages conveyed through our clothing choices, both intended and unintended.
Instead of enforcing restrictive norms about modesty due to concerns over boys’ behavior, I’ve advocated for my daughters to express their individuality and comfort through their clothing. We’ve approached fashion as a personal choice, arming them with the knowledge to handle societal reactions to their selections.
As we browsed through the girls’ and juniors’ swimwear—a sea of pink and glitter that mimicked adult styles—the girls quickly grew frustrated with the limited selections. They sought functional two-piece suits for bathroom breaks, yet wanted coverage to avoid excessive sunscreen application. One daughter recalled the painful sunburn from last year when her suit shifted while tubing, leading to a desire for swimwear that allowed for active play without concerns over fit or exposure. They also wished for colors beyond the ubiquitous pink.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with pink sparkly swimsuits, it simply wasn’t what they were looking for. Then one of the girls exclaimed, “Why can’t we wear board shorts and sun shirts like the boys?” A light bulb moment! Why not?
They quickly dashed to the boys’ section, where they found matching rash guards and swim shorts adorned with sharks. The older girls discovered vibrant turquoise and lime green designs that perfectly aligned with their tastes. Their excitement was palpable.
As mothers, we were impressed by their ability to challenge societal norms and marketing strategies aimed at them. However, they soon recognized a potential issue—the “boob problem.” Going without a swim top underneath their sun shirts could lead to unintended exposure when jumping into a pool. But they quickly resolved this by opting for sports bras. While I knew that other stores offered sun shirts and swim shorts for girls that were not laden with pink and glitter, the girls were content with their boys’ section finds, so why complicate matters?
This experience beautifully illustrated the clash between personal preference and the expectations imposed by a patriarchal fashion industry. Many of us have stood in front of mirrors, questioning the rationale behind ultra-low-rise jeans that provide little coverage and barely allow one to bend without revealing too much. While some women may embrace such styles, I find them impractical.
I believe wholeheartedly that women should wear what they choose, yet it’s vital to recognize the influences behind those choices. Whether donning a bikini, a one-piece, or boys’ swimwear, the decision should remain ours. Though the girls may not have realized the statement they made with their selections that day, I certainly did. These young women confidently chose what felt right for them, irrespective of societal pressures. As a mother and a woman, it filled my heart with pride.
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In summary, the girls’ choice to shop in the boys’ section for swimwear reflects a growing awareness of personal preference over societal norms. Their experience serves as an important reminder of the need for self-expression and the rejection of outdated gender expectations in fashion.