In a market saturated with short, tight, and pastel clothing options for young girls, it’s clear that not every girl wants to wear outfits adorned with hearts, flowers, or princess motifs. This realization prompted Emma Thompson, the creator of the brand “Girls Can Be”, to take action. Emma was inspired by her daughter and niece, Lily and Mia, who expressed a desire for clothing that was free of frills, bows, and sparkles. Instead, they preferred attire that allowed them to engage in activities like climbing trees, building with LEGOs, and playing with cars.
When Emma discovered that suitable clothing options were scarce, she conducted her own investigation. She gathered clothing items from ten leading retailers, all targeted at children of similar sizes and ages. The findings were revealing: girls’ shirts were one to three inches narrower, sleeves were shorter, and girls’ shorts were significantly shorter—often just a third of the length of boys’ shorts.
Some might argue that this discrepancy is due to boys being larger than girls, but that’s a misconception. Data from KidsHealth.org indicates that girls typically outgrow boys until around the age of nine, as they enter puberty sooner.
Having grown up as a tomboy myself, I recall spending my childhood climbing trees and playing kickball in whatever was available, which often included short shorts and glittery tops—even back in the 70s. While I did indulge in dolls and Barbies, it didn’t reflect my true interests.
“We see girls and boys as more alike than different,” Emma explains. “They are all children with a diverse array of passions, from dinosaurs to dance, and they deserve clothing that mirrors their interests rather than focusing on their bodies. Clothing serves as a major outlet for kids to express their individuality.”
In 2014, Emma, along with her brother and sister, launched Girls Can Be—a brand focused on providing girls with shorts that feature a balanced fit in a variety of colors and styles that celebrate their hobbies rather than conforming to traditional gender norms. The initial response was overwhelmingly positive, with their first launch selling out quickly, indicating a clear demand for clothing that challenges gender stereotypes and offers greater variety than what mainstream retailers provide.
Looking ahead, Emma shared, “We have an extensive list of new styles we want to introduce, focusing on our signature balanced fit—especially swimsuits and pajamas.” It’s exciting to anticipate the future offerings from this innovative brand.
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In summary, Emma Thompson’s commitment to creating a clothing line that offers diverse, interest-based options for girls has resonated with parents seeking to break stereotypes in children’s fashion. Her brand, Girls Can Be, aims to provide young girls with the freedom to express themselves through clothing that reflects their true interests.