Fashion retail store, New Look has been blasted by mothers for 'sexualizing children by selling a range of padded bikinis for girls as young as nine. Vicky Snowdon, a mum from Leicester, UK, spotted the new range of swimsuits in a store and shared a picture on Twitter, writing:
'It's hard enough shopping for my daughters in @newlook with the insistence on all the tops being cropped. But padded bikini bras?! Padded bikinis for 9-year-olds. Really?'
Campaign group Object, which opposes the sexual objectification of women, reposted the images, writing: 'Stop sexualizing children @newlook. It's wrong and damaging. Take them away. We object.'
The new swimsuits, which are available in a range of bright colors and for ages 9-15, were described online as featuring 'molded triangle cups' and 'a must for girls updating their swimwear.'The swimsuits, which are part of the brand's 915 children's department, also come with skimpy bottoms which are secured by ties on the side. They are priced between £7.49 and £14.99. Other parents were also quick to respond, with one writing: 'Holy c***, girls just don't stand a chance of a childhood do they?'Another commented: 'I know. Couldn't find non-padded bras for my daughter anywhere in NL. Had to get them shipped from M&S and they still had a slight shape. 'Aren't natural breasts good enough anymore?'