A few weeks back, three mom friends and I embarked on a mission: swimsuit shopping for our five daughters, whose ages range from 10 to 17. With Shopko hosting a significant sale, it seemed like the perfect opportunity since many of these girls had outgrown their swimwear from last summer.
These young ladies all possess what I would describe as a healthy and positive outlook on their bodies. They have developed a strong distaste for the stereotypically “girly” items often marketed to them, and they actively reject the notion of their bodies as mere objects for others to gaze upon. As their mother and a role model, I’ve worked hard to convey the idea that they are much more than just their physical appearances. I’ve emphasized that their bodies are tools that deserve care and strength, rather than being held to unrealistic beauty standards. We’ve had open conversations about the messages we send through our clothing choices, whether intentionally or not.
Instead of subscribing to oppressive and sexist notions that dictate how they should dress to avoid unwanted attention from boys, I’ve encouraged them to express themselves in ways that make them feel comfortable. We’ve fostered an environment where clothing choices are free from judgment, while also preparing them for the societal responses they might encounter based on those choices.
When we found ourselves in the swimsuit aisle at Shopko, we encountered an overwhelming selection of girls’ and juniors’ suits that were predominantly pink, sparkly, and designed to mimic adult women’s styles. The girls expressed their displeasure, feeling that their options fell short of what they were truly looking for.
They sought two-piece suits that would allow for bathroom breaks without hassle, while also providing decent coverage to minimize the need for excessive sunscreen. (My daughter vividly remembered the awful sunburn from last summer when her suit rode up during a tubing adventure.) They wanted swimwear that would let them run, jump, and play without any wardrobe malfunctions and, importantly, they wanted colors beyond just pink and sparkles.
Now, let’s be clear: there’s nothing inherently wrong with pink and sparkly swimsuits. It’s just that those styles didn’t resonate with our girls. In a moment of inspiration, one of them exclaimed, “Why can’t we just wear board shorts and sun shirts like the boys do?”
That was a lightbulb moment. Why not indeed? The girls quickly made their way to the boys’ section, where they found matching rash guards and swim shorts adorned with sharks. The older girls chose vibrant turquoise and lime green patterns that perfectly aligned with their personal styles. Their delight was evident.
As mothers, we were impressed by their creativity and willingness to defy the marketing norms that had been imposed on them. However, they soon realized one small hiccup in their choice—the issue of coverage. Without a swim top under the sun shirts, there could be some unintended exposure when jumping into water. They quickly concluded that a sports bra could solve that problem. Although I knew there were other stores offering sun shirts and swim shorts for girls that weren’t drenched in pink and sparkles, the girls were content with their finds in the boys’ section. Why change a winning solution?
This experience highlighted the tension between personal preference and practicality versus societal expectations in the fashion world. Many of us have faced the dilemma of trying on items that barely cover what they should, wondering who decided that ultra low-rise jeans were a good idea. While some may love them, I find them impractical.
I firmly believe that women should wear what they choose, but it’s essential to remain aware of what influences these choices. Whether one opts for a bikini, a one-piece, or swimwear from the boys’ department, the decision should rest solely in their hands.
While the girls may not have realized the statement they made with their purchases, I certainly did. These young women boldly chose what felt right for them, irrespective of marketers, societal norms, or peer opinions. As a mother and a woman, I couldn’t have been prouder.
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In summary, a simple shopping trip turned into a powerful lesson in self-advocacy and body positivity. Our daughters chose to embrace comfort and practicality over societal expectations, making a statement about who they are and how they wish to express themselves.
Keyphrase: girls swimwear choices
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