A mother has taken to TikTok, gaining significant attention for her critique of the stark gender distinctions in children’s clothing available at Target. By sharing her experiences, she sheds light on the troubling disparities between girls’ and boys’ attire.
In her high school days, Rachel Harper faced frequent dress codes, even resorting to painting her shoulders to protest in the cafeteria. Now a Maryland mom of two, Rachel, known as @thriftingmom on TikTok, usually shares thrifting tips but recently addressed the gendered clothing issue after visiting Target for school uniform pants for her 7-year-old daughter. “Target, if you’re listening, I have a question,” she begins in one of her videos, which has garnered nearly 400,000 views. “My daughter needed pants for school, and in the girls’ section, we only found these thin, stretchy leggings.”
Rachel contrasts this with the boys’ section, highlighting the durability and practicality of the boys’ pants, equipped with drawstring waists and reinforced knees. The differences are glaring: boys’ pants are designed for longevity and utility, while girls’ options offer less coverage and fewer pockets. A search for navy pants on Target’s website reveals a plethora of legging choices for girls while the boys’ section boasts more functional options, like cargo pants with ample pockets.
In response to suggestions from commenters to explore gender-neutral brands, Rachel mentioned that while she adores brands like @Primarydotcom, they often exceed her budget. Following another comment about the disparity in shorts, Rachel investigated further and found that girls’ shorts were not only less durable but also more expensive and shorter than those for boys. “My youngest daughter loves collecting rocks,” Rachel explains. “She uses my pockets because her clothes lack them. When I bought her boys’ pants with deeper pockets, she was thrilled!”
While recognizing that boys’ clothing is often limited to stereotypical designs, Rachel emphasizes the more severe consequences that girls face regarding their clothing choices. From being sent home for inappropriate attire in elementary school to facing objectification as teens, the impact of clothing on girls is profound.
Rachel acknowledges that she doesn’t expect a giant retailer like Target to eliminate gendered clothing completely. However, she does advocate for more equitable options, stating, “Children’s clothing should serve a universal purpose: to keep them warm, cool, and protected.” The fact that girls’ clothing often sacrifices functionality for aesthetics is a clear example of sexism.
While Target has made strides in inclusivity and equity, particularly with diverse advertising and special product lines for children with autism, they still have room for improvement in this area. The problem extends beyond Target, as most retailers offer similar gendered choices. Parents often prefer clothing that avoids making their kids stand out, even if more functional options exist.
Rachel laments, “It’s hard to find clothing for little girls that matches the durability of boys’ clothing.” All children deserve better options that prioritize practicality and comfort.
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In summary, Rachel Harper’s viral TikTok videos have sparked an essential conversation about the inequalities in gendered children’s clothing, urging retailers to rethink their offerings for the sake of all children.