'Is it for breastfeeding?': Kmart shoppers confused over $15 item

The half-shirt/half-jumper hybrid has puzzled many - except those around in the '80s and '90s. 

In today's episode of 'Things the Internet is Losing its Mind Over', we present you the $15 Kmart Long Sleeve Openweave Shrug.

The half-shirt/half-jumper hybrid has left members of one particular Facebook group scratching their heads over the item's purpose and how on earth one is supposed to wear it.

Meanwhile, 90s kids swooped in to shed light on exactly what it was.

Cue: memories of Disney Channel stars, chaotically layered outfits and lots and lots of butterfly clips.

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Image: Kmart Hacks and Decor / Facebook

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"$15 for something that won't even keep you warm"

A woman in the Kmart Hacks and Decor group recently shared a photo of the shrug (also known as a bolero, arm warmers or sweater sleeves) wanting to know what the hell it was for. 

The item looks like the top part of a jumper that's been cut short at the front and back so that only the arms and shoulders are covered.

She then innocently asked, "Is this worn alone or with something?"

Little did she know just how divisive her post was about to become. 

First up, many users took issue with the price point. 

"$15 for not even half a shirt," one budget-conscious user replied.

Someone else claimed, "There are no words!! So expensive for what it is," while someone else joked: "$15 to look like the mesh off a pork roast."

Then many agreed they couldn't fathom spending $15 on something that "won't even keep you warm."

Image: Facebook

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What... is... it? Theories range from knitted chaps to medieval underwear

Then came some creative theories...

"Looks a little bit like knitted chaps!" one person mused.

Another wondered if it was actually "medieval women's underwear," while a nostalgic commenter recalled it looking like a dishcloth they crocheted with their grandma in the 80s. 

Then plenty of women said it would be "perfect for breastfeeding." 

One mum even admitted: "Not going to lie, I bought some to wear on their own in bed when breastfeeding on nights when my shoulders got too cold outside of the blanket. Works a charm."

On a completely different note, another user suggested pairing the shrug with "Christmas-coloured nipple tassels" for a festive touch and "more coverage".

The '90s trend revival

Just when the mystery seemed unsolvable, '90s kids came to the rescue.

"It’s called a bolero - super popular in the '90s," one explained.

Memories then flooded in, with references to wearing them with "crop tops and cargo pants," complete with "butterfly clips in your hair."

Another user shared that they styled theirs over singlets and dresses while another said it was perfect over crop tops back in the day. 

So there you have it.

Love it or hate it, looks like this '90s trend is well and truly back. 

Originally published as 'Is it for breastfeeding?': Kmart shoppers confused over $15 item