Kmart sparks debate over 'appropriate' bikini bottom coverage
A $12 item from one of Australia’s biggest department stores has sparked vigorous debate about what is “appropriate” when it comes to bikini bottoms.
A $27 summer set from one of Australia’s biggest department stores is sparking vigorous debate on social media.
Kmart has started releasing its summer fashion range and among the offerings is one particular item raising eyebrows – the Smocked Underwire Balconette Bikini top, which is yellow with little roses printed on it.
The top retails for $15 while the matching bottoms are $12.
Ash, who runs Luxe Brow Academy, took to social media to share her thoughts on the swimsuit.
“Dude, this bikini is so cute but the bottoms are all f*****g granny panties, which I don’t wear ” she said.
“But I’m obsessed and the material feels really thick, good quality. The yellow doesn’t look as good in the video — it looks better in real life — but they’re so cute.”
The seemingly throwaway comment about the size of the bottoms struck a nerve online, dividing social media at a time where G-string bikinis have become a beachside staple.
“Guys the top I bought it is worth it,” one social media user said.
Another shared: “Just brought this yesterday and the bikini bottoms are actually really cute on.”
“The bottoms are normal bikini bottoms tho,” one added.
Another commented: “Try wearing them backwards, honestly I thought people were crazy when they told me to do it but it actually slays!”
“Me not buying them bc it will not cover nearly enough for the local pool lmao,” one commented.
Someone else wrote: “Me pregnant crying at how cute they are.”
“Thank god finally a bikini that covers where they are meant to, Kmart always bringing the goods,” one said.
Another commented: “They’re not granny panties. They’re a cute bikini cut and just as cute as the top. Granny panties are extra long, cover well up to the belly button and have a big scoop at the back for the bum.”
The conversation comes after news.com.au’s The Great Aussie Debate revealed that of 1870 people surveyed, two thirds were in agreement that G-strings should not be banned on Aussie beaches.
An overwhelming 67 per cent of Australians said the clothing item shouldn’t be banned, and people “should be allowed to wear whatever they want”.
However TikTok user @arabellainthecity showed more of the swim suits, including a gingham one piece and two-piece.
“Kmart in its slay era,” she said.
A Kmart spokesperson revealed the gingham print has been popular with customers as it brings a “nostalgic, vintage” vibe.
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“We’re seeing these designs resonate well with our customers and have more gingham designs landing soon. The current Gingham range is selling fast,” the spokesperson said.
“From November, we will launch more swimwear in time for the warmer weather. Polka dots are the trending print of the season, and our customers can expect to see them in our swimwear range soon.
“The spot print in chocolate is both fun and sophisticated and easy to mix and match.”
