'It's not just Kmart and these shorts': Mum rages about girls' clothes

"And it doesn't get better as they get older."

Nama Winston

2 min read

September 2, 2024 - 1:46PM

Insane difference between Kmart denim shorts for boys and girls

Parenting

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An Aussie mum has expressed outrage over an apparent double standard between toddler shorts for girls and boys.

Filming in Kmart, Althea Knox posted on TikTok, comparing the difference in lengths.

As many parents will already know, the girls' shorts looked like hot pants, whilst the boys' shorts skimmed the knee.

"I’m in Kmart getting my daughter some shorts and look at this. Why are they f**king small?" the 26-year-old asks.

"I hate this. Why do we make them this short for girls?"

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"It's not just Kmart"

Speaking to news.com.au, Althea explained the basis of her concerns.

"A key take away for me is that women and girls are sexualised from the moment they enter the world," she said.

"It's not just Kmart and these shorts. It's the crop tops, and it’s the ‘cheeky’ cut swimwear."

Kidspot's parent site has reached out to Kmart for comment.

The mum also made the same observation about gendered messaging in children's clothing which many parents online have previously noticed.

"It’s a problem that runs far deeper than short shorts. It’s the fact that young girls’ clothes are always decorated with the hunted animals. Unicorns, rabbits.

"Then the boys' clothes are the hunter dinosaurs, lions etc. Perpetuating the idea that girls and women are helpless and weak, and boys and men are aggressive and strong."

Image: TikTok/_altheadawn

"I buy bike shorts now"

With over 600 000 views and one 1000 comments, the clip attracted plenty of attention.

"This is why I stopped buying denim shorts, I just buy the bike shorts now. It's ridiculous," shared one.

Another parent added, "It doesn't get better as they get older too. I was trying to buy my 17-year-old shorts and they are all crotch level. It's ridiculous."

When one commenter wrote, "They're actually not that short, got some for my girl," Althea replied, "That’s good! My daughter is a lil chonk so they would definitely be extra tiny on her."

A viewer who identified as a Kmart worker agreed with Althea's observations, writing, "As a Kmart team member, I’ve noticed this too and it upsets me A LOT."

Finally, some practical solutions were offered.

"Buy jeans and cut them up yourself. Kmart jeans are cheap enough," one suggested, with another adding, "Just buy the boys shorts", which is exactly what the mum did.