Child Bikinis: Appropriate?

Elizabeth Hurley has a new line of bathing suits for young girls. Some are finding the bikinis 'disturbing.' Has fashion for young girls taken a dangerous turn?

By Gina Cohen - Lead Producer - MSN Living Sep 18, 2012 8:47PM

Actress Elizabeth Hurley has recently come under fire for her line of swimwear for young girls. On her website in the "8 and Under" section, the bikini shown here (the "Mini Cha Cha"), includes the description: "Teenagers love this, as well as younger girls. This is the mini version of a similar adult’s bikini." That makes us wonder: Should young girls under 8 years old really be wearing the same styles as adult women?

Claude Knight, director of the child protective charity Kidscape, tells The Daily Mail, "It is very disturbing to see some inappropriate items in this swimwear range. The pieces that are very adult and which contribute to the sexualisation of young girls - especially in the poses portrayed - do not take account of the child protection concerns that have been well-aired."

So it's not just the designs that have come under fire, but the way in which the young models are posing which contributes to the sexualized effect, according to some.

Hurley's site also boasts a "Collette Bikini" for the 8-13 age range, the top of which is held together at the front by a gold ring. The site describes it as being "great for girls who want to look grown up."

As we prepare for Halloween season, this topic is particularly timely. As a mom, I recall many anxiety-filled trips to costume stores with my then-preteen daughter, leaving empty-handed because the selection was so sex-centric. Sexy fairy costumes, sexy bumblebees, sexy princesses and even sexy nuns were everywhere we looked. We managed to make do with the understanding that my daughter would wear leggings under her dress and flat shoes rather than the high heels pictured on the costume bag. Still, the entire process left a bad taste in my mouth.

How much is too much when it comes to dressing young girls? Are we overly sensitive or has "fashion" gone too far? Weigh in below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.

Photo: elizabethhurley.com

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568Comments

Best

Sep 19, 2012 5:56AM

It's not MY mind in the gutter that I'm worried about, it's the minds of the sick pedophiles and child porn enthusiasts that concerns me! Yes, I remember having a two-piece swimsuit as a little girl, times have changed dramatically since then! I don't mind seeing girls in a two-piece, however, I think the bikini bottom should be replaced with a panty brief type bottom. I'd like to see little girls remain little girls as long as possible, they grow up too soon anyway. Today, there's too much emphasis put on women, and even girls, to look sexy, and I believe modesty and lady-like behavior go a long way. You can look "cute" without crossing the line into "sexy!"

Previous replies

Marie Moore

Sep 18, 2012 9:54PM

think they need to stick to one pieces or the two pieces that go up to the navel.This is a little too low for a littl girl.Don't give pedophiles more skin to lust after.They are your children.protect them and don't put them on display for perverts.The children are innocent.Perverts are not.

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annony86

Sep 18, 2012 9:17PM

Obviously parents who dress their kids in two piece swimsuits don't care if their kids are oogled by perverts and possibly kidnapped by child molesters. The kids don't understand the dangers of putting themselves out in public dressed like that, but the adults should and be smart enough to protect them from these predators as best as possible.

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Lee858

Sep 18, 2012 11:11PM

Just because these swim suites are avaiable does NOT mean the parent's have to purchase them. In the end it's about free will and doing what is right not what is popular.

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nvh178

Sep 19, 2012 12:11PM

If anyone looks at a young girl and thinks sexy, they are the pervert.

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JT332

Sep 18, 2012 10:45PM

First, yes this particular stance and look on her face IS too sexy for a child. Second, the bows on the bottoms will come untied as the normal child plays...what will keep the garment in place? Let little girls be LITTLE, innocent, and protected!! Third, if this garment is truely suppose to be a swim suit, make it a functional suit. Those skinny straps on the tops and bottoms will not keep a suit in place on an active child. Lastly, has anyone heard of skin cancer??? Cover the child's skins as much as possible...even in water. Gee, people be responsible adults and make GOOD choices for the kids.

Previous replies

L Korn

Sep 18, 2012 11:07PM

I am a mother of a now 19 y.o. daughter. I relate to ALL of this, and agree with both sides. The most common feeling among kids is that they want to grow up Now. Some clothing/accessories that make them look and/or feel this way is sometimes appropriate, I think it is up to the parents of said young girls to teach have them dress appropriately for their age. That being said, the poses, to me, are a little inappropriate for girls that age. The whole picture is what counts, in the eyes of the viewer. Maybe if the girl was wearing the same bikini, yet building a sand castle or strolling along the water holding her moms hand? Adding a little more fabric wouldn't hurt either.