M&S is one of the more guilty stores that separate clothing for kids by gender and who then place some entire types of clothing just in one or the other. I had to shop almost entirely in the Boys department to be able to get Poesy:
- An awesome KAPOW! comicbook sweater,
- a superman tee,
- a teeshirt with a skull on it (lightning bolt, no bow), and
- an umbrella with robots on.
This is a pretty expensive system: two entire (non-crossover) sets of design and patterns to create, plus two extensive ranges in different body cuts.
I would like to propose this cost-saving and socially positive exercise:
- Ditch BOYS and GIRLS
- Replace with ADVENTUROUS, HEROIC, FUNNY, CUTE, CLEVER, EDGY, CASUAL, SMART. Have unisex in both, with some specific options in girl or boy body cuts only where necessary (you'd be surprised how few there are, really, and it might get boys wearing leggings and such, which would be AWESOME).
Manufacturing costs: lowered. Shopping experience: more interesting. This is the sort of thing they could A/B test with the website so easily, too.
Bloody hell it's frustrating.
We've not been in the girls' section ever since my daughter was old enough to express an opinion about what she wears (around 3). She'll wear girls' pants and the girls' cut of school trousers, but that's about it.
She does care a lot about what she wears and her outfits are quite often loud and colourful, but it has to be boys' stuff. Think we are quite extreme though.
Posted by: Angerelle | September 23, 2013 at 12:24
I fully endorse this approach! It would be wonderful for my twin 3-year-olds. I don't remember all these sequins and feathers from when I was little.
Posted by: Laurabentrem | September 24, 2013 at 21:16
AWESOME plan !
Posted by: Earle Allen | September 25, 2013 at 00:46
I think this is a fabulous idea! My 12 year old daughter HATES clothes shopping because tween girl clothes are covered in sparkles, flowers or cute animals. Not all girls are the same! We've also started shopping for her in the boys section to escape the pinks, purples, and ruffles.
Posted by: Dianna Hiltabidel | September 26, 2013 at 17:41
What can we do that means I get that Kapow! jumper in adult size? It's awesome.
Posted by: Louisepotter_ | October 14, 2013 at 10:57
That one on the far right is what David Bowie will look like in his grave! :-)
Posted by: Kimpall | October 25, 2013 at 20:54
Umbrella: Want.
Posted by: Thespaff | January 09, 2014 at 15:22