Retailers Accused Of Over-Sexualising Young Girls’ Clothing- A Woman Of Restricted Growth Responds

I recently read in the Guardian that UK retailers were under presure to remove some items of clothing meant for young girls from their ranges because they were ‘sexualised.’ I didn’t think much of this until I saw a tweet from @lisybabe saying “Looks like women of restricted growth need to stock up on sexy clothes quick”. In response, I tweeted asking women of restricted growth how this affected them.

In the guest post below, Elizabeth Owen gives us her views on the issue. Elizabeth tweets @LizzieFrodo. Thanks to Elizabeth.

I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly known as Brittle Bones.  I am just 3’4″.  This is mainly due to the fact that when I was a child I fractured very frequently, and so my ‘growing energy’ went into making my bones heal, instead of making me grow upwards!

I have size 13 (children’s) feet.  I am a 31 year old Tom-boy, and wear mainly boots or trainers, jeans and t-shirts.  I have a 30″ waist.  My Mum is very good at altering my clothes for me – trouser legs and sleeve length often have to be adjusted.

I do have some ‘elegant’ friends who are also rather small.  They really like to be able to buy clothes that look like they are meant for adults, in children’s sizes.

I really don’t enjoy shopping when most of the clothing available in my size has Peppa Pig, Dora The Explorer or High School Musical on it!

Reading the Guardian article, I think Mumsnet, Object and the Children’s Society should be made aware of the ‘plight’ of small adults.  However, I think it is wrong that children are being sexualised by retailers.

I enjoy the larger choice of clothing for my size available now – much better than when I was a teenager in the ’90s.