Mom Calls Out Target’s Gendered Clothing in Viral TikTok Videos

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A mother has gained significant attention on TikTok for highlighting the detrimental differences between girls’ and boys’ clothing at Target. By sharing her experiences, she sheds light on the ongoing issue of gendered apparel in stores.

Known as @naptown_thrifts on TikTok, Sarah Jenkins, a Maryland mom of two, often shares her thrifting adventures. However, after a recent trip to Target to find school uniform pants for her 7-year-old, she decided to address the glaring gender disparities in their clothing sections. “Target, if you’re listening, I have a question,” Sarah begins in her viral clip, which has amassed nearly 400,000 views. “My daughter needs pants for school… in the girls’ section, we have these nice, stretchy, very thin leggings.”

She pulls apart a navy legging before grabbing a comparable item from the boys’ section, describing the boys’ pants as “durable” with features like a drawstring waist and reinforced knees. The differences are striking: boys’ pants are designed for utility and longevity, while girls’ options are less protective and often lack pockets.

In a search through Target’s online inventory, we found a range of legging options for girls, alongside the stiff, zip-fly uniform pants that kids of all genders tend to dislike because they aren’t conducive to play. The boys’ section, however, boasted a wider variety of “performance” and athletic pants, along with cargo pants that come equipped with pockets — a feature sorely missing in the girls’ designs.

Sarah emphasizes the practicality of clothing for children, stating, “Clothing for small children serves a universal purpose,” meant to protect them from the elements. The aesthetic focus on girls’ clothing, she argues, reflects blatant sexism. Despite Target’s commendable history of promoting inclusion and equity, it’s clear they need to improve in this area.

While she recognizes that boys’ clothing can also be limited to traditional “male” themes like trucks and dinosaurs, Sarah insists that the consequences for girls are more severe. She expresses concern over the implications of gendered clothing as children grow, noting that what starts as a classroom issue can escalate into more serious societal problems.

Despite not expecting a major retailer like Target to eliminate gendered clothing entirely, Sarah advocates for more balanced options, especially given the real-world consequences for her daughters and other girls.

For those interested in exploring alternative options, one suggestion is to check out gender-neutral brands, though Sarah points out that affordability can be a barrier. “I thrifted some items from Primary.com and love them, but I can’t always afford their regular prices,” she shares.

In her follow-up video, Sarah investigates shorts and discovers that girls’ options are even more limited: less durable, pricier, and shorter than those available for boys. The absence of pockets is particularly frustrating for her, as her youngest daughter often uses her pockets to collect rocks.

Ultimately, Sarah Jenkins highlights a pressing issue that needs addressing, not just at Target, but across the retail landscape. All children deserve clothing that is functional, practical, and equitable, without being confined by outdated gender norms.

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In summary, Sarah Jenkins’ viral TikTok videos reveal the stark differences in boys’ and girls’ clothing at Target, highlighting issues of durability, utility, and the impact of gendered fashion on young children. Her call for more balanced options encourages a broader conversation about clothing equity for all kids.