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River Island Slammed Over 'Sexy' Children's Leather Leggings

Mary-Jane Wiltsher

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| Last updated 

River Island Slammed Over 'Sexy' Children's Leather Leggings

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Clothing retailer River Island has come under fire from parents for selling "sexy" tight leather trousers for children as young as five.

The fashion giant was accused by concerned mums of "sexualising children" after the range of black faux leather trousers were seen in the kid's section of stores.

Worried parents have deemed the clothing "highly inappropriate" and accused River Island of "stripping the innocence away from kids."

Some have demanded that River Island pull the item from stock, after one woman raised the issue while shopping with her granddaughter in Worcester.

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River Island's faux leather trousers are available for children aged 5 to 12 (Credit: SWNS)
River Island's faux leather trousers are available for children aged 5 to 12 (Credit: SWNS)

Helen Richards, 60, was browsing outfits with her daughter Alison, 33, and nine-year-old granddaughter on Tuesday 29th September when she spotted the trousers on display.

Ms Richards, of Worcester, said: "Why are they sexualising children? Why do they feel the need to put leather trousers for parents to buy for their child?

"It's so wrong, especially in this day and age. We shouldn't encourage our children to dress like that.

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"There's more than one way to take away a child's innocence. I am so angry."

Parents criticised the item for being "highly inappropriate" for the age bracket (Credit: SWNS)
Parents criticised the item for being "highly inappropriate" for the age bracket (Credit: SWNS)

Costing £12.99, the leatherette trousers were available to buy for children aged five to age 12.

Ms Richards said: "I was tempted to say something to the staff but it's not their fault.

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"I think River Island should remove the clothing from their store immediately. I'm also worried the clothes might attract unwanted attention. Young people can't deal with that and it can take away their childhood."

Other mums and dads flocked to social media with some urging parents to boycott the store.

Sally Wright wrote on Facebook: "Who would want their children walking around like Kim Kardashian in leather pants? We should boycott the place until they are removed."

Some mums called for the item to be removed from stores (Credit: SWNS)
Some mums called for the item to be removed from stores (Credit: SWNS)
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Carlie Brown added: "This is highly inappropriate and another example of our kids innocence being stripped away. Shame on River Island."

Terri Hopcroft put: "I'm all for children's fashion but please let kids be kids. Wouldn't dream of letting my 2yo daughter run around in tight fitting trousers."

Ally Moore said: "Personally, I like to see children dressed like children. Pvc leggings on a little girl... a bit much."

Others leapt to the defence of the store with Nicola Long saying: "What's worrying is how adults are pushing their idea on everything being sexually motivation.

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(Credit: SWNS)
(Credit: SWNS)

"It's a pair of trousers, how you see them says more about you."

Jade Charlotte commented: "No need to get angry, just don't buy them. If everyone thinks they're tasteless and doesnt buy them, then they'll stop making them.

"I dont particularly like them as I dont think it's a good look for most adults either. But I cant make that decision for other people!

"Basically, worry about what your own children are wearing, not other people's."

Tyla has reached out to River Island for comment.

Topics: Children, News, Fashion, Style

Mary-Jane Wiltsher
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