“For every kind of kid and every kind of adventure…Boys and girls, tall or small, aspiring scientists or athletes– styles for all! On land, in the sea, on a submarine, fun for everybody!” – Everybody Collection
With standard sizes for ages 5-14, the “Everybody Collection” from Abercrombie is giving parents, children and teens the opportunity to express themselves without gender norms. Kids can now choose what look suits them best, without labels such as “tomboy” or “girly.”
Retail expert Carol Spieckerman highlights Abercrombie’s advertising campaign as especially revolutionary, as it embraces the true gender-neutrality of the clothing line.
“Retailers are no longer dictating fashion… consumers are,” Spieckerman says.
This is setting an example to other brands that fighting gender norms is not only okay, but has enough consumer demand to be a viable, selling product. A strong asset of the line is that it fights the taboo mentality of girls shopping in boys aisles and vice versa.
Personally, I can’t get over the positive message this sends kids.
When I was in middle school, it was Aeropostale v-necks, Hollister jean shorts and Abercrombie sweatshirts every day, for every student. Peers were ruthless when it came to your clothes and your interests.
The difficult thing about elementary school and middle school now is that kids are going to be mean in some way, somehow; it’s inevitable. “Fitting in” is a staple of young life. With children having access to social media at much younger ages, they are being excessively exposed to the pressure of looking and acting a certain way.
Abercrombie is a mainstream brand associated with current fashion for adolescents. For Abercrombie to make this groundbreaking step for children to decide what’s best for them without straying too far from “typical” is truly incredible.
All photos via Abercrombie