John Lewis scraps ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ labels on children’s clothes to reduce ‘gender stereotypes’

Hello lovely faces!

Today I’ve been doing Radio interviews today talking about John Lewis and how I welcome their brave, bold move to reduce gender stereotyping kids clothes!

For those of you out of the loop, the new clothing labels say “Girls & Boys” or “Boys & Girls” and will be put on all own-brand items from newborn to 14-years-old – including floral dresses.

The store will still sell pink and blue items, but a new range of clothing has been introduced and designed to be worn by both boys and girls. This rather awesome range includes baby grows, tops, trousers and dresses with dinosaur, safari and spacecraft print designs.

Caroline Bettis, the head of childrenswear at John Lewis, said: “We do not want to reinforce gender stereotypes within our John Lewis collections and instead want to provide greater choice and variety to our customers, so that the parent or child can choose what they would like to wear.”

While many parents have praised the move by John Lewis, some say it’s Political Correctness gone mad including Piers Morgan who in a tweet said ‘Britain is going officially bonkers’

Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, told the Evening Standard there is a danger the move could create more problems for children and young people.

“John Lewis is a reputable and admirable retailer and I have no doubt that getting rid of gender labels is well-intentioned,” he said. “In isolation, one retailer introducing unisex clothing and labels would not be an issue.

“But by following this fashion to go genderless, I fear they are supporting a wider movement which risks confusing children and foists adult worries on to young people.

“There is a dangerous social phenomenon occurring of gender identity theft, which says there is no difference between boys and girls when of course there is.”

Here’s what I had to say in one of my interviews on BBC radio today. (you can listen in at 1 minute 30 seconds.)

I’d love to hear your thoughts – is it a step in the right direction? Do you welcome it and want toys to be next? Or do you think it’s PC gone mad?