Little girl writes touching letter to Old Navy over their sexist jeans

(AFP via Getty Images)

A seven-year-old schoolgirl from Arkansas won a small victory for girls everywhere after writing to clothing retailer Old Navy to complain about their jeans.

Kamryn Gardner was bothered that the pockets on her jeans were sewn up and fake and asked that the company make girls’ jeans with real pockets – just like the jeans her brother wears.

After a class at her school in Bentonville in which students practiced writing persuasive letters, Kamryn decided to use her new skill to solve a real-world problem.

“Dear Old Navy,” she wrote in pencil on lined paper. “I do not like that the front pockets of the girls’ jeans are fake. I want front pockets because I want to put my hands in them. I would also like to put things in them.”

“Would you consider making girls’ jeans with front pockets that are not fake. Thank you for reading my request,” she continued before signing off.

The retailer wrote back and to Kamryn’s delight also sent her two pairs of girls’ jeans and two pairs of denim shorts, all with real pockets.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to write to us about pockets on girls’ jeans,” wrote Julie Wood of the Old Navy kids team. “The Old Navy kids product team appreciate your information, it’s great feedback for us as we develop new product.”

The school district proudly posted both letters on its Facebook page, generating hundreds of supportive comments for Kamryn’s first step into activism.

“Kamryn, always remember that your words can make a big difference,” posted one person.

“Pockets are important!” read one comment. “Not every girl lives with a purse at their side,” concurred another.

“Keep speaking up for girls!” was a sentiment echoed in many posts, “You’ll run the world someday,” was another.

Old Navy was also commended for listening to Kamryn’s request and responding in such a positive manner rather than via an impersonal email.

Kamryn’s parents – Kim, a teacher at the school, and Brandon, who works in retail – said that she had complained about her lack of real pockets before and they had encouraged her to write the letter.

The retailer told the Washington Post that their stores do carry a variety of girls’ pants with pockets, but the request will be kept in mind as new styles are developed.

Kamryn admits that this was not her first attempt at using her new skill of persuasive letter writing. She also wrote to her parents asking them for a camera and an Etch-a-Sketch.

That request didn’t go as well.