While you don't expect couture-esque quality from fast fashion, you wouldn't expect it to fall apart on the first day either. However, in the case of Emily Charlton-Smith, a swimsuit she purchased from PrettyLittleThing was wholly unfit for purpose.
Per Fox News, the 25-year-old had been offered a refund from the online retailer after the bikini she ordered turned partially see-through after touching water.
Charlton-Smith recently ordered the White Bow Bikini Set from PrettyLittle Thing after already purchasing the same item in the black colourway, and having no issues wearing it in the pool.
"The fit was great and the quality was thick enough," she said to Fox News of the black version, adding that she assumed the white colourway would be of the same quality: "Also, the white bikini was more expensive, which I assumed was due to the material being thicker to avoid this situation."
The black version currently retails for £14 ($17.50), while the white is £17 ($21).
This did not turn out to be the case, as the white bikini immediately turned semi-transparent, and exposing, after she took a dip in the pool.
Charlton-Smith immediately contacted PrettyLittleThing's customer service, explaining that she was understandably "mortified".
And in a rather bizarre turn of events, the representative asked for video evidence. "You have to laugh that they asked for a video initially, I think that would have sent most people over the edge, but I let it play out as I’ve worked in retail and so always try to be helpful," Charlton-Smith continued to the publication.
Instead, she sent photos of the bikini, which she modelled both wet and dry on her hands.
Customer support eventually apologised for the request, but maintained that such a thing "can happen with white items if made wet". They later added that it could be "expected", as the bikini was advertised for "poolside posing", meaning that they are not meant to be worn in the water.
"The best and most mortifying part is that they said bikinis are for ‘poolside posing,'" Charlton-Smith explained. "I’d understand if it was a glittery, jeweled bikini, but it’s so basic."
"I posted it on my IG story and Twitter, and have had so many people express their frustrations for me and some have similar experiences."
Since her initial post went viral, PrettyLittleThing have apologised for the incident, and offered her a full refund.
"I posted it on my IG story and Twitter, and have had so many people express their frustrations for me and some have similar experiences," she concluded.
