Little Mix have defended their recent choices of outfit for television appearances and performances in the last week, with the band’s Jade Thirlwall hitting out at critics and accusing them of “double standards” when it comes to what guys and girls can get away with wearing.

The group appeared on Thursday’s edition of ‘This Morning’ (October 20th), and Thirlwall responded to criticism of their clothing when they performed on ‘The X Factor’ the previous weekend.

Little MixLittle Mix (l-r): Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock

“It’s a bit double standards, you always see lads with their tops off and everyone congratulates them and woos them, and we get a bit of thigh out and it’s a bit of an issue,” she argued. “We were really comfortable in our outfits and we loved what we wore, so that’s all that matters.”

Some viewers took to Twitter to express dismay at their pink and black latex outfits with knee-high boots that many felt were too “raunchy” for a family show, with one user even saying “Little Mix might as well be strippers”.

More: Did a phone call from Zayn once cause Perrie Edwards to have an airport meltdown?

Later in the week, the band appeared on ‘The One Show’, and Perrie Edwards drew yet more flak from social media for a white top she was wearing that many felt was failing to conceal the shape of her nipples.

“Surely a wardrobe malfunction with a pierced nipple on show. Not good family viewing,” one tweeted. Another posted: “What a shame Perry didn't feel the need to wear a bra on live TV chat show! Seriously???”

The former 'X Factor' winners are currently on the comeback trail, promoting single ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ – a thinly veiled diss track at Edwards’ former flame Zayn Malik – ahead of new album Glory Days.

“We cannot even describe how scary it is," the band's Jesy Nelson told 'This Morning' about returning to their former ITV stomping ground. "Until you’ve done that whole experience, I can’t describe the feeling that you get. I think it’s because you still feel like you’re being judged. And you feel every time you go on you’ve got to be better than your last performance. It’s just terrifying!”

More: Has Perrie Edwards taken a swipe at Zayn Malik on new single?