How to Wear a Crop Top
Depending on the design and fabric, crop tops can expose anywhere from the waist to the navel. This can make them extremely versatile.
The crop top first entered fashion in the 1940’s as a practical clothing option due to rationing. The revealing garment quickly became a fashionable sex symbol, worn by icons such as Cher.
Origin
Crop Tops have long been associated with women’s fashion, especially when paired with high-waisted pants or skirts. However, the trend has now expanded to men’s wardrobes, with designers like Ludovic de Saint Sernin offering lace crop tops for their collections and K-pop stars such as EXO’s Kai wearing everything from military-inspired vests to cotton tees adorned with the style.
The earliest crop tops can be traced back to the middle East, where they were worn by female dancers as part of their bedlah costumes. They were also used by Arab acrobats to show off their acrobatic skills and grace. However, it was not until the 1960s that the crop top became popular in the West, thanks to the sexual revolution and the hippie movement. Later, the ’80s saw the rise of the aerobics craze and films such as Flashdance and Dirty Dancing made crop tops a fashion favorite.
But the trend really took off when Herschel Walker, a running back for the University of Miami in the early ’90s, started wearing them during games. Bill Schaefer, a researcher at Gridiron Uniform Database, recalls that many Hurricanes players wore the crop tops during this time. And although the popularity of the crop top declined in the ’90s, it reappeared during the “authenticity-obsessed” era of the 2000s.
Versatility
Often worn as a layering piece or over a bralette, crop tops are also perfect for pairing with shorts and jeans for a casual look. They can also be paired with a pair of heels and a classic handbag for an elegant evening ensemble. If you are looking for Crop Tops a more versatile style, try out the latest matching sets, which come with matching pants and shirt. This outfit will instantly elevate your look and takes the guesswork out of finding coordinating pieces.
While crop tops may be associated with the pop culture whirlwind of the 1990’s, they are still the go-to clothing item for many women and men. Despite the stigmas attached to gender and sexuality, crop tops are a fashion staple that can be incorporated into formal wear like the top half of a two-piece prom dress or as a sophisticated top with high waisted trousers for a professional outfit.
You can even dress up a casual crop top by adding accessories like a hat, stylish handbag or pair of sunglasses. A crop top with a sexy neck detail is also the perfect choice for elevating athleisure wear. The high neck of this top will draw the eye upward, creating a slimming effect on the silhouette. This crop top by Blush and Stone features a gorgeous pocket detailing, which makes it a must-have for anyone wanting to add a chic element to their everyday look.
Style
A crop top is an ideal outfit for a casual get-together with friends. You can pair it with high-waisted denim shorts and sneakers for a sleek look. Or, if you want to be a little more elegant, you can go for a black crop top and high-waisted skirt set. Then, you can accessorize with some pretty jewelry to complete your look.
Crop tops have long been a staple in the wardrobe of women, but they’re slowly making their way back into men’s closets as well. This is thanks to a combination of celebrity endorsements (such as Harry Styles’ cropped jumper from the album Parade), brands reinventing the trend on their runways, and body-positive queer culture (see Lil Nas X).
As a result, we now have more styles to choose from than ever before. From a simple one-shoulder bubbled crop top to an airy puffed sleeve cropped blouse, there’s a crop top for everyone. And with a few styling hacks (like tucking your shirt into your bra or maneuvering tank Crop Tops top straps to create ruched styles), it’s easier than ever to rock the crop-top trend.
The crop top is a stylish and versatile piece that deserves its spot in anyone’s wardrobe. So don’t be afraid to give it a try—you might just find that you love it. Alex is a writer from Dublin, Ireland. When he’s not obsessing over his indoor plants, you can find him with his nose in a good fantasy novel.
Body-Confidence
After being rejected by straight men and considered effeminate or queer for over two decades, crop tops are slowly making a comeback into the male wardrobe. This is thanks to a combination of factors: famous personalities who wear them, brands that reinvent them on the catwalks, and digital influencers who share their styling secrets. The latter are particularly helpful for those who feel self-conscious about midriff baring: Instagram is home to a myriad of body-positive influencers, such as Natalie Means Nice or Gabi Fresh, whose outfits inspire and empower their followers.
A key factor in feeling confident in a crop top is choosing the right fit. Look for a fitted crop top that hugs your curves, but avoid anything too tight. It’s also important to balance proportions by pairing your crop top with high-waisted jeans or skirts. This will elongate your legs and make you appear slimmer and more toned.
Another way to increase your confidence in a crop top is to choose one with motivational text printed on it. This will help you focus on achieving your goals and enjoying life. For example, a crop top with the text ‘Let’s Get Lost’ can encourage you to deviate from your routine work and explore nature. You can even create your own custom t-shirt with empowering messages that resonate with you.