When I was younger crop tops were my poolside staple. Even today it will be something I will pull on after a swim to protect my shoulders and upper back from getting sunburned.
A crop top is a top that has been cut or cropped, short at the waistline. The significant feature of wearing a crop top is an exposed midriff so only choose a crop top if you are comfortable exposing your belly, waistline, and lower back.
Let’s look at crop tops in more detail to see if they fit your personality.
What Are The Significant Features of A Crop Top?
Essentially, crop tops are just any article of clothing worn as tops. What sets them apart is the characteristic short length, ending just above the midsection. The length varies from a few centimeters above the waist or the belly button. When worn, it exposes the waist, navel, or abdomen due to its short length. Basically, any shirt or blouse can be cropped to decrease the length, thereby making it a crop top. The decreased length can be achieved by sewing or in some cases, cutting out the lower part of any top.
What Are The Origins of The Crop Top?
It was widely thought that the earliest emergence of crop tops intersected with the performance of the popular belly dancers group, “Little Egypt” during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The costumes worn by the dancers exposed the midriff, changing the conservative cultural views of that time.
However, the crop top gained prominence in mainstream fashion during the 1930s and 1940s due to fabric rationing in World War II but it was largely confined to swimwear. The late 1960s and early 1970s brought the widespread acceptance of the crop top as celebrities wore them. In the 1980s the aerobics craze made the clothing popular and remained so until the 2020s.
What Figure or Body Shape Is Best Suited To Wear A Crop Top?
Though this is not a black and white fact, slim body types are considered to look best in crop tops. However, contrary to a common but unpopular belief, crop tops are not exclusive to tall and skinny body types. The crop top trend is soaring high every single day and believe it or not, all body types can wear a crop top.
The secret is to find the perfect type and style for each line and curve. For tall and slim body types, crop tops that hit right at the waistline can help shorten the body. Plus size body types can also rock this style paired with high-waisted skirts or culottes.
Etiquette: When Can You Wear or Not Wear Your Crop Top?
Since crop tops come in all designs and styles, they are quite handy for almost all occasions or venues. But first, is there any age limit to wearing a crop top? Short answer: No. As long as you are comfortable and happy with what you are wearing, everything should be good to go.
Crop tops are the go-to fashion for summer parties, beach escapades, loungewear, or even formal and extravagant parties. Partnered with fancy and dressy bottoms, crop tops are perfect for a night out in town. With cropped button-downs, you can be chic and ladylike for your business meetings. And who can forget the trendy two-piece elegant gowns consisting of puffy A-line skirts and romantic crop tops seen in dreamy debutante balls and weddings?
What Shoes or Bags Works Best With A Crop Top?
Crop tops are versatile pieces of clothing so they can be paired with a wide range of bottoms and accessories. For a smart-casual and chic look, pair it with a pair of jeggings, sneakers, and eye-catching clutches.
A pair of heels and a chic black belt bag will go a long way if you’re going for the formal fashionista look. Sling bags and block heels with black crop tops and palazzo pants combo are perfect for that classy celebrity look. For workout sessions with cropped gym tops, a stylish gym bag paired with sneakers exudes a comfortable and sporty look.
If you are looking to shop for a crop top, start with Amazon where they have this one for example.
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