The fashion industry has taken a fascinating turn towards early- to mid-2000s influences. There is now a heavy emphasis on oversized pieces and more comfortable wardrobe choices. But there’s one particular clothing style that’s gaining a sense of notoriety recently: the male crop top. Even back when it first came on the scene in the 2000s, it wasn’t a trend that wasn’t as widely accepted as many would have liked. However, it’s making a comeback, and it seems like it’s peaking in terms of its acceptability.
Many prominent male fashion icons are pushing forward a kind of style that’s geared towards showing more of their torsos. Most notably, Harry Styles sported a Gucci leather suit and feather boa during a performance of his hit single “Watermelon Sugar” at the opening ceremonies of last year’s Grammy Awards.
In this year’s Oscars, one Hollywood up-and-comer Timothée Chalamet put on a shirtless outfit that consisted of only a sequined custom-tailored Louis Vuitton jacket from the brand’s Spring 2022 womenswear collection by Nicolas Ghesquiere. The actor adorned the outfit with lace-rimmed sleeves and a collection of curated pieces from jewelry house Cartier.
A Theme for Spring
With industry headliners perpetuating this trend, it seems like more and more men will be sporting more revealing clothing, especially during the spring and summer months when climates get a little warmer. Culturally speaking, men wearing crop tops are also political statements on rejecting the idea of toxic masculinity and traditional gender norms.
Men wearing crop tops are also aligned with the advocacy of perpetuating body positivity. Experts in the fashion industry forecast that many variations of the crop top will be offered in the collections of fashion houses in the United States and Europe during the spring and summer seasons.
Fashion Forward
Several fashion brands are already leading the way in the genderless fashion movement. Most notably, Telfar, Eckhaus Latta, and Barragan have been coming out with some trendy genderless pieces lately that seem to have taken the world by storm.
Many strict menswear brands adopt this philosophy, like Ludovic de Saint Sernin and Lazoshmidl. For the most part, men’s crop tops are typically styled with wide-legged pants and streetwear accessories that have been very popular as of late, like the bucket hat or oversized sneakers.
Divided Opinions
Of course, with the internet being the way it is, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for this particular fashion trend. Many aren’t too fond of the idea of men wearing crop tops, while others are growing to become more receptive towards it, especially as a mainstay fashion piece.
What do you think about this? Is this merely a trend, or is this a fashion statement that will stay around for a long time? Comment your thoughts in the section down below.
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Whatever floats their boat but I honestly don’t think heterosexual men will buy them or wear them.