There’s been bubbling panic across the internet and the real world thanks to ASOS selling what they call ‘an extreme cropped vest’ for men. Essentially, it’s a crop top worn by a male model, targeted specifically at men. That’s right, a crop top for men. Try to take a deep breath and remain calm. The panic about this stems largely from long-held notions of what men and women are ‘allowed’ to wear.
Form-fitting items are most commonly for women, because women’s bodies should be shown off. Men more commonly wear clothes that cover the appropriate areas, protecting their modesty and covering their bodies. Very broadly speaking, women’s bodies are valued for being sexy, so certain bits can be shown (and others definitely can’t), while men’s bodies are generally more neutral (men can be judged on non-physical qualities, the lucky things) so their clothes can serve the purpose of simply being there.
Robbie Rotten dead, Barry Chuckle dead, and now ASOS selling men’s crop tops. Say your goodbyes to your loved ones because the world is officially ending. https://t.co/W3e1n3BLJ2
— Dyl Lambert (@RestricTFFA) August 22, 2018
The hyper-sexualisation of women’s bodies versus men’s is why it is fine for a man to stroll around topless, nipples out for the world to see, but women will get shamed for doing the same. It’s also why a man wearing skinny jeans or micro-shorts gets made fun of, because these clothes are traditionally coded as ‘female’ and for a man to be seen as ‘feminine’ is widely judged as a negative thing. Crop tops fall into this binary ditch.
A certain length of top is cast as ‘girly’ because it allows women to showcase a part of their body that’s socially acceptable (as long as they don’t have a hint of body fat, of course). But as fashion shifts and grows, some male-identifying people are questioning the crop top’s rigid definitions.
They’re asking why they can’t enjoy a breeze on their tum and eyes on their belly button, and are rocking the crop top without fear or shame. On catwalks at Calvin Klein and Astrid Anderson in the last few years, crop tops have popped up in casual and formal fits. That ease around crop tops hasn’t yet extended to those who are less experimental with their clothing choices.
While queer and creative men who are willing to take risks in fashion will throw on a crop top, the average straight man continues to recoil in fear and disgust. Which is silly, really, as crop tops are a delight. They allow for free range of movement. They let you show off your tummy, which is one of the best places for your partner to smooch. They cover up those forbidden nipples while still showing some skin. Men haven’t always been afraid of crop tops.