Skip to content
16 June 2026

How Crop Tops Are Breaking Gender Norms in Men’s Fashion

From Belmont Cameli to Harry Styles, discover how crop tops are breaking gender norms and redefining masculinity in fashion.

How Crop Tops Are Breaking Gender Norms in Men's Fashion

The fashion world is witnessing a paradigm shift with the rise of the crop top among men. This trend, once considered a feminine style choice, is now being embraced by some of the most influential men in entertainment, challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

At the forefront of this movement is Belmont Cameliwhose recent appearances in crop tops have captivated audiences. However, Cameli is not alone. This trend spans across the entertainment industry, from musicians to actors, each contributing to a broader cultural shift.

The Evolution of the Crop Top in Music

The crop top has deep roots in music history, serving as a canvas for self-expression. Kid Cudi made a bold statement with his raw-hemmed crop top at the 2014 Coachella festival. Similarly, Bad Bunny popularized the look with his shrunken black tee mirror selfies, while Harry styles showcased a knit sweater crop top in his 2026 music video for “Watermelon Sugar.”

Styles has since integrated the crop top into his signature style, recently wearing a tight baby tee for his 2026 album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Meanwhile, members of BTS have long incorporated crop tops into their concert wardrobes, with Jungkook‘s “Fake Love” performance becoming iconic for baring abs. In 2026Jungkook starred in Calvin Klein’s Fall campaign, featuring not one but two cropped fits, including a tank and a baby tee.

Hollywood’s Embrace of the Crop Top

Hollywood is gradually following suit, with actors like Jeremy Allen White making waves in crop tops. White’s appearance in a cropped striped polo shirt for Entertainment Weekly’s promotion of The Iron Claw in 2026 sparked a cultural commentary, with Evan Ross Katz coining the term “slutty little crop top” in an Instagram reaction post.

Magazine covers are also contributing to the trend’s popularity. Hudson Williams and Connor Storie nearly broke the internet last December with their GQ Hype cover, posing in soaking-wet white T-shirts cut right at the waist. These appearances highlight a broader acceptance of the crop top as a versatile and stylish choice for men.

The Cultural Impact of the Crop Top Trend

The crop top trend is more than just a fashion statement; it represents a shift in cultural attitudes towards masculinity. For decades, crop tops were seen as “feminine,” leading men to avoid them along with other traditionally “girly” elements like flowy skirts, the color pink, and makeup. However, recent years have seen a departure from these rigid norms.

Modern leading men are challenging these stereotypes by wearing whatever they want, and the internet is taking notice. Social media reactions to crop top-wearing celebrities are overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing their admiration and attraction to this newfound confidence. For instance, one X user posted, “Unfortunately Jeremy Allen White in a crop top has completely undone me,” while another remarked, “Hudson in a crop top is actually all I need.”

The trend also reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing a softer, more fluid expression of masculinity. Unlike the stereotypical jocks or bad boys of past decades, today’s heartthrobs exude confidence and nonchalance, making them more relatable and appealing to a wider audience. This shift is not just about fashion; it’s about redefining what it means to be a man in the 21st century.

Author

Jordan Wells

Jordan Wells covers Pride, policy and the cultural arc with equal seriousness. Reports on legislation, films, and the writers reshaping queer narrative today.