The Best Crop Tops

Buying Guide

You’ve heard the old saying, “less is more?” That rule holds true more often than not when it comes to fashion, and never more so than with a fun and flirty crop top.

So what exactly is a crop top? Strictly speaking, it’s any shirt that exposes some or all of your midriff, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. We could be talking about the form-fitting lycra tops that you wear at the gym or the loose cotton t-shirts you wear to the beach. They can have long sleeves or spaghetti straps, fringed bottoms or bunched-up tie fronts. (In fact, pretty much any blouse can be a crop top if you tie it up at the bottom.)

Which kind of shirt you pick will have a lot to do with how you plan on wearing it, though crop tops are by their nature a casual choice. (Yes, there are some jobs where you can get away with showing a little belly button. But should you?) The most versatile kind of crop tops will be solid-colored with a neckline that works equally well under a blazer or on its own. The less of your belly you expose, the more occasions it will be suitable for, but (as with all matters of style) it’s all about what you can pull off.

If you’re looking for a workout top, you’ll want something with more spandex in the weave and moisture-wicking properties. The best thing about the rise in athleisure wear is that you can often wear crop tops straight from your daily errands to the gym. If you’re buying a looser, more everyday top, consider both what’s on top and underneath. Tighter crop tops might be so sheer that going without a bra is not an option, even if they offer ample support. For beachwear, a little (or a lot) of see-through isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If you’re wearing your top without additional coverage, the rule of opposites applies. Unless you’re going for a slinky nightclub ensemble, tighter crop tops look best with flowing dresses or loose-fitting jeans. Conversely, loose tops are complemented by shorts, tight jeans or yoga pants. Again, solid colors will work best with a range of pants or skirts. If you’re going for patterns, it’s best to make sure they match — otherwise that gap in the middle will only highlight how much your tops and bottoms clash.

Finally, remember that crop tops can work with any body type; it’s all about accentuating what you have. If you’re petite, go for something loose with a hemline that tapers up. Busty girls can try pairing fitted, high-neckline tops with a slimming skirt. If you’ve got some bulge, choose crop tops that bare the slimmest part of the tummy just above the belly button. And whatever the weather, remember that layering cardigans or overshirts can give you a little extra coverage on the sides.

Got an old t-shirt or blouse that’s gathering moths in your closet? You can always give it new life by turning it into a crop top. For the most easy method, there’s really no sewing skill required. Simply wear it in front of a mirror and mark off where you’d like it cropped, then cut carefully along the bottom edge. Go slowly with fabric scissors to avoid any fraying, unless you’re going for a distressed style. If you want a more fitted look, cut the front into triangular sections that you can tie up. And remember that you don’t have to stop with the crop: Cut out the collar of a tee shirt to show a little more neckline or snip off the arms to make it sleeveless.