Crop tops are often seen as a women's trend today, but rewind a few decades and you’ll find men confidently sporting them too. But how true is that?
Yes, men wore crop tops in the 1980s. They were a popular athletic and fashion choice, especially among celebrities, college athletes, and musicians. The look was seen as bold, sporty, and edgy.
In this article, we’ll explore the roots of the male crop top trend, its place in '80s style, and whether the crop top was more of an '80s or '90s thing.
Did Guys Actually Wear Crop Tops in the '80s?
If you’ve seen vintage movies or old college football footage, you may have caught a glimpse of this midriff-baring trend. But did regular guys really wear them?
Yes, crop tops were a legitimate part of men’s fashion in the '80s. Athletes, musicians, and even actors wore them both on and off screen. They were especially popular in workout gear and college sports uniforms.
Why were crop tops so popular among men in the 1980s?
- Athletic Influence – Many football players wore cutoff jerseys during training.
- Media Exposure – Celebrities like Prince and actors in teen movies wore crop tops.
- Fitness Craze – The '80s fitness boom encouraged body-conscious clothing.
- Unisex Trends – The '80s blurred some gender fashion lines.
| Influencer | Iconic Crop Top Moment |
|---|---|
| Prince | Stage performances with cropped shirts |
| Johnny Depp | Wore a crop top in "A Nightmare on Elm Street" |
| College Athletes | Football training outfits |
The style was confident, youthful, and expressive. Wearing a crop top wasn’t shocking—it was cool.
When Did Guys Start Wearing Crop Tops?
Crop tops didn’t begin in the '80s—but that’s when they hit peak visibility. So where did it all start?
Guys started wearing crop tops as early as the 1970s, particularly in gym culture and underground fashion scenes. But it was the 1980s that brought the trend mainstream.
Crop Top History for Men:
| Decade | Style Evolution |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Cropped gym shirts and experimental fashion |
| 1980s | Widespread in sports, music, and movies |
| 1990s | Gradual fade as baggy fashion took over |
| 2010s+ | Resurgence in gender-fluid and streetwear fashion |
In the '80s, cutting the bottom off a T-shirt became a DIY trend among athletes who wanted airflow and movement.
Today, designers have reintroduced men’s crop tops as a nod to retro style with a modern twist.
What Did the Men Wear Back in the '80s?
Crop tops were just part of a much broader, colorful fashion scene for men in the '80s. What else defined that era?
In the 1980s, men wore bold colors, short shorts, oversized blazers, tight jeans, and plenty of statement accessories. Workout gear like tank tops and crop tops were just as common as leather jackets and acid-wash denim.
Key men’s fashion trends from the '80s:
- Short Shorts – Athletic and casual wear for summer.
- Graphic Tees & Cropped Shirts – Pop culture prints and DIY alterations.
- Power Suits – Shoulder pads, wide lapels, and pastel colors.
- Acid-Wash Jeans – Often tight-fitting or high-waisted.
- Leather Jackets – Popularized by rock and punk styles.
| Category | Popular Item |
|---|---|
| Sportswear | Mesh tank tops, crop jerseys |
| Streetwear | High-top sneakers, track suits |
| Music-Inspired | Bandanas, ripped jeans, eyeliner |
| Club Fashion | Satin shirts, pleather pants |
The '80s were all about expression—and that included what men wore on top.
Are Crop Tops '80s or '90s?
Both decades had their share of midriff moments, but which one owns the trend?
Crop tops were more prominent for men in the '80s, although the '90s saw a brief continuation—especially in music and streetwear. The style faded by the late '90s, then returned in the 2010s.
Crop Top Popularity by Decade:
| Decade | Men’s Crop Top Status |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Underground / Gym-only |
| 1980s | Mainstream athletic + pop style |
| 1990s | Niche in hip-hop / R&B |
| 2000s | Nearly disappeared |
| 2010s+ | Fashion comeback |
In the '90s, artists like Kriss Kross and even Will Smith wore crop tops or shorter-length shirts in music videos. But the look was more common among women during that time.
Today, fashion has become more gender-fluid, and crop tops for men have made a modern comeback—especially in streetwear, music, and runway looks.
Conclusion
Yes, men absolutely wore crop tops back in the '80s. It was a bold, athletic, and expressive fashion choice embraced by athletes, celebrities, and everyday guys. The crop top trend has a long history in men’s fashion—and it’s making a confident return in today’s style scene.
