History of Cropped Tops
Many people think that the cropped top is a modern trend, but the history of this garment goes back more than 2,000 years.
Origin: The Choli
• In India and parts of the Middle East, women wore a garment called the choli, which is very similar to today’s cropped top.
• The choli is a short blouse that covers the bust while leaving the abdomen exposed, providing freedom of movement and thermal comfort.
• It was traditionally worn with a sari in India or with other traditional garments in Middle Eastern regions.
Function and Meaning
• Beyond aesthetics, the choli was adapted to the hot climate, allowing ventilation and comfort.
• It also had cultural and social significance, being part of outfits that indicated status, age, region, or occasion (festivities, ceremonies, daily life).
The Connection to the Modern Cropped Top • Today, the cropped top is a global fashion trend, associated with youth style, freedom, and sensuality.
• Interestingly, although it seems new, it is merely a contemporary reinterpretation of a millennia-old garment.
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