Help! My Young Teenage Daughter Wants to Wear Crop Tops (2024)

By Catherine Pearlman

June 22, 2018

Dear Your Teen,

Should I allow my 14-year-old daughter to wear crop tops? She likes them, but I think they are too revealing.

EXPERT |Catherine Pearlman

When children are young, parents blissfully control all of the clothing decisions. Mom or Dad shop and decide what their child will wear each day. Sure, there may be an argument or two, but parents generally call the shots.

But when kids enter middle and high school, they want to make these choices for themselves. Unfortunately, some of those selections can be upsetting for the grown-ups.

Parents of girls often prohibit crop tops and other revealing attire because of modesty standards or school dress codes. Others fear unwanted attention from boys and older males. The conflict arises, however, when teens want to express themselves through their clothing while learning how to dress their newly-developed bodies. Additionally, teens often want to wear what other kids are wearing.

Puberty and the teen years are filled with lots of pressure to fit in. Self-esteem can take a nose-dive for girls this age. It would be great if you could allow your daughter room to feel good in her skin wearing what feels most comfortable to her. Of course, it wouldn’t be appropriate for your daughter to wear anything she wants. But, instead of unequivocally saying, “No” to everything, try to set parameters and open the discussion.

Are Crop Tops Appropriate for a 14-Year-Old?

Give some thought to why you object to crop tops. When we tell teen girls to cover up to avoid unwanted attention, we might send a message to them that it’s their responsibility to manage the sexual feelings of the boys and men in society. We also run the risk of shaming girls about their changing bodies. This can have long-lasting consequences.

In giving some deeper thought to your objections—and discussing them with your daughter—you can invite a deeper discussion about sexuality, body image and consent.

Ask your daughter why she wants to wear crop tops and what she sees as potential downsides. Offer your thoughts and opinion but without lecturing. Discuss your concerns and fears but try to have an open mind to her point of view. Then, see if you and your daughter can find some compromises so you can each feel comfortable with the outcome (e.g., it’s okay to wear a crop top to the mall, but not to school.)

If you absolutely cannot find space for your daughter to wear a crop top, that’s ok. But be prepared for some angry teenage backlash. It will likely pass; however, you will probably need to revisit this issue repeatedly over the next few years. And be prepared for the inevitable: She may change her clothes as soon as she leaves the house.

Help! My Young Teenage Daughter Wants to Wear Crop Tops (2024)

FAQs

Should I let my 15 year old daughter wear crop tops? ›

They're good for when it's hot out, you can layer with them, tuck them in to pants or a skirt if it's long enough, and they're more stylish than normal shirts. I'm 15 and I love crop tops! There is nothing wrong with wearing them. I think that she is definitely old enough to wear them!

Should 11 year olds wear crop tops? ›

It depends on if the cropped top is appropriate if it's meant to be showy then no. In my honest opinion I believe kids shouldn't be allowed to wear things like that until atleast 16 years old.

When should girls start wearing crop top bra? ›

Crop tops – This is best as a starter bra and should be worn as soon as the nipples start to protrude. Soft cup bras – Once the breast tissue has developed a bit further (usually a few months after wearing the crop top), your daughter is probably ready for soft cupped bras, these work well as both tween and teen bras.

Are crop tops appropriate for high school? ›

They're deemed as inappropriate and too revealing–how many stories have we heard about girls being sent home from school because of their “inappropriate outfit”? The truth is, you don't have to bare it all to rock this piece! Crop tops can totally be professional and appropriate. It all depends on how you style them.

Why I let my daughter wear what she wants? ›

In early adolescence, they may reject clothing you buy for them simply because they want their style to feel their own. Talking with your teen about what types of clothes they like is a great way of showing them you care about their world while also saving money by avoiding purchasing anything they'll refuse to wear.

Why do some girls wear crop tops? ›

They help show off your beautiful curves or abs, making you feel more confident in yourself. The fact that all shapes and sizes can pull of a crop top is why crop tops are so popular.

Is it OK to wear crop tops in middle school? ›

They're deemed as inappropriate and too revealing–how many stories have we heard about girls being sent home from school because of their “inappropriate outfit”? The truth is, you don't have to bare it all to rock this piece! Crop tops can totally be professional and appropriate. It all depends on how you style them.

What can girls wear under crop tops? ›

What To Wear Under A Crop Top
  • Fitted t-shirts.
  • Turtlenecks.
  • Fitted long-sleeved tees.
  • Bodysuits.
  • Other tank tops.
  • Long or short sleeve button-up shirts.
  • Any kind of dress.
Jun 22, 2022

Do girls wear bras under crop tops? ›

For crop tops with sleeves, your bra will hardly be noticeable. For spaghetti strap or strapless tops, you have some options. A strapless bra would work, or you could wear a bralette with lacy straps and let it show.

Should my 12 year old daughter wear a bra? ›

As soon as the breasts start growing breast buds, small (sometimes very tender) bumps below the nipples, is typically when girls start wearing training bras,” said Dr. Kronborg. “Normally, by the time a girl can fill a B cup is when she'll eventually require a standard bra.”

Is there an age limit for crop tops? ›

Yes, even for work. Let's make one thing clear right off the bat: There no age limit to owning a crop top. (opens in new tab) You should wear what you love as long as it makes you feel comfortable. And crop tops?

What age should you buy your daughter her first bra? ›

While the average age for girls to get their first bra is eleven, you might need a bra a little bit before or even after your eleventh birthday. There is no exact age or time to get your first bra as every girl's body is different.

What is considered too revealing for school? ›

Schools typically ban T-shirts that display racist, sexist, obscene, or gang-related messages. Generally, clothing shouldn't be overly revealing, hats can't be worn in the classroom, and jewelry shouldn't be able to double as a weapon (heavy chains, for example).

Can Millennials wear crop tops? ›

Another popular top among millennials in fashion is the crop top, especially with bell sleeves this season. Bell sleeves will add volume and flair to the upper arm area without covering up other important features like hands or collarbones because they are smaller than traditional short sleeve t-shirts.

Should I let my kid wear what he wants? ›

Making their own clothing choices can help children develop their sense of style and express their individuality. Of course, parents should always have the final say, but offering your children some fashion freedom is a brilliant way to build their independence and encourage them to trust their own opinions.

Should parents control what their child wears? ›

Parents should control what their kids wear to some extent but avoid imposing their choice. If you don't like some outfits, your kids might not like wearing some clothes. Therefore, their choice matters a lot. If your kid wants to dress up like his friend, you should respect his choice.

Why does my daughter get so upset about wearing certain clothes? ›

If your child is demanding to wear or not wear certain clothing because of a seam, particular fit, or type of fabric, then it's likely because of their sensory system. Some might say they have sensory issues with clothing.

Is it OK to wear crop tops everyday? ›

Yes, we can wear crop tops everyday. It's upto you how you want to style them, according to your comfort. To feel more comfortable while travelling or going out you can always pair your crop tops with high waisted pants or trousers.

Do short girls look good in crop tops? ›

Cropped tops look great on shorter girls, as do regular-length tops - but anything that tricks the eye into elongating your torso can have the effect of making the rest of you look shorter (see point one.)

Why are crop tops banned in schools? ›

The justification for this rule on crop tops is that they are potentially distracting, and the school is trying to prepare students for professional settings. But are they really setting their students up for greatness? Are crop tops distracting to students or more so to staff?

Is it appropriate for moms to wear crop tops? ›

Yes, you might be unsure how you can pull it off. But yes, you can wear the crop top! For many of us, it might be hard to believe this trend has resurfaced. But if we know anything, we know that styles are simply recycled.

Is it appropriate to wear a crop top to a college class? ›

Yes. You can wear crop tops and leggins to class in college. But, make sure to wear it decently. Is it okay to wear boyshorts with leggings?

Why do high school girls wear crop tops? ›

1. Makes Girls Feel Gorgeous !! Many women have always the urge to look a little on the sexy side of things, from cleavage to revealing a bit of leg. Just another way to show off a little skin is to donate a fun crop top, as modest or bold as you want.

Can I wear a crop top if I don't have a flat stomach? ›

Yes, you can wear crop tops without a perfectly flat stomach! Here are 5 easy style tips on how you can wear crop tops even when you don't have abs.

How do you make a crop top modest? ›

Meet The Crop Top With A High Waist

The higher the waist, the less skin you'll show. The biggest trick to wearing a crop top with some modesty is going for a high waist on bottom. In some cases, you can even get the crop top and the waistline to meet, creating a minimally bare midriff.

How do you wear crop tops without showing nipples? ›

“My best hack is if you don't have nipple covers just laying around you can use regular, medical, or silicone tape and criss-cross it over your nipples,” says Brooklyn-based stylist Joiee Thorpe. “Lay the two pieces very flat so they don't show — smoother tape will work better.

What kind of bra should a 13 year old wear? ›

So if you are wondering which bra is suitable for teenagers? Then soft cup bras can be the right kind of bra for teenagers as they are wire-free and fit your breasts without changing their shape and they are usually made of thick fabric to make you look and feel comfortable.

What is the average bra size for a 12 13 year old? ›

Bra sizes
Clothes Sizing AgeBra size
Age 9N/A
Age 10 - 1130A /30B
Age 12-1332A / 32B
Age 14-1534A/34B

How do I convince my daughter to wear a bra? ›

You might want to sit down with your daughter, and talk with her about why she wants a bra. You can also consider letting her wear a training bra or a sports bra. If her body is not developed at all, consider letting her wear a tank top or camisole instead.

What grade do most girls start wearing bras? ›

Understand the average age that girls develop.

The average age for a girl to start wearing a bra is age 11. Some girls need one by age 8, though, and some girls don't need one until they are 14. Every girl is different! You could also start out by wearing a tank top under your shirts.

Can thick girls wear crop tops? ›

In a previous post we talked about some of the fashion myths that said that 'fat girls can't wear' and this time we're back asking 'Can you wear a crop top over a size 16? ' The answer, of course, you can!

Should a 50 year old woman wear a crop top? ›

Crop Tops and Hot Pants

But be careful! As a mature woman over 50, remember that you can be sexy without revealing too much skin. Crop tops will age you dramatically, and hot pants (which is another term for “short shorts”) will not make you look young and hip.

Is 33 too old to wear a crop top? ›

It depends on how well you maintain your body in your 30s. If you have taken care of your body and are in good shape, it's totally okay to wear crop tops. However, most women will have kids by 30, so they will busy taking care of their child's needs than themselves.

What is the smallest bra size? ›

The Smallest Size Of Bra: Uncovered

The smallest size of bra that is widely available is a 28AA. This bra has a 28 inch band, along with a bust that is less than one inch bigger than the ribcage. You'll find this size manufactured by many different brands, including Royce.

How to buy my daughter her first bra? ›

Five Tips to Buying Your Daughter's First Bra
  1. Decide how to talk to you daughter about puberty, body changes, and bra shopping. ...
  2. Know when it's the right time to go bra shopping. ...
  3. Be sensitive to her feelings. ...
  4. Get a proper bra fitting. ...
  5. Know the different types of bras.

How do you measure for a girls first bra? ›

What Size Bra to Buy?
  1. Run a tape measure just under your breasts, all the way around your back and ribcage. ...
  2. Make a note of your measurement and add 5 inches. ...
  3. To measure cup size, take the tape measure around your body across the fullest part of your breasts.

Can midsize girls wear crop tops? ›

I'm midsize and there are loads of ways to make my simple go-to outfit work and yes you can wear a crop top. A MIDSIZE fashion whizz has revealed her styling tips that women with her body shape can wear throughout the seasons.

Should short girls wear crop tops? ›

Cropped tops look great on shorter girls, as do regular-length tops - but anything that tricks the eye into elongating your torso can have the effect of making the rest of you look shorter (see point one.)

Are crop tops appropriate for 30 year olds? ›

The Thirties are the time to shine and defy all age-shaming norms by wearing whatever you love. Chic garments like crop tops are by no means limited to teens. If you style it in the ways that we are about to tell you, you can definitely look stylish.

What is the youngest age to wear a crop top? ›

There is no appropriate age, just the age that you start feeling comfortable with wearing it.

What do you wear under a small crop top? ›

You can wear almost any kind of shirt underneath a crop top, and you're sure to have a few T-shirts lying around. Just slip one on underneath your crop top for a comfy, stylish option. Since this outfit has a more casual feel, jeans or a denim skirt are great pairings. A long-sleeved tee works well for this.

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