Collared button-through shirts that are shorter than regular length are coming through. The trend was fringe, but has gained momentum and is now mainstream. Which makes me suspect it’s selling quite well at retail.
The cropped lengths of these shirts vary from midriff-baring to grazing the hip bone. Hem shapes are curved, straight, staggered, or asymmetrical. Fits range from fluid to oversized. They are boxy, short, and have short or long shirt sleeves. Most are solid, but patterns are available too. Fabrics are cotton, cotton-blends, viscose, rayon, or linen. Some are super crisp, and others are soft and drapey.
They are a breezy Summer top that can be worn buttoned all the way through to the collar. Worn with a couple of buttons unbuttoned. Or open like a jacket over a tee, tank, or super short cropped top. Here are some examples.
When shopping with clients for this silhouette, I’ve found that getting the right length and hem shape is key. Longer cropped lengths that cover the midriff are great for pants, jeans, and shorts (if you don’t want to showcase skin). Slightly shorter cropped lengths work well with skirts. Curved hems can visually shorten the length of the shirt, which can be unfavourable. A straight hem can work better than expected.
The short-sleeved versions in drapey soft fabrics with V-necklines can work particularly well on a curvier figure. In fact, the crisper boxy cropped silhouette with long sleeves has worked well on a curvy figure with a large bust when the length is just right. The shirts do not cling or gape at the bust because of the roomy fit, which can be a welcome change. The shorter length offsets the “tent effect”. You have to be okay with the more voluminous side view though, so be sure to look at that before you commit to the silhouette.
Collared shirts are a no-brainer for my own style. They always work, so I wear them. I wear fluid and oversized, regular length, collared button-through shirts like T-shirts in the Summer. They are cotton or linen and very comfortable. I tuck or semi-tuck them for a bit of structure. I enjoy their dressy and crisp relaxed integrity. As a shirt gal, I love this trend, and was an early adopter of the longer cropped lengths.
I got my first boxy cropped shirt three years ago, and have steadily added more. Two are straight with curved hems. One a little shorter and boxier with a gently curved hem. The most recent purchase has a high-low hemline and is super boxy and wide. Their silhouette became wider as I added to my capsule. I love how their cropped length makes them look good untucked. That shorter length adds a subtle yet meaningful bit of structure to my eye. My versions are not midriff-baring. I am completely covered, and don’t show skin. I often wear a camisole underneath too.
Here are my boxy cropped shirts.
Over to you. What do you think of boxy cropped shirts, and would you wear them?
