The men’s crop top is enjoying a vibrant revival in the Philippines, and this resurgence is being driven, in
large part, by the country’s fashion-forward celebrities. With their influence over trends and societal
norms, these stars are instrumental in redefining masculinity and body positivity for the Filipino public.
Once considered daring or unconventional, this fashion choice symbolizes modern Filipino masculinity,
where self-expression and defying norms take center stage.
Filipino celebrities are no strangers to using their platform to challenge traditional norms. Leading the
pack is Vice Ganda, a TV personality and comedian who has long been a trailblazer in LGBTQIA+ visibility
and gender-fluid fashion. Known for pushing boundaries, Vice has often been spotted sporting men’s
crop tops on and off the screen.
His bold and unapologetic style has played a pivotal role in making the crop top an emblem of self-
confidence and individuality in the country. As an icon, Vice Ganda has helped make the crop top
accessible to a broader audience, breaking down preconceived notions of gender-specific fashion.
Similarly, Kyle Echarri, another well-known celebrity, has worn crop tops. His crop tops highlight the
garment’s functional side, showing how it can be both stylish and practical, especially in the tropical
heat of the Philippines. His choice to wear crop tops adds to his laid-back yet trendy persona and subtly
challenges the conventional idea that revealing clothing should be exclusive to women.
Enchong Dee, an actor and competitive swimmer, is another notable figure in the resurgence of the crop
top. Enchong’s athletic physique and reputation as a fitness buff have made him a style icon for many
men, and his occasional foray into cropped fashion is a statement in itself. Enchong contributes to the
narrative that men’s fashion doesn’t have to be confined to loose, baggy, or utilitarian clothing by
wearing crop tops. Instead, it can be fun, youthful, and even flirtatious—all without compromising
masculinity.
Even James Reid, a music artist and actor known for his innovative style, has dabbled in the crop top
trend. With a reputation for experimenting with bold and edgy outfits, James has become one of the
most fashion-forward male celebrities in the country. His incorporation of the crop top into his
wardrobe is a fashion statement and a reflection of a broader movement in the Philippines towards
greater freedom in gender expression. Reid’s style choices resonate particularly with Gen Z, a generation
redefining what it means to be masculine, feminine, or anything in between.
K-pop’s influence on Filipino pop culture cannot be overlooked, and its impact on male fashion is
evident in how Filipino celebrities embrace trends like crop tops.
Moreover, Bretman Rock, a Filipino-American social media influencer and beauty guru, frequently rocks
crop tops in his Instagram posts and YouTube videos. While he is based in Honolulu, Hawaii, his roots
and influence reach deep into the Philippines, where his style choices inspire countless fans. Bretman’s
unapologetic embrace of crop tops is both a fashion statement and a declaration of self-love, further
pushing the boundaries of traditional masculinity in Filipino culture.
The revival of men’s crop tops among Filipino celebrities is not just about aesthetics but also signals a
shift in societal attitudes toward gender and fashion. These celebrities use their platforms to promote
body positivity, gender fluidity, and self-expression, showing their fans that clothing doesn’t have to
adhere to rigid norms. For Filipino men who may have once felt constrained by traditional expectations,
the crop top’s resurgence represents freedom—the freedom to dress as they please, to embrace their
bodies, and to express their identity however they choose.
Critics, of course, have voiced their concerns, particularly from more conservative sectors of Filipino
society. The pushback often centers on fears of emasculation or the perception that wearing crop tops is
“unmanly.” However, this criticism is gradually losing ground as more and more celebrities confidently
wear crop tops in public, showing that masculinity is not tied to any one look or style. If anything, the
crop top’s resurgence demonstrates that confidence and individuality are the actual markers of modern
masculinity.
In a country where celebrity culture wields enormous influence, the renaissance of men’s crop tops in
the Philippines is more than just a fleeting trend—it is part of a more significant movement toward
inclusivity, diversity, and the rejection of outdated gender norms. These celebrities lead the charge
through fashion choices, empowering Filipino men to embrace their bodies, challenge societal
expectations, and express themselves freely.
The future of Filipino fashion looks bright—and the crop top is just the beginning.