Kenyan women are wearing crop tops to the office or in professional spaces. Some argue the blouses that stop just above the navel and reveal the midriff can be part of the corporate wardrobe, but a poll by Nation Lifestyle tells a different story.
Once known as tumbo cuts in the 1990s, they are coming back as if they never left. This time, however, they are not just for weekends or night outs but are slowly appearing as part of office wear, paired with power suits, high waist trousers, skirts and even denim and khaki.
The idea of wearing crop tops to the office remains debatable. Some people feel it is inappropriate to show a bare midriff in a professional environment and argue that such exposure could affect how seriously one is taken at work. Others believe it largely depends on how the crop top is styled and the industry one works in.
Connie Aluoch, a fashion consultant and stylist, says context is key when it comes to wearing crop tops at work.
“In some places, they are appropriate; in others, they are not. You cannot find a lawyer or a doctor in a crop top. It really depends on the profession. It can work in fields like media, advertising and public relations,” she says.
She explains that the length and styling of the crop top matter if one intends to wear it in a professional setting.
“Some crop tops sit just below the bust, and that is inappropriate regardless of the profession because it gives more of a club look. If someone bends down to pick something or raises their hands, what happens? That is why it helps to pair them with high waist trousers, flared pants, skirts or oversized jackets.”
Colour choices can also help tone down the outfit. Bright crop tops can be balanced with neutral blazers and trousers to create a more polished look.
“You also have to be cautious about the customs of the people around you. If you feel uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it does not matter your body size, do not wear it,” she says.
Connie notes that workplace fashion has been evolving in recent years, influenced largely by younger employees and changing work arrangements.
“Trends like oversized clothing, sneakers, ballet flats and even denim are appearing more in workspaces. Working from home also shifted people’s dressing choices, so organisations are re- examining dress codes to see what is practical. Even things like dreadlocks, which once raised questions in offices, have become normal.”
For some employees in creative industries, crop tops are simply another form of self-expression.
Janice Olang, in her 40s and who works in the creative sector, says she feels comfortable wearing crop tops to work.
“How I dress sets the tone for me. It is how I make a fashion statement. I do not think wearing crop tops affects how seriously you will be taken by colleagues as long as you deliver results,” she says.
Once known as tumbo cuts in the 1990s, crop tops are coming back as if they never left.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
However, she admits that wearing crop tops can sometimes affect workplace interactions.
“I have noticed that male colleagues sometimes stare, and instead of having work-related conversations, they shift to flirty comments,” she says, adding, “but bankers cannot wear crop tops to work. Something about midriff-baring skin and money trust issues just does not go together.”
“Influencers and content creators are constantly showing how to style crop tops for work and where to buy them.”
Virginia Baswe, who also works in the creative industry, believes employees, not policy, should regulate how they dress at work.
“Companies do not need strict dress codes. Employees should regulate themselves depending on their role, what makes them comfortable and the image they want to project,” says Virginia, who is also in her 40s.
However, she notes that women often face more scrutiny over their clothing choices.
“There is a social expectation that women should be gatekeepers when it comes to sexuality, as if men cannot control their desires and women must dress in a way that avoids provoking attention.”
For Anne Mbogo, in her early 30s, a businesswoman in Nairobi, the key to making a crop top work in a professional environment lies in dressing for the occasion. “It can work, but it depends entirely on how it is styled. Since you are revealing your midsection, the other parts of the body should remain covered,” she says.
“I once went to a school to pitch for business while wearing a crop top and had to quickly cover up because the students kept staring.”
Mercy Masengeli, also in her mid-20s and who works in the healthcare sector, says she mostly reserves crop tops for casual Fridays.
“I pair them with high waist trousers or mum jeans, but not the ones that reveal too much skin,” she says.
“I understand why dress codes exist. From Monday to Thursday, I want to present myself as serious and professional in the corporate space, so I reserve more relaxed outfits for Friday.”
Nancy Muthoni, who works in public relations, says crop tops can work if styled appropriately and worn in the right context.
“It would be inappropriate if your tummy is exposed because no one wants to see your stomach in the office. I usually pair crop tops with high-waist smart pants or fitted skirts.”
The idea of wearing crop tops to the office remains debatable.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
“In my organisation, the emphasis is smart casual, not strictly formal. Meeting clients is different from when you are just in the office with colleagues. You do not want to walk into a meeting looking like a child, and you end up overlooked, with no one addressing you.”
“As much as people are becoming more open, some biases still linger. Sometimes it is better to dress in a way that makes things easier for yourself, especially for young employees who are yet to make a name for themselves professionally.”
From a human resource perspective, dress codes are often tied to organisational image and workplace culture.
Fredrick Komen, a human resource practitioner, says appropriateness largely depends on the nature of the job.
“I have observed this dressing style (crop tops), especially in the corporate space in the private sector. I do not think it is appropriate, but it depends on what you do. If you are in IT or in virtual roles where you do not interact with clients face to face, maybe it could work.”
“Most bosses are in their 40s and 50s, and they will definitely have an opinion about your choice to wear a crop top to the office. Dressing does not define who a person is, but it does influence how people perceive you.”
Kellen Nyawira, an HR professional, says dress codes are meant to support both organisational image and employee confidence. She adds that in some industries, dress codes are also linked to safety and compliance.
“In hospitals and construction sites, dress codes are partly about safety. How appropriate a crop top is will really depend on the organisation and how such dressing aligns with its policy.”
When concerns arise about employee attire, Kellen says the point of reference should always be the organisation’s policy.
“If there is a complaint, for example, from a client, the reference point is always the company policy. Sometimes such feedback exposes gaps in how the dress code is understood and allows organisations to refine it.”
For some employees, crop tops are simply another form of self-expression.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Vanice Olal, who works in the construction sector, says traditional industries may not accommodate this emerging trend.
“In organisations that value traditional dress codes, crop tops would not be allowed in the workspace. Professional attire is defined around the company brand, the level of client interaction and the work environment.”
She adds that organisations often consider the employee’s comfort and professionalism when carrying out daily tasks.
“People have to ask themselves how comfortable they are when sitting or bending down and whether their dressing might offend others in the workplace.”
Fashion stylist Gloria Oballa of House of Fashion believes crop tops can work in professional settings if styled carefully.
“ You have to consider body proportion and colour. Solid colours tend to work better than loud prints.”
Material also matters, she says.
“You cannot wear a mesh or see-through crop top to the office. Go for structured fabrics like cotton or linen. You can also layer them with long cardigans or coats.”
Ideally, she adds, the crop top should meet the waistband so that minimal skin is revealed.
“Most offices are still conservative, so it is better to avoid tight stretch crop tops and go for looser styles that pair well with trousers and coats.”
Despite the growing visibility of crop tops in some workplaces, not everyone believes they will become a mainstream office staple.
Agnes Nyabaro, a fashion stylist, believes crop tops will likely remain limited to certain industries.
“I do not think crop tops will become mainstream because if they are not worn properly, they can easily cross the line into looking unprofessional.”
“Crop tops with jeans, even on casual Fridays, can look too relaxed for the office. Loud print crop tops also tend to draw attention to the skin being revealed.”
Connie agrees and adds,“there is no way lawyers are going to court in crop tops. Let us be realistic. There is no way a banker will wear them to work. How am I supposed to trust you with my millions when you are dressed in a crop top?”
