1930s–1970s

A 1948 photo of Italian women in midriff-baring bikinis

In some cultures, exposure of the midriff is socially discouraged or even banned, and the Western culture has historically been hesitant in the use of midriff-baring styles. Bill Blass commented:

It is too difficult. Women will much more readily wear bare-back or plunging-neckline styles.^[3]

It was introduced to fashion in 1932 by Madeleine Vionnet when she offered an evening gown with strategically cut openings at the waist.

Women's swimwear of the 1930s and 1940s incorporated increasing degrees of midriff exposure.

Teen magazines of the late 1940s and 1950s featured similar designs of midriff-baring suits and tops. However, midriff fashion was stated as only for beaches and informal events and considered indecent to be worn in other public situations.^[4]

However, exposure of the female midriff and navel was widely brought into everyday Western women's fashion in the 1960s' sexual revolution and later with the popularity of halters, tube tops and crop tops in the 1970s.

The cheerleading style fashions developing largely from the styles originating with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in the early 1970s also played a crucial role in the popularity of midriff fashion at middle and high schools.^[4][5]

1980s–1990s

Janet Jackson baring her midriff in 1995

During the 1980s, pop star Madonna appeared in bare midriff looks in her performances and music videos, which helped in spreading this fashion widely.^[4][6]

The popularity of the bare midriff continued well due to low-rise fashion which started in the early 1990s when the British magazine The Face in its March 1993 issue cover featured Kate Moss in low-rise jeans.^[7] At the same time, the wide acceptance of navel display in Western societies, navel piercing^[8] and navel tattoos^[9] have become more common among young women. This raised the popularity of crop tops that expose the midriff and navel.^[10]

During the 1990s, many designers adapted to the trend. One way of showing the midriff that has proved popular with designers is simply fastening a jacket or vest at the neckline and letting it fall freely. When the wearer moves, there is a flash of skin, but nothing startling. Fashion designer Carolina Herrera said:

the midriff doesn't have to be completely bare; a veil of chiffon over the midriff can look intriguing.^[11]

2000s–2010s

Alessia Cara performing while wearing a knotted shirt which exposes her belly button in 2018

The bare midriff, with flat, toned abs, became the trend in Hollywood in the 2000s.^[12] For instance, actresses such as Kaley Cuoco have worn belly-baring outfits for numerous roles and events. ^[13] In the Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture show by Chanel in Paris, midriff-baring tops were a main focus.^[14][15]

2020s

Miranda Cosgrove wearing a two piece outfit sports bra and leggings which exposes her midriff and t-shaped navel on set during iCarly in 2022

In the 2020s, clothing that exposes the midriff remains popular.

This trend, featuring crop tops, cut-out dresses, and high-waisted bottoms with shorter tops, continues to attract fashion enthusiasts. Actresses and celebrities like, Kiernan Shipka,^[16][17][18] Sabrina Carpenter,^{[19][20][21][22][23][24]} Halle Bailey^[25][26][27] and Sydney Sweeney^[28][29] all have revolved around the bare midriff around their fashion.

Such garments are often used as a way for the wearer to express themselves and feel confident about their bodies. Whether on runways or in everyday fashion, midriff-baring outfits symbolize self-assurance and body positivity.

This trend reflects the fashion industry's growing recognition of diverse body types and personal styles. As the 2020s progress, clothes that expose the midriff have solidified their status as a popular fashion choice.

In US schools

Beginning in the late 1940s, school dress codes in the United States started to ban bare midriffs.^[4]

Some American secondary schools have dress codes dating back to the 1970s against attire that leaves the midriff exposed.^[30] An example of a test that some schools apply is to have the student raise her arms if her shirt just barely covers her midriff while her arms are down. If during this test, the girl's navel is exposed as she raises her arms, then she will be prohibited from wearing that shirt to school anymore.

As an example, the dress code of the Sherman Independent School District in Texas requires that "there must be no exposure of the midriff area or undergarments. The midriff area must not be seen while bending over, while standing, raising arms, and stretching."^[31]

In 2002, East Valley High School in Spokane Valley, Washington specified guidelines about inappropriate clothing in the school's student planner and handbook which includes "clothing that reveals the midriff".^[32]

In 2004, the Board of Education of Meriden, Connecticut, brought a dress code that banned shirts, blouses that expose the top of the shoulders, halter tops, spaghetti tops, and any clothing that exposed the waist, midriff or hips.^[33]