We’re Learning to Love One of the Season’s Most Hated Trends

April 1, 2021

We frequently find ourselves indulging in the latest and, arguably, greatest fashion trends. After all, every season brings a fresh batch of things to try. Many fall by the wayside once a new fashion month rolls around. Others have more staying power. Then there are the ones we’re hesitant to embrace. Like padded shoulder tops.

They are literally everywhere. While their silhouette may initially seem unflattering, anybody can rock one. Keep in mind that there are different degrees of padding. Some shirts use a little to establish some structure. Then there are the tops that make you look like a linebacker. You just have to know your body and which type suits you best.

Another important thing to consider is what you wear from the waist down. With some bulkiness up top, you want to streamline things below. So save the baggy jeans for another day and another outfit.

Keep scrolling to discover the raddest padded shoulder tops around.

Padded Shoulder Tops

Padded Shoulder Tops #1

The Frankie Shop x Camille Charrière Eva Padded Shoulder Muscle T-Shirt in Pale Yellow, $75 at The Frankie Shop
Padded Shoulder Tops #2

Violeta by Mango Padded Shoulders T-Shirt in Clementine, $49.99 at Mango
Padded Shoulder Tops #3

Alice + Olivia Desma Cropped Tie-Dyed Cotton-Jersey Tank, $175 at Net-a-Porter
Padded Shoulder Tops #4

Topshop Shoulder Pad Rib Tank, $38 at Nordstrom
Padded Shoulder Tops #5

Endless Rose Padded Shoulder T-Shirt in Lilac, $50 at Shopbop
Padded Shoulder Tops #6

Reformation Belfort Top in Vintage White, $68 at Reformation
Padded Shoulder Tops #7

& Other Stories Cropped Padded Shoulder Tank Top in Black, $25 at & Other Stories
Padded Shoulder Tops #8

ASOS Design Shoulder Pad Tee in Winter White Rib, $26 at ASOS
Padded Shoulder Tops #9

Mango Organic Cotton T-Shirt With Shoulder Pads in Medium Brown, $14.99 at Mango
Padded Shoulder Tops #10

Ganni Basic Cotton Jersey Fitted Top, $185 at Ganni
Padded Shoulder Tops #11

Pull&Bear Padded Shoulder T-Shirt in Khaki Tie-Dye, $28 at ASOS
Padded Shoulder Tops #12

Urban Outfitters Frankie Padded Cropped Muscle Tank, $24.99 at Urban Outfitters
Padded Shoulder Tops #13

Eloquii Striped Drama Shoulder Tee, $54.95 at Eloquii

As passionate about feminism as she is about fashion, Morgan C. Schimminger spends much of her time writing and editing pieces on everything from celebrity style to the fight to keep funding for Planned Parenthood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in publishing from Rosemont College. Morgan has contributed to a variety of publications, including StyleBakery, Uptown, metro.pop and Sister 2 Sister. Every week for theFashionSpot, she profiles the Top 10 Best Dressed Celebs and provides a daily dose of stylish stars via Look of the Day.