AITA for wearing crop tops and tanks to annoy a Mormon teammate after she shamed me for wearing them?

The sun beats down on a California track, where sweat and determination collide. For one 16-year-old runner, the heat is a familiar foe—she’s fainted before, so her tank tops and shorts are more than a style choice; they’re a necessity. But when her Mormon teammate, Suzie, calls her outfit “immoral” and slings a shocking insult, the track becomes a battleground of beliefs and boundaries. What happens when personal expression clashes with religious conviction?

This fiery exchange has Reddit buzzing, with opinions as varied as the team’s uniforms. Our young runner, hurt but defiant, doubles down with crop tops to make a point. Was she wrong to push back, or is this a bold stand for self-expression? Let’s dive into her story, the community’s take, and what experts say about navigating such clashes.

‘AITA for wearing crop tops and tanks to annoy a Mormon teammate after she shamed me for wearing them?’

This track team spat is more than a wardrobe war—it’s a clash of personal and cultural values. Suzie’s harsh words reflect her upbringing, but shaming a teammate crosses a line. According to Dr. John Duffy, a clinical psychologist specializing in teen dynamics, “Judgmental comments, especially in a team setting, can erode trust and cohesion” . Here, Suzie’s insult stems from her conservative lens, but it unfairly targets the OP’s practical clothing choice.

The OP’s response—doubling down with crop tops—packs a sarcastic punch but risks escalating tension. Teens often use defiance to assert identity, especially when feeling attacked. Data from the American Psychological Association shows 70% of teens face peer judgment over appearance, making this a broader issue of self-expression versus conformity.

Dr. Duffy advises, “Open dialogue, not retaliation, fosters understanding.” The OP could calmly explain her health-driven clothing choices to Suzie, setting boundaries without malice. Coaches should also step in—team environments thrive on mutual respect, not moral policing.

Respecting beliefs doesn’t mean surrendering personal comfort. The OP’s health concerns justify her attire, and Suzie’s discomfort doesn’t trump that. Encouraging empathy, like asking Suzie why she feels strongly, could defuse tension while maintaining team unity.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, dishing out support with a side of sass. Here’s the raw scoop from the trackside peanut gallery:

These hot takes show Reddit rallying behind the OP, cheering her stance while slamming Suzie’s judgment. Some urged reporting the incident, others pointed to BYU’s own runners rocking similar gear. But do these fiery comments capture the full picture, or are they just fueling the drama?

This track team tale shows how quickly personal choices can spark conflict. The OP stood her ground, prioritizing health over judgment, but her clapback stirred the pot. Suzie’s words were out of line, yet both girls are navigating the messy terrain of teenage identity. With expert advice pointing to dialogue and empathy, there’s a path to mutual respect. What would you do if a teammate tried to dictate your style? Share your thoughts and experiences below!