In a revelation that might have some men clutching their tank tops a bit closer this summer, a fresh survey across the UK has surfaced a somewhat staunch stance on shirtlessness.
Conducted by Perspectus Global, this inquiry polled 2,000 Britons to dive deep into the social acceptability of men going topless during the warmer months.
The verdict? A whopping 75% of those surveyed gave a firm thumbs down to shedding shirts in public spaces unless it’s by the reassuring confines of water at pools or beaches.
The disdain doesn’t stop there. About a third of the respondents are not just against this display of skin but would cheer for an outright prohibition of the practice.
Imagine that—22% are even calling for legal consequences, proposing fines for the bare-chested.
Despite these stern views, the men of Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester, and Edinburgh seem to embrace a more liberated stance.
In these cities, a significant number of lads—exceeding the national average of 19%—proudly lose their shirts when the mercury rises.
But what’s driving this wave of disapproval? Seventy per cent of women surveyed link the act of going topless to toxic masculinity.
Yet, there’s a flicker of leniency in this rigid outlook; nearly half of the participants concede that exceptions could be made, particularly if one boasts a physique in peak condition.
The survey didn’t stop at shirtlessness. It catalogued other fashion faux pas too, ranging from socks with sandals to the infamous “budgie smugglers” at the beach—each garnering notable contempt.
Celebrity stylist Sinead McKeefry weighs in, empathizing with the majority’s viewpoint. According to McKeefry, Brits aren’t accustomed to the sight of topless men, unlike the scene in sweltering locales where it’s more normalized.
Yet, experiences from upscale boutiques in the South of France to the streets of London suggest that context and setting heavily dictate what’s deemed appropriate attire.
Meanwhile, younger Brits, particularly Gen Z males, appear more inclined to bare their torsos, with nearly half from this age bracket likely to go shirtless.
Harriet Scott, CEO of Perspectus Global, summarises the sentiment, noting the strong national consensus against public shirtlessness even during sizzling summers.
Fortunately for those averse to such sights, a cooldown in temperatures is on the horizon, promising a reprieve from both the heat and the heated debate over appropriate summer attire.
This study, completed in June 2024, lays bare the nation’s current mood on summer fashion etiquette, signalling a preference for a more covered approach to beating the heat.