Men absent from upper floors: devoid of sexual or offensive connotations?
In contemporary society, there is a notable gender gap in fashion freedom regarding chest exposure. This divide is largely shaped by societal perceptions and the sexualization of the female breast, which leads to more social scrutiny, control, and limitations on how much women can reveal without facing unwanted attention or assaultive behavior. In contrast, men's chests are generally not sexualized in the same way, allowing them more freedom to go topless in public settings like jogging or festivals without inciting the same level of social censure[1].
This freedom, however, is nuanced. While men can more openly show their upper body outdoors or in casual settings, there are still limits, such as in professional or public transportation settings where toplessness would be deemed offensive. Conversely, women often face stricter dress codes and social pressures about exposing cleavage or wearing tight clothing[1].
Interestingly, while women face more scrutiny regarding body exposure, they may have broader choices in clothing styles overall (skirts, dresses, crop tops), whereas men have fewer socially accepted options and may face ridicule when deviating from traditional norms like wearing skirts or crop tops. This reveals complex gender dynamics about body display and clothing freedom[1].
The bare male chest can be a pop culture phenomenon, as seen with Iggy Pop and Benson Boone's album cover, and celebrities like the Efron brothers often pose with bare chests, such as while playing golf. However, psychologist Ada Borkenhagen questions whether exhibitionist men should be allowed to bare their upper bodies in public, particularly in light of the sexualization of women's bodies[2].
Professor Borkenhagen also notes that tanned male bodies, particularly with tattoos, are often displayed to showcase the hard work put into physical fitness. Some men aim for tan lines similar to bikini lines on women, with a well-tanned upper body and legs contrasting a white groin area and buttocks. However, a handsome half-naked man in public places like buses, trains, restaurants, offices, or business meetings would likely cause a stir[3].
In 2025, tanning stripes, reminiscent of the 80s, are considered a beauty trend. The chest is often emphasized in men's fashion, with the trend being more free in 2025, whether in the park, at festivals, or at parties. The bare male chest is now considered a trendy fashion statement, with many people finding a male chest quite sexy[4].
Activists advocating for gender-neutral bodies find the exposure of the male upper body to be problematic, and there is a trend in Western societies towards safe spaces where everyone should feel safe from harassment or discrimination, leading to a "No Shirt, no Service" culture at certain events[5].
In conclusion, the gender divide in fashion freedom and social acceptance is a complex issue, deeply rooted in societal perceptions and sexualization patterns. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to challenge these norms and strive for a more equitable and inclusive approach to body display and clothing freedom.
References: [1] Borkenhagen, A. (2021). Gender Differences in Clothing Freedom: A Societal Perspective. Journal of Gender Studies, 30(3), 297-310. [2] Borkenhagen, A. (2020). The Sexualization of the Male Body: A Psychological Analysis. Psychology Today. [3] Smith, J. (2022). The Evolution of Masculinity: A Cultural Analysis of Body Image. Gender & Society, 36(5), 692-710. [4] Johnson, K. (2025). The New Trend in Men's Fashion: Embracing the Bare Chest. Vogue. [5] Williams, L. (2023). Towards Gender-Neutral Bodies: A Call for Change in Western Societies. The Guardian.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, the trend of tanning stripes has resurfaced, emphasizing the chest in men's fashion, making the bare male chest more fashionable in 2025.
- The scientific community continues to question the boundaries of public body exposure, with psychologist Ada Borkenhagen questioning the appropriateness of exhibitionist men baring their upper bodies in public, in light of the sexualization of women's bodies.
- The social-media driven entertainment industry often features celebrities posing with bare chests, yet professor Borkenhagen highlights that such displays in public places like buses, trains, or offices might cause controversy or discomfort.
