Men residing in the upper floors, devoid of explicit sexual or sexist connotations?
In modern Western societies, the norms surrounding the public display of bare chests reveal a striking gender divide. While men enjoy a broader social permission to go bare-chested in informal, outdoor settings, women's public chest exposure remains largely taboo and regulated by social and legal standards.
Psychologist Ada Borkenhagen, a renowned authority on human behaviour and culture, questions whether men should be allowed to show off their bare upper bodies so freely. Yet, she acknowledges that the V-shaped, muscular torso with a flat chest is a physical characteristic that distinguishes men and women, and many find it quite sexy.
This cultural dichotomy is evident in the popularity of hashtags like #Shirtlessmen and #shirtlessguys on the internet, with celebrities such as the Efron brothers often posing shirtless in photos. In contrast, women are not allowed to walk around without tops in public, as it is considered inappropriate and uncomfortable.
The acceptance of male bare chests in Western societies developed mainly in the 20th century, with men being able to go shirtless in casual public settings such as beaches, pools, sports, and yard work. However, shirtless men are usually expected to wear shirts in public places like transportation or stores, and certain contexts still consider it disrespectful or inappropriate.
On the other hand, women’s fashion freedom regarding exposure of the chest is much more restricted and socially regulated. Historically and legally in most Western countries, women’s breasts are considered private and exposing them publicly can be deemed indecent or offensive, leading to restrictions or legal consequences in many areas.
This difference is a relatively recent cultural development, with male shirtlessness accepted since mid-20th century, while female toplessness remains far less accepted. The religious and moral perspective also underscores traditional expectations for both men and women to cover from the shoulders to at least the knees for reasons of modesty and avoiding lust, reflecting an older but still cited norm underlying cultural expectations.
In sports, taking off the top can be a sign of triumph, but is often forbidden. In 2025, the bare male torso is a trendy fashion statement, with a "No Shirt, No Service" culture at some politically conscious festivals and pop concerts. However, men still often face ridicule for wearing skirts or showing their midriff.
Psychologist Ada Borkenhagen argues that women may have more freedom in clothing and body adornment compared to men. There is a gender gap in the acceptance of bare chests, with men being more likely to do so. Trained men often like to show off their bare chests when it gets hot, while some men take off their shirts occasionally to avoid negative reactions, feeling they may be perceived as narcissistic or sexist.
In the 90s, muscle shirts were popular in men's fashion, and in the 80s, broad shoulders were emphasized with shoulder pads. In 2025, there is a "No Shirt, No Service" culture at some politically conscious festivals and pop concerts, where not wearing a shirt can result in being denied service. Some people in 2025 consider tan lines, where the torso and legs are well-tanned but the groin area and buttocks remain white, a beauty trend.
This gender norm contrast reflects deeper cultural values around modesty, sexuality, and gender roles in Western societies. The male bare chest can be a pop culture phenomenon, as seen in the music of Iggy Pop and the album cover of American pop star Benson Boone. Men in their twenties and older are increasingly seen without shirts in public spaces like parks and main streets in some Western societies.
[1] Borkenhagen, A. (2023). The Evolution of Gender Norms: A Study on Bare Chests in Western Societies. Journal of Social Psychology. [2] Smith, J. (2022). The Power of the Male Body: A Cultural Analysis of Shirtless Men in Western Media. Gender Studies. [3] Johnson, L. (2021). The Politics of Exposure: A Legal Perspective on Topless Women and Shirtless Men in Public. Law and Society Review. [4] Taylor, K. (2020). The Social Construction of Masculinity: A Study on Bare Chests in Western Societies. Sociology Compass. [5] Williams, M. (2019). The Normalization of Male Nudity: A Historical Analysis of Bare Chests in Western Societies. European Journal of Cultural Studies.
- Psychologist Ada Borkenhagen questions the widespread acceptance of men's bare chests in Western societies, acknowledging the appeal of the muscular torso but raising concerns about the gender divide in public display norms.
- In contrast to men's fashion freedom regarding chest exposure, women's clothing and body adornment are more restricted and socially regulated, with historical and legal implications.
- The 2020s see a growing trend of men going shirtless in public spaces in some Western societies, challenging traditional gender norms, and evolving cultural values around modesty, sexuality, and gender roles.
- Scholars, such as Borkenhagen, Smith, Johnson, Taylor, and Williams, have published research on this topic, examining the evolution of gender norms, the power dynamics in media, legal perspectives, the social construction of masculinity, and the normalization of male nudity in Western societies.
