Shirtless Men: Sexy or Sexist?

Park joggers in their twenties, the speedy cyclist on the main street, the older neighbor out for a walk: when the weather heats up, some men simply shed their shirts. Shirtless men are no longer something you only encounter at the public pool, the beach, or construction sites in summer. Yet with bare chests there remains a gender gap.

“I know a lot of people will say I’m narcissistic or that I’m a toxic alpha male when I take off my shirt,” says a man in his mid‑20s along the Main River waterfront in Frankfurt. He does it only occasionally, to avoid too much eye-rolling. People quickly regard you as a sexist who doesn’t question male privilege, the openly candid young man adds.

On the internet, by contrast, many guys are less self‑reflective—shameless, you could say. #Shirtlessmen or #shirtlessguys are popular hashtags. Celebrities like the outdoorsy Efron brothers, Zac and Dylan, also pose shirtless there—sometimes while golfing.

The naked male torso can also be pop culture: think of Iggy Pop or the current album cover of the American pop star of the moment, Benson Boone.

In sports, the removal of the upper garment can also signal triumph. Some professional soccer players cannot resist ripping off their jerseys in celebration after a goal—though that action can earn a yellow card.

No Shirt, No Service

At the same time, Western societies are drifting toward awareness and safe spaces where everyone should feel safe from harassment or discrimination. At politically engaged festivals or pop concerts, this has given rise to a “No Shirt, No Service” culture. In other words: if you aren’t wearing a shirt or a blouse, you may not be served.

Women or nonbinary people, after all, can’t parade topless as easily. Part of the reasoning is that it can be uncomfortable for others to squeeze past sweaty backs and stomachs. In solidarity, some argue that men should keep their shirts on as well.

Yet there is a counter-movement too: several cities have allowed women and nonbinary people to show their breasts in public baths just as men do, for example in Frankfurt (reported by TheColu.mn).

“The V-shaped, muscular torso with a flat chest is, alongside facial hair, one of the physical traits that distinguish men from women,” says psychologist Ada Borkenhagen. “And for many women—and also men—a male torso is indeed sexy.”

Without a Shirt, Gym Work and Tattoos Stand Out More

In men’s fashion, the torso has long been highlighted. “If broad shoulders were emphasized in the eighties with shoulder pads, or in the nineties with muscle shirts, by 2025 it’s often much more revealing—whether in the park, at festivals, or at parties. One could say: the free male torso is now its own fashion statement.” When it’s hot, it’s mainly fit men who prefer to go without a shirt. “Because only without a shirt can you really showcase the hard work of training on your body,” says professor and author Ada Borkenhagen (“Am I Pretty Enough? Obsession with Beauty and Body Modification”). “And tattoos also show best this way.”

Sometimes guys also chase tan lines, aiming for a well-tanned torso and legs while the groin and butt remain pale. It’s like mirroring the bikini lines worn by women. If you’ve seen American porn, you’ve likely noticed this trend for a while. In 2025, some people see tan lines as a fashion trend—a kind of 80s nostalgia.

psychologist Borkenhagen notes that activists advocating gender-neutral bodies often view an exposed male chest as provocative. “Because, unlike the female breast, which in our culture is a sexualized feature, the male chest is allowed to be shown much more freely.”

Women’s bodies, in contrast, are still much more watched and controlled socially. The sexualization of the female chest often leads to unwanted advances and attention—even with tight clothing or neckline exposure.

Do Men Have More Fashion Freedom than Women?

But men aren’t free to do anything either. In a bus or train, even a handsome half-naked man would draw stares—let alone in a restaurant, at the office, or during a business meeting.

Nevertheless, psychologist Ada Borkenhagen argues: “Generally, women in our culture may actually enjoy more freedom in how they dress and adorn their bodies. They can switch more easily between skirts, dresses, pants, or midriff-baring tops. For men, wearing a skirt or a midriff-bearing look still tends to draw odd glances.”

So maybe the provocative question: should we grant shirtless men more freedom to show off their torsos?