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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed with guys walking around town topless??

178 replies

Floogal · 13/07/2022 12:21

Whenever the sun comes out you're guaranteed to see a few guys wandering around topless. I'm not a prude, nor do I want to bodyshame anyone. I mean, wear as little as you like on the beach or pool. Just seems arrogant that they believe women or girls are impressed or that other guys are intimidated and jealous

OP posts:
VappyNalley · 13/07/2022 16:26

CalistoNoSolo · 13/07/2022 12:24

It's gross, no idea why they feel the need. No-one wants to see their revolting bodies.

I'm sure plenty of other people have said similar about the legs of women in miniskirts, or breasts hanging out of low cut tops, or women who have the audacity to show a bit of mid-riff whilst carrying more weight than kate moss. Doesn't mean it's right to say anything or even to judge.

I dislike the unfairness of "nipple on display" only being acceptable on male bodies. I like the idea of having a magic wand that I can use to cover up any skin I didn't want to see, male or female. But I'm not sure that wider society would like it if I went round town waving my wand and going "abracadabra - cover up slut - ker-pow!" and "disgusting fat hairy beer belly - a big baggy t-shirt for you mate - ker-pow!"

NellesVilla · 13/07/2022 16:28

My mother’s neighbour- an elderly scrawny old git with a beer belly likes to saunter around topless with a medallion on his hairy chest.

I should move back there as it’s one thing that puts me off my food.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 13/07/2022 16:29

I don’t really like to see it tbh. Even if they’re really buff (they rarely are) it’s too much flesh for eg in the supermarket.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 13/07/2022 16:30

Also the double standard for men and women annoys me!

Womenandwomenfirst · 13/07/2022 16:30

What’s body positivity got to do with it? Surely it’s arrogant and bad manners to think that you can inflict your sweaty skin on anyone at close quarters.

LikeAStar1994 · 13/07/2022 16:37

I honestly couldn't care. You're being truly ridiculous and so is anybody else who sides with you.

GriddleScone · 13/07/2022 16:49

Bubblebubblebah · 13/07/2022 12:58

Have to add that I have not experienced this anywhere else from nonBrits. I don't understand why is it so done thing here

I lived abroad and in international communities for many years. Sadly, topless men in the town centres were always Brits. I gave up trying to explain this particular national trait. Embarrassing.

Whitehorsegirl · 13/07/2022 17:09

I always think it is suitable for the beach, pool and maybe the park.

Beyond that I really don't want to see sweaty, half naked walking around the high street displaying their torso...

Equally I am put off by women who go around wearing shorts so small/tight that you can see most of their bum cheeks or who wear tops so flimsy/tight you can half of their breasts hanging out...

For me it is a case of ''put it away, I really don't want to see that much of your body'' when I am shopping or in public transport.

It just feels somehow intrusive when in an urban public space.

hangrylady · 13/07/2022 17:15

Hotinnit · 13/07/2022 13:35

Would it be OK if a man said that about a woman in a bikini?

I couldn't care less to be honest.

Ontomatopea · 13/07/2022 17:18

Just ignore them?

Moonshine5 · 13/07/2022 17:27

It's a hard no for town centre (whatever the reason)

Isittimeformynapyet · 13/07/2022 18:00

LikeAStar1994 · 13/07/2022 16:37

I honestly couldn't care. You're being truly ridiculous and so is anybody else who sides with you.

Oh. Well that's sorted then. Thanks

Perplexed0522 · 13/07/2022 18:04

They’re probably just hot.

And I’m certainly not going to complain if a very sexy topless man walks past me….

SarahSissions · 13/07/2022 18:07

Now I’m in my 50’s (and look it) I find cat-calling makes them try to cover up.

Bumblebee413 · 13/07/2022 19:06

Ah, dammit. Can't argue with you there 😂

gnilliwdog · 13/07/2022 19:16

Wish I could join them in this weather. Probably if it was acceptable for women to walk around topless, breasts would cease to be sexualised anyway.

Harridance · 13/07/2022 19:19

I've seen some very fit topless runners out today

alphapie · 13/07/2022 19:27

Such an odd conclusion to jump to

Men take their shirts off in the heat because they're hot....or because they want to intimidate other men...I know which option sounds more likely

rwalker · 13/07/2022 19:43

I've done it I'm not arrogant or trying to impress or intimidate anyone .
It's hot and I can it's as simple as that

PhoenixReincarnated · 13/07/2022 19:53

I don't think it should be allowed in shops/supermarkets/cafes/restaurants.

GladAllOver · 13/07/2022 20:21

Wish I could join them in this weather. Probably if it was acceptable for women to walk around topless, breasts would cease to be sexualised anyway.

Yes. Just this.

anon2334 · 13/07/2022 20:30

Discovereads · 13/07/2022 12:29

Just seems arrogant that they believe women or girls are impressed or that other guys are intimidated and jealous

Well, some of them are impressive as eye candy tbf. Nothing wrong with flaunting what you have. I’m happy to see a nice looking bloke with no shirt on in the summer. Have been known to slow down when going past roofers in the summer for example. So it doesn’t annoy me. I’d be more annoyed if anyone where to protest and tell men to cover up and be more modest.

Where are you? I only see the gross ones lol.plus you see Mediterranean men going around looking like that in town /cities when abroad? Nope they are gorgeous, dress nice and have class. I agree iits not nice

NancyJoan · 14/07/2022 08:58

Discovereads · 13/07/2022 13:02

Yes it’s a double standard but one I’m not fussed about. It’s just not comfortable to go around topless as a woman because my boobs need support so I’d not do it anyway. But happy to see topless men. Being jealous of them is kind of silly really. It’s like being jealous they can pee standing up or don’t have to experience childbirth to get kids.

Mine do too, but my 16 year old DD, who has no need of an underwire, would be catcalled and accused of asking for it if she decided to stroll to the shop for an ice-cream without a top on later today.

Beefcurtains79 · 14/07/2022 09:13

rwalker · 13/07/2022 19:43

I've done it I'm not arrogant or trying to impress or intimidate anyone .
It's hot and I can it's as simple as that

No arrogance at all!

Neverendingdust · 14/07/2022 09:15

It tends to be the rougher types who do this- no idea why but I agree OP, it’s grim.