I’m going to France then Italy relatively soon and I’m looking to keep up my running schedule. It would be really convenient if I didn’t have to pack athletic shirts.
I know in America (my town and the surrounding ones at least) nobody bats an eye if you’re working out outside without a shirt. Is the same the case for France and Italy?
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Yes, quite acceptable. I would rather think that this is unacceptable in America.
I imagine it would depend if you are male or female (or other).
Italian State Law doesn’t mention walking/running shirtless directly. The only law concerning something similar is the [article 726 of the Penal Code](https://www.brocardi.it/codice-penale/libro-terzo/titolo-i/capo-ii/sezione-i/art726.html) which states:
>Any person who, in a public place or in a place open or exposed to the public, performs acts contrary to public decency(1) shall be subject to a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 euros(2)(3)(4).
The law, like every italian law, is always vague, so it’s up to an officer to choose what it’s considere decent and what not.
From my experience I’ve never seen a male shirtless except near the beach, I’ve seen some friends running shirtless on the “Lungomare” which is the street/pedestrian area/bicycle path that is located along the beach .
As the law it’s vague, regional and municipality issued their own laws/ordinance stating that males cannot be shirtless outside “the sand”, example of those are sometimes reported on the news:
* [https://www.rainews.it/tgr/sicilia/video/2023/07/san-vito-lo-capo-ordinanza-costume-torso-nudo-multe-trapani-304542d1-881d-4b2e-a1b0-ad36555f006a.html](https://www.rainews.it/tgr/sicilia/video/2023/07/san-vito-lo-capo-ordinanza-costume-torso-nudo-multe-trapani-304542d1-881d-4b2e-a1b0-ad36555f006a.html)
* [https://www.ilcapoluogo.it/2022/07/10/vietato-girare-in-costume-e-a-torso-nudo-in-citta-le-ordinanze/](https://www.ilcapoluogo.it/2022/07/10/vietato-girare-in-costume-e-a-torso-nudo-in-citta-le-ordinanze/)
* [https://www.ilmessaggero.it/italia/gallipoli_multa_costume_torso_nudo_centro_ordinanza-7468153.html](https://www.ilmessaggero.it/italia/gallipoli_multa_costume_torso_nudo_centro_ordinanza-7468153.html)
* [https://www.genova24.it/2024/05/no-in-costume-scalzi-o-a-torso-nudo-sul-lungomare-scatta-lordinanza-per-il-decoro-a-camogli-387965/](https://www.genova24.it/2024/05/no-in-costume-scalzi-o-a-torso-nudo-sul-lungomare-scatta-lordinanza-per-il-decoro-a-camogli-387965/)
* https://www.ilgazzettino.it/nordest/padova/torsonudo_multa_sindaco-5386518.html
So I suggest packing some shirts if you’re not gonna run near the coast…
Pack some shirts and run with a shirt on. Don’t be that guy…
Only near a beach, otherwise you’ll be rightfully seen as a douche
In Germany it’s uncommon to run shirtless, but generally being shirtless in public parks to sunbathe etc. is acceptable so i don’t think there would be any legal issues or confrontations. People might just stare a bit.
It’s not that common to see people running topless in France but I’m not aware of any laws against it.
I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if a fellow runner came the opposite way to me whilst topless. If it’s comfortable then go for it.
In France there is no nation wide law against a man being shirtless in public outside of bathing areas, but some places might forbid it, some cities won’t tolerate bathing attire or shirtless in center of town or close to historical sites or to children activities. Bare breast women might get in trouble for sexual exhibition.
Check local laws before. Have a valid ID.
Hi, I’m a European (Belgian, currently in Italy) runner who enjoys running shirtless. I’ve got a few rules for myself:
1. I don’t run shirtless where it is very crowded, except if that’s on the beach. So city streets or shopping areas are always a no-go.
2. I don’t really run shirtless in suburban areas. If it’s really hot, it might be acceptable, but I tend to choose forests, canals, fields, mountains, athletics tracks, etc…
So do pack some shirts, but have fun running shirtless when you can!
Keep your shirt on. Chests are like genitals. We know we all have one, but we don’t want to see them.
It’s not common. Most folks wear a t-shirt or similar. There are also different laws different places. We went to Barcelona and everyone was smoking weed on every street corner without the police caring whatsoever. Then one day we saw one tourist eating a burger on the street with no shirt and the police were very annoyed at that.
Europe is a weird place. It’s home but it’s definitely weird.
I run regularly and see a lot of other runners – it’s not common. In a summer I might see maybe 2-3 guys running without a shirt on. Is it socially acceptable? Well, it’s more acceptable than running pantless, but still on the semi-weird side.
In Italy yeah when it’s like very hot windless temps like 35-40>°C I’ve seen people go shirtless in the walking in the small town and in their gardens, but in public indoor places like stores ethically you need to have a shirt on
It’s something I would maybe roll my eyes at but not be bothered by it.
Aren’t running shirts super light and dry fast? Just pack one and rinse it out afterwards. Should be dry in hours.
Yeah it’s acceptable enough that people do it. Personally I don’t, but I also don’t care if others do. Why would be I be offended by someone running past me shirtless? I don’t have to look at them and they’re gone in a few seconds.
Not in city centres, but it is more normal in places with less people. My neighbour once told me he hadn’t worn a shirt in a month, although I don’t think he’s the type to go for a run.
If the temperature is too high, I do.
I don’t see anything wrong to show a body whether it is a man or a woman and particularly if it’s done for a reasonable reason.
It’s not against the law or ethics, but I don’t see many people doind it anyway. It’s common when near a sea but in the city I’d say it’s rare.
During a heatwave last year a guy got pulled over [riding a motorcycle in his birthday suit.](https://www.thelocal.de/20190626/photo-of-the-day-naked-rider-stopped-by-police-as-temperatures-soar-in-germany)
🏴
In the UK I don’t think anyone cares, running, walking or cycling. Male topless exercise or work is no big deal. To be honest it’s seldom warm enough or dry enough. While, when on the rare occasion it is actually sunny most Brits will turn lobster red. In scotland the midges (tiny flying insects) will probably have you for breakfast.
People won’t be offended or bothered but they will take the piss out of your sunburn.
There’s no law against it and near a beach it’s ok. In other places… well, you can do it and no one will say anything but everyone will assume you’re a show off and a douche.
On a track it is okay. Otherwise not really, but it depends. Directly in the sun along a canal? Yeah, i’d do it. In the middle of town? No.
Use a long-sleeve sun protection running shirt ([example](https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens-long-sleeves/products/upf-ice-tee-ls)). Your skin will thank you, and the sweat on the shirt will actually help cool you down. It’s a better feeling than running shirtless. Source: I’m a runner who practices it.
It’s acceptable when it’s hot
I live in a small town of 7k souls in north italy and during summer I do it and I regulary encounter other people doing it
Instant judgement— bell end needs
Everyone to see his sweaty mitts bouncing. As we say in ireland— “there’s a want in him”
So no. No shirtless running it’s for folks who weren’t hugged.