London’s annual No Trousers Tube Ride has sparked backlash after nearly two decades, with critics saying it traumatises sexual assault survivors on the Underground.
Passengers rode pants-free yesterday, bemusing tourists and families as they have since the US import hit the capital in 2009.
The event traces to New York’s No Pants Subway Ride in 2002.
Trauma for Survivors
Glamour writer Emma Clarke called the ride extremely triggering after her pandemic assault on the District line.
A man performed a sex act over her while licking his lips; she photographed him but he escaped justice despite reports to Transport for London and British Transport Police.
“In a time of calls for women-only carriages and stark violence against women and girls figures, this tradition is tone-deaf and risky,” Clarke wrote.
She noted it offers predators excuses, especially with men dominating participants.
British Transport Police data showed 595 sexual offences across Tube lines in 2024/25, the highest since 776 in 2019/20.
Broader Criticisms
Independent columnist Ryan Coogan warned of anxiety in packed trains, with high odds of unwanted contact.
Photos from past events show seated riders averting eyes from underwear at eye level.
A recent Reddit thread branded it embarrassing 2014-era quirkiness, repulsive, though some defended silly fun against puritanism.
Event Details and Response
Participants met in Soho’s Chinatown from 2.45pm yesterday before boarding and stripping to low-key underpants.
Originally run by Stiff Upper Lip Society until 2024, now handled by Dave Selkirk and Rammi Chiratheep.
Organisers stressed fun, no charity, at-own-risk participation, and mindful behaviour.
A British Transport Police spokeswoman said going trouser-less is not criminal but urged respect.
The force prioritises sexual offences with patrols, plain-clothes officers, and 150,000 cameras.
