It’s long been assumed American travelers are far more prudish about topless swimmers than, say Europe. But a new poll refutes that stereotype.
“While Europeans are known for their love of topless sunbathing Americans have a more prudish reputation; however the poll found that more Americans were in favor of females being allowed to go topless than Italians, French and Scandinavians,” said Skyscanner of a recent poll.
Germany, however, proved to be the most relaxed in their attitude with a massive 99 percent agreeing women should be allowed to go topless.
Over 3,000 people worldwide voted in the Skyscanner poll which surveyed attitudes towards both men and women wearing swimwear and going topless and shirtless.
Overall reasons given for disapproval of topless beaches by males included “it causes offence”, “fear of skin cancer” and “don’t want kids to be exposed to it.” Females cited “ogling men” and “encourages voyeurism” amongst their reasons.
Places where men believed bikinis were ok ranged from “anywhere” to “only in private”, whereas females’ answers ranged from “only in your own villa or garden or pool” to “everywhere.”
“Whilst most people believe it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a bikini or walk around shirtless on the beach, it’s a different story in a museum, supermarket or restaurant,” concluded Benjamín Pérez Ulecia, Skyscanner’s Country Manager for Spain.
By David Wilkening
