Clothing laws by country

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Clothing laws vary considerably around the world.

Most clothing laws concern which parts of the body must not be exposed to view; there are exceptions. These range from strict clothing laws in Islamic countries, or notably nude-favoring customs in certain countries across the globe. Many countries have different laws for men and women. For example, in the United States, toplessness is in many cases allowed for men but not women. Cross-dressing is in some areas specifically illegal, especially a man wearing women's clothing.

[edit] International laws and customs

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Legally, clothing laws are as follows:

Country	Men shirtless	Women topless	Exposed legs	Exposed belly button	Cross-dressing
Germany	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal
Japan	Legal	Illegal (Except onsen)	Legal	Legal	Legal
Papua New Guinea	Legal
Saudi Arabia		Illegal
Tonga	Illegal
United Kingdom	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal
United States	Legal	varies	Legal	Legal	Legal
Canada	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal	Legal

There are many specific circumstances where body parts have to be covered, often for safety or sanitary reasons.

In some Islamic countries, women must conceal almost their entire bodies (see hijab). Several areas in Israel, notably Jerusalem, have dress codes out of respect for the customs and practices of Charedi Jews; indeed, many sects of Torah Judaism have a code of modesty for both sexes, designed to focus on inner beauty and de-emphasize the physical.

Other countries follow the opposite. In Denmark, public nudity is legal on most beaches. Papua New Guinea customs allow wearing only a penis sheath, which is both common and legal.

Increasingly in the United Kingdom, places will not admit people based on various dress codes. Banks will not allow people in who are wearing crash helmets, since that would hide their face and make indentification difficult if a crime were committed. Pubs and bars are increasingly using dress codes which ban items like sportswear or baseball caps in an attempt to exclude particular demographics and reduce the potential for trouble. This has become more problematic and controversial in recent months (Bluewater, a large and popular shopping centre in Dartford, banned the wearing of hooded tops) as it is seen as a restriction on personal freedom.

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Any material not supported by sources may be challenged and removed at any time. This article has been tagged since July 2006.