Credit: Shutterstock – Photo by Morax photography
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As the weather stays absolutely freezing, and with snow warnings in place for parts of the UK, most of us are wrapping up in as many layers as possible. But some fun-loving Londoners are daring to bare, and dropping trou on public transport this weekend, as part of an annual tradition. That’s right, folks, the No Trousers Tube Ride is back!
The trouserless tradition has its roots in a similar event across the pond in New York, when comedy group Improv Everywhere held the inaugural ‘No Pants Subway Ride’ in 2002. (And lest you forget, the words ‘pants’ does not mean underwear in the States, fortunately…) Subsequently, a London version took place in 2009, under the slightly amended moniker of the No Trousers Tube Ride. And ever since, London editions have taken place almost every year – bar a break in the action due to COVID.
Now, in 2026, the event is still going strong, and on Sunday, January 11, Londoners will strip off (partially!) to take part in this year’s jeans-less jaunt.
Taking part in the No Trousers Tube Ride
The event is free to join, and anyone is welcome to partake. It all kicks off with a gathering of brave souls at 2:45pm in a courtyard in Chinatown (right by the Q-Park parking garage. From there, at 3pm they’ll head off in groups to separate routes, ready to drop their trousers on the Tube.
Credit: Dave Selkirk – via Official No Trousers Tube Ride 2024
It’s all just a bit of harmless fun, and the participants meet up afterwards for a celebratory drink – usually still trouser-less, to boot. It’s expected that participants will also still be respectful and courteous to other passengers, and also be sure to wear appropriately covered undergarments. They also request that participants “keep the (under)pants as normal or low-key as possible, so it looks like you’ve just forgotten your trousers.”
So, whether you’re ready to join in the trouser-less teams of Tube riders, or are bracing for the sight of pale legs on the Tube, consider yourself forewarned. The No Trousers Tube Ride is back!
Find out more about the No Trousers Tube Ride here.