London Underground tradition some say is ‘messed up’ is returning

If you’re travelling on the London Underground this weekend, you might see a lot more skin than you’re used to.

That’s because the annual ‘No Trousers Tube Ride’ is returning for 2026, meaning hundreds of people will be getting on public transport sans trousers. 

The controversial event often sparks ire on social media, with some branding it ‘horrific’.

Reddit user zehtov called it ‘disgusting’, while GetCapeFly wrote: ‘I am of the opinion trousers should be worn indefinitely in public, especially when standing in a crowded Tube carriage with complete strangers.’

Similarly, on Facebook, Sharon Harris proclaimed that the tradition was ‘messed up’, and Jo Elliott agreed it would ‘make [her] feel sick’ to see.

But others didn’t see an issue with it, as they claimed wearing pants was ‘no different from being on the beach’ and that London’s annual nude cycle ride was much worse.

What is the No Trousers Tube Ride, and how did it start?

The bizarre tradition has taken place in the capital each year since 2009 (barring lockdown when it was on hiatus) and was inspired by a No Pants Subway Ride in New York in 2002.

As part of this, people head down to the chosen meeting location fully clothed, before stripping down to their pants, and casually getting on the Tube – but the catch is, everyone taking part has to act as blasé about it as possible, making it look like they simply ‘forgot’ their trousers. 

For those taking part, there are a few rules: no small pants, thongs or anything see-through can be worn. Because let’s face it, there’s only so much your fellow travellers can handle on a Sunday afternoon.

Similar stunts have taken place previously all around the world; however, it seems London is the only city still keeping the tradition alive in 2026, as elsewhere the event has been phased out.

And while many will likely continue to get involved this year, there are plenty who don’t think it should be happening anymore, including the original event organisers, The Stiff Upper Lip Society.

The group stopped organising the Tube ride in 2023 as they felt it had ‘run its course’. In 2024, a prior member of the group, Dave Selkirk, is thought to have taken over.

When and where is the No Trousers Tube Ride taking place?

For 2026, the No Trousers Tube Ride is taking place on Sunday, January 11, with people gathering at the old pagoda spot in Chinatown, Soho, at 2.45pm.

The schedule dictates that at this point, everyone should be fully clothed, with a bag to store their trousers/skirt when they remove them.

Organisers will then split people into groups to set off at 3pm and head to the Underground for the journey.

People then strip down their pants, get on the train, and proceed to act as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening – reading books, chatting or listening to music.

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