Why are people not wearing trousers on the tube? No Trousers Tube Ride

The annual No Trousers Tube Ride returns to the London Underground for the first time since 2020.

The fun but slightly strange tradition has been cancelled for the past two years due to Covid 19 pandemic. 

However, now with much of normal life back and in full swing, hundreds of Londoners are expected to take off their trousers and bare their underwear as they take part in the bizarre stunt.

Not only is this year's No Trousers Tube Ride special amid its grand return, but it will also be the "inaugural trouserless Tube ride" on the Elizabeth Line.  

What is the No Trousers Tube Ride event?

No Trousers Tube Ride sees Londoners take off their trousers and ride the tube wearing just their pants. 

The idea behind the stunt is to act completely normal whilst being trouserless, with many reading a paper or avoiding eye contact with any other passenger, much like a normal tube journey. 

Who can take part in No Trousers Tube Ride? 

There are no entry requirements to take part in the special tube ride, you just need to head to Newport Place in Chinatown to meet the event organisers. 

From there, organisers will take you to the nearby Tube stations but will not reveal the route.

Participants should also note that they should avoid wearing thongs or small pants as well as see-through garments to avoid offending other passengers.

When does No Trousers Tube Ride take place? 

The trouserless tube ride will take place at 3pm on Sunday, January 8. 

How did No Trousers Tube Ride begin?

No Trousers Tube Ride first began back in 2009, inspired by the No Pants Subway Ride created by Improv Everywhere in New York in 2002.

In its years, the event grew seeing more and more take part and eventually move internationally. 

Now more than 60 cities across the world take part including London, Berlin, Lisbon, Tokyo and Toronto.