Sun’s out, and other things might be too. As temperatures sizzle in Texas and the National Weather Service issues both an extreme heat warning and heat advisory in the Central and South Texas area, many will be seeking relief and reprieve.
But, does that mean you can seek total relief and strip off your top in public? The answer might surprise you.
Is it legal to go shirtless in Texas? What state law says
When it comes to the legality of being shirtless in Texas, law experts reaffirm there is no state legal code against being in public without your shirt on – but there can be restrictions in place depending on local municipalities and private businesses.
Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, a law firm based in Fort Worth, confirmed Texas’ indecent exposure law specifically applies to genitalia, not women’s breasts. Depending on the location though, it could still be classified as disorderly conduct, which is why those interested in stripping down should check with local laws and business rules first.
Both Texas businesses and state buildings have full authority to establish their own rules and require specific dress codes, often denoted with a “no shoes, no shirt, no service” sign.
No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service sign on display at a store. (UCG/UCG/Universal Images Group via G)
Central Texas is home to the only clothing-optional public park
Those looking to be, well, fully one with nature can look no further than Northwest Austin to release their inhibitions. Hippie Hollow Park, a Travis County recreation site located along Lake Travis, is the state’s only legally authorized clothing-optional public park site.
Located at 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, guests must be 18 years or older and the park includes various daily access fees. Daily use for those 18 or older costs $8 per person, while day use for seniors ages 62 and older will face a $3 charge. Disabled veterans have access to the park free of charge.
Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas (Austin Parks and Recreation Department)
It’s not the only recreation site in Austin where you’re more likely to see people fully shirtless. Over at Barton Springs Pool in South Austin, it isn’t uncommon to see women without tops on while going for a dip – an act protected under city law. A spokesperson for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department previously told MySA the City of Austin has no ordinances prohibiting being topless in public, opening up Barton Springs Pool as a free site for those looking to embrace the “Keep Austin Weird” philosophy.
This article originally published at Can you be topless in Texas? What the law says.