Women can now swim topless in public swimming pools in Berlin just as men can.

Following a 2023 gender discrimination complaint the rule change, February 2026 is described as a victory for activists and a step forward in dismantling traditional gender norms regarding public nudity in Berlin.

I am not sure what I feel about Berlin’s decision, which as was the case in Goettingen, has received extensive national and international attention and should be framed in the context of Germany’s Freikorperkulter “free body culture:” a tolerance of and, in some cases, a fondness for being ‘textile free.’ Who doesn’t like prancing around naked? This I understand, I just think time and place, surely.

The massive shift in social equality came after a woman filed a formal complaint about being forced to cover up while men were not, leading to a new policy focused on human rights and fair treatment. This would normally be something I’d be in favour of, equal rights sure except what about protection for young women brought up on Disney movies who don’t know the nature of Men quite yet. With rising stats globally on criminal behaviour and sexual assaults on women I am not sure allowing everyone to strip off is the best way to protect women and ensure their safety against sexual predators. Whilst women might argue it’s up to us to decide if we want to swim and sunbathe topless not governments and if men can why can’t we, a valid point, I am just not sure for younger women with less experience of the uncontrollable urges of men it’s not opening a door to encouraging unwelcome attention and the smartest or safest move in the long run. (Although probably will increase visitor numbers for the voyeuristic vacation experience.)

This change is certainly a big win for gender equality and reflects a more inclusive approach to personal freedom in one of Europe’s most progressive cities but where does it stop. Are we going to start seeing topless bars and restaurants across Europe? For the patrons not just the paid entertainment.

I like to think I am as opened minded as the next person, I completely agree with legalised prostitution and the protection that brings for sex workers however I do find this new rule surprising even though it aligns with Berlin’s long history of promoting an open minded culture, gender equality and neutrality and a healthy lifestyle for all.

The justification for the decision is that removing old restrictions, where public pools and lidos previously stated standard swimwear like trunks, swim shorts, bikinis, bathing suits and burkinis should be worn, city officials are now prioritising social justice and ensuring that everyone can enjoy recreational activities without any gender discrimination.

It’s clearly cultural and differs from place to place. I remember visiting the Middle East and even in large hotels feeling pretty weird and uncomfortable sunbathing in a one piece. In a place where all the women are covered from head to foot in black and the wearing of an abaya whilst not mandatory is still the norm, getting your kit off around the pool does create an all eyes on you feeling. And I did experience one incident where an overly excited man had to be removed by security for being inappropriate and I am neither young nor nubile.

I also remember reading about the “Free the nipple” case in the US where the US supreme court flatly refused to hear an appeal case following three women being fined in New Hampshire for exposing their nipples. They based their argument, male toplessness being acceptable whilst female toplessness was not as unconstitutional. It didn’t matter, no dice in the USA. Toplessness for women is considered a public decency issue.

Whether it’s about legal rights or simply feeling comfortable in your own skin, this move in Berlin is a powerful example of how community standards can change to support the wishes of residents.

Whether it turns out for the better or worse for Berliners in the long run will remain to be seen.

In my younger and stupider days, I of course had my moments of prancing around topless. Now well on the older, wiser and more considerate of others road I think about 1. Who in their right mind would want to be subjected to my less than perfect body period with no clothes on? And on a more serious note sorry guys, men think about sex much of the time already, not a criticism, a fact they cannot help and women stripped off in public places may be just too distracting to stop natural urges overtaking mental clarity.