What in the World - Is it okay to run shirtless in public?

Download Is it okay to run shirtless in public?

Do you run without a a shirt on ever? Lots of people have opinions on this topic and in some parts of the world it’s something you’re just not allowed to do.

We hear from runners around the world for their take on the decision to run without a shirt one - for both men and women.

And Yijin Shim from BBC Korean tells us about how in South Korea “no shirtless running” signs have been popping up after more runners have been going shirtless in a heatwave.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Adam Chowdhury
Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editors: Verity Wilde

Published on Thursday, 20th August 2026.

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