You may have heard of ‘bus pants’ thanks to Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, but subway shirts’ are the next trend to take over TikTok.
However, there is a serious explanation for this tendency.
Women have gone to social media to explain the precautions they are taking on public transit to avoid unwanted attention for their attire.
To prevent uncomfortable looks when the temperature heats up, many ladies have confessed that they are putting larger, more modest overshirts over the top of their regular clothing.
One user, @ideal.grace, posted a short video of herself wearing her tube shirt, adding, “It’s 85F in NYC so ladies don’t forget to bring your tube shirt!”
“An outfit dampener is an oversized shirt we wear over our cute outfits on the train so strange men don’t bother you.”
In the caption, she adds, “Stay safe out there.”
Another user, @rae.hersey, recorded a video of herself pulling off a huge white formal shirt to show a more playful, black top with cutaway detailing when she arrived at her destination.
“When you arrive at your destination and can take off your tube shirt,” she said in the video’s overlay text, adding in the description, “just know if you see me in a white button down, the real fit is underneath.”
“PSA: Ladies, now that it’s hot out, don’t forget to bring your subway/commute overshirt,” TikTok user @hanselkai added. Stay hot, sexy, and away from creeps!”
Another user, @fionaylin, commented on the video, saying, “Now that it’s finally getting warmer in New York, this is your reminder to always wear a tube shirt/jacket over your cute outfit to protect yourself.”
The films have been viewed millions of times, with many viewers displaying their own tube shirts to avoid possible predators.
While most women in the comments could identify the need for a tube shirt, many were disappointed that they were required at all.
“Isn’t it sad that we have to ‘dress down’ when traveling by train/bus?” one person asked. I completely agree with you.”
Others responded, “fashion safety layer,” “the men blocker,” and “sad but necessary,” while another said, “I was today years old when I discovered tube shirts were a thing and this makes me so sad.”
While many swear by the trick to avoid unwanted attention, others demonstrated that actual creeps aren’t frightened off by a tube shirt – or other big apparel.
“I stopped trying when I was catcalled in 2xl sweatpants, CROCS, and a 2x t-shirt (I’m a size medium),” one disclosed, while another added, “This is facts.” I was wearing a bodysuit that covered everything and a jumper on top, yet men were still gaping at me. “NYC men are the worst.”
A third person commented, “They still find a way,” to which the original poster agreed, “They do:(“.
While tube shirts may not discourage the most determined of starers, they are an excellent idea if they make you feel secure on your travels.
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