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    1. Life

    Should shirtless men be banned from buses?

    With the news that shirtless men have been banned from buses in Brighton and Hove, the days of the exposed torso could be numbered. Marie Claire explores modern dress-iquette and asks whether more men should keep their shirts on this summer

    By Helen Russell
    Published 29 July 2011 In Features

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    With the news that shirtless men have been banned from buses in Brighton and Hove, the days of the exposed torso could be numbered. Marie Claire explores modern dress-iquette and asks whether more men should keep their shirts on this summer

    With the news that shirtless men have been banned from buses in Brighton and Hove, the days of the exposed torso could be numbered. Marie Claire explores modern dress-iquette and asks whether more men should keep their shirts on this summer.

    Let's face it, by the time the British summer actually deigns to arrive most of us are desperate for some sun and expose a little more flesh than we would in the depths of December (or, in the case of this year, June).

    But the appearance of sweat-glistening chest-rugs, hairy shoulders and exposed balloon bellies on public transport and even the high street can take things a tad too far. If you've ever been wedged between two shirtless and dripping men on a bus, you'll know there's nothing quite like it (and you're probably still in therapy).

    So the 'no-sweat rule' introduced by Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company comes as a welcome initiative. They aim to keep hygiene standards high by banning shirtless men from their vehicles and so saving other passengers from the trauma of sitting in someone else's sweat.

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    Roger French, MD, told The Argus newspaper: 'We started this because it was unhygienic having people getting on buses a bit sweaty, and the sweat gets on the seats. We thought it was common courtesy to the other passengers.'

    It's thought that the policy may be welcomed by other companies and we could see more major cities implimenting the 'no sweat rule'.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    So what do you think?

    Is the sight of one too many beer bellies in your local park enough to put you off your gelato this summer?

    Can a shirtless men sashaying along the high street shatter your shopping plans?

    Let us know your thoughts below or Tweet us @MarieClaireUK #nosweatrule

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    Helen Russell
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