As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, many are wondering: Is it legal for women to be topless in Texas cities like Dallas? What about men in Houston? Can both go topless in public anywhere in Texas?
What Does Texas Law Say About Being Topless?
According to Go Topless, an international advocacy group, Texas is one of 36 states where “top freedom” exists. This means no state law directly bans public toplessness for either men or women.
Cities Where Topless Is Allowed (and Where It’s Not)
- Austin is unique in Texas: women can walk topless downtown without breaking the law.
- Hippie Hollow at Lake Travis is the only official nude beach in Texas.
- McFaddin Beach in Galveston County is considered an unofficial nude beach where topless sunbathing is tolerated, especially since it’s secluded. Police usually act only if there’s a complaint.
- Some South Padre Island beaches are rumored to be nudist-friendly, though full nudity remains illegal.
Important Warnings for Women
Even though Texas state law does not explicitly forbid toplessness, local city or county ordinances may restrict it. Many police departments could still arrest topless women under laws such as:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public lewdness
- Indecent exposure
For example, in San Antonio, women can be arrested if the topless display is likely to offend the public.
What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
If you’re unsure about the rules in your city or county:
- Search online for the municipal code of your city or county using keywords like “nudity” or “toplessness.”
- Check local laws carefully, as enforcement varies widely.
- For complete peace of mind, consult a lawyer who knows Texas laws.
In Texas, men and women generally have the legal right to go topless, but local rules and police enforcement can make the experience risky for women in many areas. Knowing your local laws before you step out topless is important, especially during busy holidays like Memorial Day Weekend.