If you were riding the subway yesterday, there was no need to undress that cute fellow passenger with your eyes. He likely wasn’t wearing pants.
The once-a-year phenomenon began 10 years ago in New York City when Improv Everywhere, a collective of “free public theater” artists, staged their first No Pants Subway Ride.
IE founder Charlie Todd, one of Tonic’s 50 Most Beautiful People, told us in 2009, “My favorite thing about Improv Everywhere is that it brings smiles and laughter to complete strangers. I love it when we can successfully cause scenes that brighten the days of others.”
Yesterday, the underwear-clad travelers brought smiles to daydreamers and passengers in 50 cities in 24 countries around the world.
In New York alone, about 3,500 people showed up at six locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens to strategically board trains headed to Union Square. Along the way they were all instructed to remove their pants, exit the train and reboard while keeping a straight face. If asked what was happening, they were advised to reply, “I forgot my pants,” and to deny any affiliation with other pantless passengers.
In addition to raising smiles, and my blood pressure at the sight of Mr. Right, last year Tonic reported that one group in China used their bare legs to raise awareness for the environment and climate change. If you’re interested in participating in future events, or making sure you’re on the right train at the right time next year, go here.
Here’s a video from last year’s No Pants Subway Ride.
Photo via Facebook.