Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: Freezing Temps Can't Stop Hundreds From Taking Off Their Pants On The Subway
By
Scott Lynch
Published Jan 14, 2019
Modified Jan 14, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Scott Lynch / Gothamist
View all 48
By
Scott Lynch
Published Jan 14, 2019
Modified Jan 14, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday afternoon, with the temperature in the low 30s, hundreds of people entered the NYC subway system and promptly removed their pants. The occasion was The No Pants Subway Ride, a prank started by Charlie Todd and his Improv Everywhere crew back in January of 2001, and one that shows no sign of losing popularity.
The pantless embarked upon their half-naked journeys on Sunday from six meeting points: in Astoria, Bushwick, Park Slope, the Upper West Side, the Financial District, and the East Village. Although Todd encourages everyone to wear ordinary-looking underwear, and to not add to the joke by wearing costumes, the day has evolved into something of an exhibitionist free-for-all, especially once the various groups arrive in Union Square, where a celebratory scene features dancing and live music.
That's not to say that subway riders aren't often surprised by the shenanigans. Although most pointedly ignore the pranksters in true NYC style, there was also plenty of giggling, eye-rolling, and... creepy ogling.
Tagged
improv everywhere
no pants
no pants subway ride
Scott Lynch
Photojournalist, food writer, preschool receptionist. Love NYC.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 16, 2026
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
We went to the Spiciest Supper Club singles night to take the temperature of New York City's dating scene.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
We went to the Spiciest Supper Club singles night to take the temperature of New York City's dating scene.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years
By
Hannah Frishberg
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
By
Sonia Rao
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .