THE classically mediterranean practice of going topless on Spain’s beaches seems to be on the decline, and sociologists have several theories as to why.
A study by French pollsters IFOP showed that from the mid 2000s to 2019, the average number of women across Europe who habitually go topless at the beach declined by 10%.
Out of the countries studied, Spain’s beaches actually maintained the highest yearly percentages of women who go topless on the beach and the lowest decline – however, there was a clear demographic shift.
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While the topless practice seems to remain strong among Spanish women over 50 on Spain’s beaches, younger generations are keeping their tops on more than ever, mirroring trends across the rest of Europe.
Peaking the 80s, the practice of going topless on European beaches gained traction as both a gesture of freedom, and also asserting ownership of their bodies, according to spanish sociologist Dr. Patricia Soley-Beltrán.
However, younger generations seem to be backpeddling on this philosophy, and studies show there are several main reasons.
In a poll by Antena3, young women listed three main reasons they don’t have their breasts uncovered at the beach.
Half the respondents (50%) said fear of sexual assault kept them from going bare, while 48% listed unwanted stares or lewd comments from men as a reason.
The third most common factor was the fear of being photographed and posted on social media, highlighted by 46% of those polled.
The move comes alongside a ‘wave of puritanism and conservatism’ pervading younger generations, according to travel and lifestyle expert Anabel Vazquez.
Spain may continue to win first place in the practice’s popularity, but the generational divide is clear.
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