User: somedude22

I have not worked at a job that requires spending time outdoors- I work in a lab, which, logically, for safety reasons has a dress code (lab coat, long pants, closed-toed shoes) and requires wearing personal protective equipment. However if I were working in construction, landscaping or other similar profession/trades that requires physical exertion or working long hours outdoors, I don't see a problem with guys working shirtless in hot weather, and personally will also be doing so. On hot days, I'm usually shirtless when doing yardwork or when exercising outside mainly to keep cool and work on the tan. A sweaty clinging shirt is one of the most uncomfortable thing to be wearing on a hot summer day. However one thing I don't agree on is working shirtless in an indoor office environment-that shows a lack of professionalism...

agreed- i used to be shirtless-shy when I was a kid but now I'm shirtless much of the time at home and also when exercising or walking outside when it's hot

shirtless year-round, usually with underwear on (boxers/boxer-briefs) but occasionally naked on hot nights

I do believe that your parents are probably alright with you being shirtless around the house. From your post it seems like you are just self conscious with your appearance. I was self conscious myself when I was a kid because I was small and skinny (still slim at age 24!) a) on how to start being shirtless more- you can start by doing small simple things like leaving or 'forgetting' your shirt in the room when you go take a shower. You can sort of test your parents' reactions by doing this when they are home. I don't know whether you have your own room but you can start sleeping shirtless-many guys do (I sleep shirtless all year round now) so that's a good place to start. Do this for a few weeks or months and when you get more confident, (provided your parents have gotten used to seeing you shirtless for brief periods of time) gradually lengthen the time you are shirtless around the house...like making breakfast, doing chores, relaxing, etc....As your confidence grows you can take it outside by doing yardwork shirtless. b) Working out and exercising can be a great motivator to stay shirtless. I'm no fitness expert but from what I've read and experienced, you get the leanest when you do some combination of cardio and weights. Weight training builds muscle and muscle has a high metabolism so the more muscle mass you have the more calories you will burn. To complement this, add the cardio in (this can be anything from jogging to team sports..make it fun!). Diet is also important-limit junk food.. You might also need to set short term, intermediate and long term goals so that you stay motivated.

If it's hot and I have to do some yardwork, I'll usually go shirtless. Lot more comfy...I don't like the feel of a sweaty clinging shirt on my skin. Don't forget the sunscreen though! As far as construction workers and landscaping businesses are concerned, some companies don't allow workers to work shirtless, others are more relaxed. But definitely will encourage guys to work shirtless in the heat though.