When is partial nudity acceptable?

Expatriates and other British holidaymakers are less prudish about nudity on holiday than previously thought, a study has revealed.

The survey by flight comparison website Skyscanner found that, perhaps unsurprisingly, 96 per cent of males are happy for females to go topless when on the beach compared to 87 per cent of women.

However, when it came to men baring their chests, less than one in five (18 per cent) of respondents believe it is acceptable in a supermarket or a bar.

Just one in three (31 per cent) of the poll's 3,000 participants think it is acceptable for women to wear their beachwear in a bar, cafe or restaurant.

The results of the survey follow a campaign by Barcelona's municipal authorities to encourage more people to cover up their swimwear when walking around the city.

Skyscanner's Benjamin Perez Ulecia commented: "The most important thing to remember whilst visiting another country is to respect the local customs and culture."

This is the aim of Barcelona's new 'bikini ban' campaign, he added.