Why are guys allowed to be shirtless?

They don't have boobs. *** Despite the fact that men's chests (especially the nipples) are visually and tactilely sexualized for many people--especially but not exclusively gay males--they are not generally regarded as part of their sexual anatomy in Western culture. Nevertheless, there seems to be some sexual element in the distaste some people express at seeing a shirtless male.

However, in the same culture, women's breasts (especially the nipples) are considered sexual. This means women are not generally permitted to be topless in Western countries, and that "pasties" to cover the nipples may be required for female strippers. However, there are many places in the world, including parts of Africa, where this is not the case and women are allowed to be topless in public just like men.