Texas has nude beaches, but can you wear a thong bikini? Here’s what the law says
.jpg "Many Texans enjoy beaches or man made pools like Derby Shores lagoon during the summer.")
Nude beaches are legal in Texas, so it only makes sense that a thong bikini is considered decent, too.
Strutting with your fanny out is perfectly legal at any public Texas beach. Though some privately owned businesses may regulate what type of swimwear they deem to be appropriate, any public area in Texas should not have any guidelines as to the type of suit allowed.
People may argue that thong bikinis are considered indecent exposure. However, the Texas Penal Code 21.08 states, “A person commits an offense if he exposes his anus or any part of his genitals with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, and he is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by his act.”
Can you be charged with indecent exposure on a Texas beach?
One can only be charged with indecent exposure if it is proved that they revealed their genitals for the intent of arousing someone else. The chances of someone being able to prove this while you’re wearing a swimsuit that covers yourself up is slim to none.
What may get tricky is if you can’t keep your private parts in the little amount of thong fabric. And in this case, this wouldn’t be indecent exposure anymore. It would be considered disorderly conduct.
Disorderly conduct covers “exposes his anus or genitals in a public place and is reckless about whether another may be present who will be offended or alarmed by his act,” according to Texas Penal Code 42.01.
The punishment for disorderly conduct would be considered a Class C misdemeanor here in Texas. This means a fine up to $500 but no jail time.
So if you choose to wear a thong bikini, male or female, just hope that nothing slips out. If it does, hope that no one around you gets offended, or else it will be the most expensive swimsuit you’ve ever worn.