Why Montreal women are wearing 'subway shirts' on the metro to feel safer

A viral TikTok trend showing women wearing baggy shirts over their outfits to avoid harassment on the metro is getting mixed reactions.

A viral TikTok trend showing women wearing baggy shirts over their outfits to avoid harassment on the metro is getting mixed reactions.

The social media trend has garnered 14.5 million views, with the term "subway shirts" going viral. In the videos, women explain that they can remove their oversized tops once they exit the metro.

"I feel most women do that if they don't have any other options. Many times, I carry a jacket or coat with me in order to cover myself up just so that I don't seek unwanted attention. Even stares from fellow male passengers often make me uncomfortable, and it's very common," said Asmita Ghosh in an interview.

After two different experiences of harassment on the metro, Ghosh opts to use Ubers when going out at night rather than public transit.

"Using public transport from morning till late evening is pretty safe for me mostly, but not late at night, especially after 11 p.m. I think, being a woman, safety concerns increase after 11 p.m. or late nights in most of the metro stations," she added.

Victoria Monti noticed that catcalling was much more frequent when she was underage and while wearing her high school uniform. However, she still wears a jacket to cover up to be extra careful.

"I think it's necessary, especially at night, if you take the metro or bus and you're wearing something a bit more revealing. I think just for your own safety, I think it's crazy that we have to do that, but it's important for girls to protect themselves," said Monti.