Hundreds of New York subway riders, unencumbered by skirts, trousers or modesty, took part in a spontaneous showing of leg despite sub-freezing temperatures.

The 10th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" on Sunday saw hundreds of New York strap-hangers shed outer garments from the waist down, even as they wore seasonally-appropriate jackets, scarves, earmuffs and other winter garb on their upper halves.

At 3 pm sharp, subway riders at six separate meeting points across the city, boarded predetermined subway cars, engaging in typically unassuming behavior like reading a magazine or staring off into space.

But as soon as the doors shut at the stop before they were due to get off, participants were instructed to stand up, shed their skirts and pants (trousers), which were to be secreted into backpacks, and briefcases.

"If anyone asks you why you've removed your pants, tell them that they were 'getting uncomfortable'" instructions to emailed participants said.

Once they exited the train, the commuters stood for a while on the subway platform pantless, providing maximum shock effect to their stunned fellow riders.

Many participants donned festive underwear for the occasion, from polka dot bloomers to basic striped boxers, adding another a measure of frivolity to the unusual yearly happening, which also is staged in some 50 other cities in two dozen countries around the world.

(Read by Nelly Min. Nelly Min is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)

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(Agencies)