Ban low-slung trousers

The sight of exposed skin or underwear has attracted complaints from tourists, says Wildwood Mayor Ernest Troiano. He is introducing a dress code prohibiting trousers that hang more than 3inches below the hips.

Wildwood joins a handful of other small US communities that have acted against wearing low-slung trousers. Under its plan, people would also be required to wear shoes and shirts on the boardwalk.

Anyone who breaks the rules would be fined $25-$100 the first time, and $200 for a repeat offence, or might have to complete 40 hours of community service.

Swimming costumes are already banned on Wildwood's boardwalk. The fashion trend is believed to have originated in US prisons, where inmates are not allowed to wear belts. But the look was taken up by hip-hop artists and is commonly worn by young people.