History Main / InvisibleStreaker

* Griffin the Invisible Man of the ''WesternAnimation/HotelTransylvania'' franchise. His presence is indicated by a pair of floating EyeGlasses, and the one time he wears clothes is for the sake of a gag where he gets his pants pulled down and claims shrinkage. Later on, while preparing for the main event, he powders his ass just to make it clear there's nothing else there. In ''WesternAnimation/HotelTransylvaniaTransformania'', he's finally made visible, confirming once and for all that he's nude, horrifying his friends Wayne and Murray. [[spoiler:Once he's made invisible once more, his friends beg him to keep his clothes on.]]

* It's alluded to in ''WesternAnimation/HotelTransylvania'' with the Invisible Man. His presence is indicated by a pair of floating EyeGlasses, and the one time he wears clothes is for the sake of a gag where he gets his pants pulled down and claims shrinkage. Later on, while preparing for the main event, he powders his ass just to make it clear there's nothing else there.

Actually using the power afterwards, on the other hand, can often be [[PlayedForDrama anything but funny and sexy]]. After all, being naked doesn't just mean being indecent, it also means being completely unarmed and vulnerable. Even if the invisible person gets by completely unnoticed, they'll always be ExposedToTheElements. Beyond the nudity itself, the same rules that prohibit wearing clothes also makes interacting with other things tricky, and carrying something is basically impossible without forfeiting the invisibility altogether. Basically, the power of invisibility becomes AwesomeYetImpractical for most of its potential uses. And that's not even getting into [[NakedPeopleTrappedOutside what happens if they became visible at the wrong time]]...

...Unless, of course, the character is ''always'' invisible, then the situation is flipped on its head. For these characters, having visible clothes is generally advantageous, as unlike an always-invisible character with always-invisible MagicPants, the Invisible Streaker can simply stop streaking and their clothes will provide a decent approximation of not being invisible. Thus, they won't have to go unnoticed all the time, and can live a normal life when they aren't naked (though they might have to regularly wear a burqa or similar clothing).

Ultimately, if this trope is in play, expect the MundaneSolution to come up -- since no-one (by definition) can see the invisible person, going around naked is an acceptable solution to being unable to make other things invisible. This can make using the power downright difficult, especially when in [[ExposedToTheElements less hospitable climates]], or for more nefarious purposes -- it's not easy to steal things when you can't interact with them without revealing exactly where you are.

This can also be downright [[RuleOfFunny hilarious]], as [[NakedPeopleAreFunny the insinuation of nudity]] as well as the reactions to such is classic comedy. It can also be played equally [[RuleOfDrama dramatically]] -- a person trapped in this state would be unable to interact with the outside world directly, outside of wearing a burqa or similar clothing all the time. There's also an inherent [[RuleOfSexy sexiness]] to the concept -- many aversions of this trope are specifically used due the producers wanting to avoid risque situations.

In short: the MundaneSolution applied to specific types of {{Invisible Main Character}}s: those who, due to RuleOfFunny, [[RuleOfDrama Drama]], or [[RuleOfSexy Sexy]], don't have invisible MagicPants, and consequently have to strip to make use of their power. A specific type of [[NakedPeopleAreFunny nudity as humor]]. Of course, expect the whole thing to wear off just a little bit too early. Depending on the tone of work, expect being ExposedToTheElements (and other side effects of being naked and unseen outside) to come into play, or [[BellisariosMaxim be outright ignored]]. This may also serve as a way of averting RightThroughHisPants without showing anything the target audience may dislike.

If you [[FridgeLogic think about it]] [[BellisariosMaxim too much]] you might stumble upon the problem with this trope: at any given time, a person will have bacterial colonies whose members come and go, viral invaders being fought by their immune system, [[InvisibleStomachVisibleFood food being digested or excreted]], dirt and dust falling on their skin, cells falling off their body, etc. -- What exactly ''counts'' as being part of an invisible person's body? There's just no hard line. Whatever the source of the character's invisibility, the RequiredSecondaryPowers that this trope supposedly averts [[NecessaryWeasel may not be so "secondary" after all]] (especially if the invisibility takes a "psychic" form). The few RealLife attempts at invisibility use the inversion of this trope, which is the InvisibilityCloak. Compare ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing.

If you [[FridgeLogic think about it]] [[BellisariosMaxim too much]] you might stumble upon the problem with this trope: at any given time, a person will have bacterial colonies whose members come and go, viral invaders being fought by their immune system, [[InvisibleStomachVisibleFood food being digested or excreted]], dirt and dust falling on their skin, cells falling off their body, etc. -- What exactly ''counts'' as being part of an invisible person's body? There's just no hard line. Whatever the source of the character's invisibility, the RequiredSecondaryPowers that this trope supposedly averts [[NecessaryWeasel may not be so "secondary" after all]] (especially if the invisibility takes a "psychic" form). The few RealLife attempts at invisibility use the inversion of this trope, which is the InvisibilityCloak.

* [[AvertedTrope Averted]] in ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'': Violet powers don't normally affect clothing, but she gets [[MySuitIsAlsoSuper a super-suit]] rather than having to take this option.

* The invisibility StatusEffect in ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'' is useless if the player insists on wearing their armor. While undressing from armor may not be a problem for a player, some mobs have [[http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/File:Invisible_sheep.png natural "armor"]] that makes them visible whether they are inflicted with the status effect or not.

* DoubleSubverted in one of Creator/RLStine's ''Ghosts of Literature/FearStreet'' books (''Go to Your Tomb — Right Now!'') Magic allows two friends to turn invisible for twelve hours; it causes whatever clothes they put on to turn invisible with them, then turn visible when they undress. Unfortunately, the two decide to sneak into the community pool when it's closed and go swimming in their underwear. Two people who run the pool show up, the friends can't find a way to escape unnoticed...and of course, ''that's'' when their times expires.

* In the "Linda Godiva" episode of ''Series/RoundTheTwist'', Linda has to help cheat at a horse race this way, using an enchanted perfume spritzer. Of course, her brother accidentally deactivates it at exactly the wrong time.

* In ''WesternAnimation/{{The Addams Family|1992}}'' episode "Hide and Go Lurch", one of the ways Gomez and Fester attempted to prevent Lurch from finding them was by turning themselves invisible. The invisibility formula didn't affect their clothes, so they had to disrobe, only for Lurch to again succeed in finding them.

** Also {{Averted}} in the unrelated ''Slappyworld'' book ''Revenge of the Invisible Boy,'' though [[CoversAlwaysLie the cover]] [[shows the title character wearing visible clothes]]. Then again, if his clothes were invisible you wouldn't realize that he was there, would you?
* DoubleSubverted in one of Creator/RLStine's ''Ghosts of Literature/FearStreet'' books (''Go to Your Tomb — Right Now!'') Magic allows two friends to turn invisible for twelve hours; it causes whatever clothes they put on to turn invisible with them, then suddenly turn visible when they undress. Unfortunately, the two decide to sneak into the community pool when it's closed and go swimming in their underwear. When two of the people who run the pool show up, the friends can't find a way to escape unnoticed -- and of course, ''that's'' when their times expires.
* In Neal Shusterman's ''Literature/TheSchwaWasHere'', Calvin Schwa gets through two and a half periods of the school day before anyone notices he is present and only wearing a Speedo. (He's not completely invisible; it's more that you have to focus on him to notice him.)

* The alien visitor in ''Phantom from Space'' is invisible and can move unseen outside his spacesuit, but being in contact with earth's atmosphere long enough makes him visible eventually.

* {{Subverted}} in the ''Literature/{{Goosebumps}}'' book ''My Best Friend Is Invisible'': the protagonist awkwardly asks the invisible boy if he's wearing any clothes. He is.

* An obscure manga titled ''Moonlight Exhibition'' features an invisible woman and a female werewolf, both of whom are naked. This leads to at least one LesYay situation.

Not all {{invisibility}} methods are created equal. While most works HandWave away the problems with invisibility--being able to see being the main one--one specific problem frequently comes up. Namely: you may be able to become invisible, but [[RequiredSecondaryPowers that doesn't mean things you interact with can become invisible]]. That includes your clothes.

Ultimately, if this trope is in play, expect the MundaneSolution to come up--since no one (by definition) can see the invisible person, going around naked is an acceptable solution to being unable to make other things invisible. This can make using the power downright difficult, especially when in [[ExposedToTheElements less hospitable climates]], or for more nefarious purposes--it's not easy to steal things when you can't interact with them without revealing exactly where you are.

This can also be downright [[RuleOfFunny hilarious]], as [[NakedPeopleAreFunny the insinuation of nudity]] as well as the reactions to such is classic comedy. It can also be played equally [[RuleOfDrama dramatically]]--a person trapped in this state would be unable to interact with the outside world directly, outside of wearing a burqa or similar clothing all the time. There's also an inherent [[RuleOfSexy sexiness]] to the concept--many aversions of this trope are specifically used due the producers wanting to avoid risque situations.

* DoubleSubverted in one of Creator/RLStine's ''Ghosts of Literature/FearStreet'' books (''Go to Your Tomb—Right Now!'') Magic allows two friends to turn invisible for twelve hours; it causes whatever clothes they put on to turn invisible with them, then suddenly turn visible when they undress. Unfortunately, the two decide to sneak into the community pool when it's closed and go swimming in their underwear. When two of the people who run the pool show up, the friends can't find a way to escape unnoticed--and of course, ''that's'' when their times expires.

* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings:'' This actually applies to the Ringwraiths--Gandalf notes that ''they're'' invisible because they mostly inhabit the spirit world, and their dark cloaks are just there so that they can interact [[InvisibleToNormals with normal people]]. The One Ring affects clothes and weapons, though, so presumably the Ringwraiths' original clothes and ornaments went to the spirit world with them.

* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' turns this trope on its head: In [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0025.html "Armor Begone,"]] the {{Cloudcuckoolander}} Elan learns that [[RPGMechanicsVerse wearing less armor makes a person harder to notice]].

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheAddamsFamily1992'' episode "Hide and Go Lurch", one of the ways Gomez and Fester attempted to prevent Lurch from finding them was by turning themselves invisible. The invisibility formula didn't affect their clothes, so they had to disrobe, only for Lurch to again succeed in finding them.

* Taylor in the ''Literature/{{Worm}}'' fic ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10964294/1/First-Witch First Witch]]'' can shift into parallel dimension, becoming invisible for everyone in the "normal" one, but can't take anything with her, forcing her to move around naked. [[PrehensileHair Another power]] allows her to act as a cape.

* In ''WesternAnimation/{{The Addams Family|1992}}'' episode "Hide and Go Lurch", one of the ways Gomez and Fester attempted to prevent Lurch from finding them was by turning themselves invisible. The invisibility formula didn't affect their clothes, so they had to disrobe, only for Lurch to again succeed in finding them.

If you [[FridgeLogic think about it]] [[BellisariosMaxim too much]] you might stumble upon the problem with this trope: at any given time, a person will have bacterial colonies whose members come and go, viral invaders being fought by their immune system, [[InvisibleStomachVisibleFood food being digested or excreted]], dirt and dust falling on their skin, cells falling off their body, etc--What exactly ''counts'' as being part of an invisible person's body? There's just no hard line. Whatever the source of the character's invisibility, the RequiredSecondaryPowers that this trope supposedly averts [[NecessaryWeasel may not be so "secondary" after all]] (especially if the invisibility takes a "psychic" form). The few RealLife attempts at invisibility use the inversion of this trope, which is the InvisibilityCloak.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* ''Manga/GhostInTheShell'' had a type of camouflage--essentially invisible spandex--that couldn't be worn over anything and was ultra-skin tight. Once the anime series went more mainstream, the camo became "invisible clothing" as it had been in the manga. Note that this typically only applied to [[ShamelessFanserviceGirl The Major]], while male characters using the camo were able to wear less-revealing outfits.

-->'''Buffy:''' Don't strain yourself looking, Xander. I'm invisible girl.
-->(Xander holds his hands out)
-->'''Buffy:''' Uh, Xander?
-->(Xander quickly pulls his hands back)
-->'''Xander:''' Sorry! Her clothes are ... invisible ... too.

[[folder:Webcomics]]

* This happens in ''Roleplay/SurvivalOfTheFittest'': Evolution, when Jay Harland's "Nocturnal Invisibility" kicks in. It then turns into FullFrontalAssault when he attacks Ashlie Jackson.

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheAddamsFamily1992'' episode "Hide and Go Lurch", one of the ways Gomez and Fester attempted to prevent Lurch from finding them was by turning themselves invisible. The invisibility formula didn't affect their clothes, so they had to disrobe, only for Lurch to again succeed in finding them.
[[/folder]]

If you [[FridgeLogic think about it]] [[BellisariosMaxim too much]] you might stumble upon the problem with this trope: at any given time, a person will have bacterial colonies whose members come and go, viral invaders being fought by their immune system, [[InvisibleStomachVisibleFood food being digested or excreted]], dirt and dust falling on their skin, cells falling off their body, etc--What exactly ''counts'' as being part of an invisible person's body? There's just no hard line. Whatever the source of the character's invisibility, the RequiredSecondaryPowers that this trope supposedly doesn't have [[NecessaryWeasel may not be so "secondary" after all]] (especially if the invisibility takes a "psychic" form). The few RealLife attempts at invisibility use the inversion of this trope, which is the InvisibilityCloak.

It can be difficult to say what manner of invisibility is most "correct", because the question arises: what things ''count'' as part of an invisible person's body? At any given time you've got bacterial colonies whose members come and go, viral invaders being fought by your immune system, [[InvisibleStomachVisibleFood food being digested or excreted]], dirt and dust falling on your skin, cells falling off your body, etc--there's no hard line in either direction. Whatever the source of the character's invisibility, the RequiredSecondaryPowers that avert this particular trope may not be so "secondary" after all (especially if the invisibility takes a "psychic" form). It's an open question until science produces "real" invisibility (whatever that even means).

* In Franchise/ArchieComics' ''Sabrina at Gravestone Heights 91313'', Sabrina is friends with a perpetually invisible girl named [[http://www.dustbury.com/gfx/cleara.gif Cleara Glass]], whose clothes and makeup are always visible. In one story, Cleara wears a mask to appear as a redhead girl.