Dunn, N.C. — Dunn Mayor Pro Tem Carnell Robinson says sagging pants are bringing down the city's image.

He wants to enact an ordinance prohibiting the fashion statement, which is typified by men whose underwear is visible above the waist of their pants.

Under Robinson's proposal, the first two violations would result in a warning. The third time, violators could face a fine of up to $200.

"I believe this form of dress is totally disrespectful," Robinson said Wednesday. "(This is) just a simple matter of the community re-establishing some standards."

He says that higher community standards will result in lower crime.

Saggy pants "is part of a culture that breeds drug sales, drug addictions, crime and murder," Robinson said. "That is not what I want for our community."

Dunn resident Shawn Strain said the town should focus on curbing crime more proactively, rather than concerning itself with fashion.

"They should be more concerned with all these people killing people, these little young people raping people and all that," Strain said.

He added that people should be able to dress however they wish.

"If you want to come out with your boxers on, as long as you aren't doing any harm, you should be able to do what you want," he said.

Robinson said Strain's attitude was "misguided."

The proposal will be up for discussion at the Dunn City Council's August meeting. Robinson said he drafted his proposal based on a similar ordinance in Tuscumbia, Ala., one of several towns in the nation that has banned saggy pants.