Male skimpies are set to become a regular feature in the WA gold mining town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder after making their near-nude debut in front of a packed house.

Scantily-clad female barmaids are famous in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 600 kilometres east of Perth, but so-called "himpies" were only briefly trialled a decade ago.

More than 250 people attended last night's grand reveal of three male skimpies — Matty Abbott, Byron Phillips and Billy Bosco — at the Hannans Hotel.

The topless trio had to battle it out with more than 40 candidates after an ABC report led to a spike in applications.

Male skimpy bartender Billy Bosco moved to Kalgoorlie-Boulder three months ago from New Caledonia. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Isabel Moussalli )

'Himpies' could become a regular feature

Hannans Hotel manager Tracy Julin said she was shocked by the overwhelming response.

"Stunned, I wasn't expecting so much interest and it's really taken off," Ms Julin said.



She said due to the popularity, male skimpies would become a monthly feature.

"It definitely has to happen again, there's too many people that want it," she said.

"Now that it has happened, I think it is a great turnaround for the ladies in town.

"I've already heard rumours that a couple of them [other pubs] might take it up, so it might become a regular event."

Male skimpy bartender Byron Phillips with Kalgoorlie pub patron Rob Verrier. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Isabel Moussalli )

The three bare bartenders



All three men admitted they were not the most skilful bartenders but they were excited to take the job.

Mr Abbott is a 26-year-old concreter who had strong support from family and friends, including his mother who sat in the front row for his debut.

"My family are very proud of me, especially my mum," he said.

He applied after friends tagged him multiple times in a Facebook post advertising the role.

"I just thought well, I'm in the best shape I've been in a long time so why not?



"I'm so happy I can't wipe the smile off my face."



Mr Abbott said he went the extra mile to prepare for the role.



"I did the waxing and the fake tan but that's pretty much all," he said.



"The beautician said I actually took the waxing quite well."



Hannans Hotel manager Tracy Julin says she took personality into consideration when hiring male skimpy barmaids Billy Bosco, Matty Abbott and Byron Phillips. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Jarrod Lucas )

Personality key for male applicants

Ms Julin said photos were required for the application process, but personality was the deciding factor for the final three.



"Billy is very outgoing, he's very charming and Byron is just a really sweet guy," she said.



"They have different body types.



"We've got some that are very muscly, then one of our guys doesn't even have a real six pack, he's just an average guy."

Male skimpy bartender Billy Bosco strikes a pose. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Isabel Moussalli )

Mr Bosco moved from New Caledonia to Kalgoorlie-Boulder three months ago and is working as a tradesman.



The 30-year-old said he was confident in the new role and was egged on by friends to apply.



"I know I'm not a very beautiful guy but I move my ass very good," he said.



"This job, it's just normal for me and it's funny."

Female skimpy barmaids Crystal Reddell (left) and Renae got the night off to watch male skimpy Byron Phillips make his debut. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Jarrod Lucas )

Female skimpies show support from over the bar

Among the crowd on Saturday night were two female skimpy barmaids who offered a unique perspective on the male debut.

Crystal Reddell has been a skimpy for several years, but only began working a circuit of nine pubs in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the past month.

She said she thought there was a place for male skimpies, but did not think they would become part of the daily scene at pubs.

"There's nothing in this town for the ladies, so it's about time," Ms Reddell said.

"I think it's great. I think once a month they could be a real drawcard — just look at the crowd.

"I don't think I'll be losing my job to a male skimpy any time soon."

Ms Reddell said the men were pushing the limits with their so-called uniforms.

"They're showing way more skin than we would ever be allowed to get away with," she said.

A drink with a view



Male skimpy Matty Abbott works as a concreter during the day. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Jarrod Lucas )

The topless trio began the night by serving drinks in jeans, then later stripped down to their underwear.



Compulsory G-strings were originally on the cards, but the uniform was changed during contract negotiations with the "himpies".



Several female patrons welcomed the wardrobe change.



Donna Marie said the male skimpies were a great addition to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.



"I feel like they've done a very good job," she said.



"If the boys were smart, they'd be here too because there's lots of ladies."

Another female patron, Leta Bilston joked she might have a heart attack.



"I'm having so much fun, I haven't seen a naked chest in 30 years," she said.



There were dozens of men in the crowd, including regular customer Dean Curry.



"I think it's just a good change for the ladies," he said.



"Guys sit here all night when there's female skimpies here.



"So if the ladies want to sit here all night until they finish, good luck to them."

Desiree Louw and Tracey Grey are both long-term Kalgoorlie residents and say they would like to see male skimpies become a regular feature. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Jarrod Lucas )

The new face of the skimpy?



Kalgoorlie brothel madam Carmel says she supports male skimpies in the mining town. ( ABC Goldfields-Esperance: Nathan Morris )

Carmel, the veteran madam at Kalgoorlie's century-old Questa Casa brothel, has observed the role of skimpies over the years.



She said time would tell if the male skimpies would be more than a one night only novelty.

Carmel did not attend the event but said she would "certainly" look at photographs.



"If there's success when they first come in, everyone will have them," she said.



"If not, they'll just fade away.



"But I don't see any reason why they can't be there, provided they're all good looking.

