An Introduction to Nudism and Naturism

Nudism, or naturism, is the practice of going nude or unclothed in social and usually mixed gender groups, specifically in cultures where this is not the norm. It sometimes occurs furtively in secluded places in countries where appearing nude in public is illegal, but enjoys widespread acceptance in other areas of the world. Those who practice nudism are called nudists or naturists. While some believe that being nude with other people is necessarily always sexual, or that nudism is morally wrong or pornographic, naturists reject these views, arguing that nudism is a natural state. Nudists believe that the human body is not inherently shameful, being something that we all possess and ought to cherish.

Typical activities are relaxation, sunbathing and sports, but some nudists prefer also to be nude while working etc., whenever the temperature and the social situation allows it (including when one is alone). Some choose to live permanently with other nudists in a nudist colony.

Naturism (pronounced “nature” + “ism”) should not be confused with naturalism, the study of nature.

In the traditional view, the Nudist is defined as a person who seeks out organized social settings for the practice of the nudist philosophy. This usually takes the form of membership in a landed nudist club with a well defined system of conduct and social structure. It is touted as a predictable environment, and purports to offer the participants a safety factor that comes with enclosed facilities that permit nudism to exist lawfully, without threat of legal action or observation by outsiders seeking to view them for prurient purposes.

The Naturist conversely is traditionally defined as an individual who prefers to seek a more natural setting for their clothing optional activities - such as the beach, lake, woods or mountains. They are not joiners in the sense of the traditional nudist, nor do they often consider their clothing optional activity to be a remarkable thing, but rather simply a part of their normal lifestyle. Some political contention exists between the traditional Nudist and the Naturist within the national organizations that represent clothing optional recreation for lobbying purposes; the former seeking a status quo while the later pushes for expansion of beaches and other outdoor facilities and their designation for clothing optional use.

Nudism is said not to be equivalent to exhibitionism. It is described by followers as people who enjoy being nude and who are not primarily interested in seeing others nude (voyeurism) or being seen nude by others. That being said, all kinds of people are attracted to the movement, for all kinds of reasons. Many naturists are convinced that increased exposure to the natural environment, made easier through nudity, can result in numerous health benefits. Sunlight has been shown to be beneficial in some skin conditions, and is required by the body to make vitamin D. However, with the increased awareness of skin cancer, wearing of sunblock/sun protection lotions is now part of the nudist culture and is one of their frequently discussed topics. Whereas nudist parents do not require their children to put on clothes before going outside at a nudist club or beach, most do require them to put on sunscreen lotion. Overall, naturists often claim that they are more relaxed and in a better state of mind when they shed their clothes.

Being around like-minded people can make interpersonal interactions, such as meeting new friends, easier and many nudist organizations are really just social clubs. Some of these clubs have stricter entrance requirements than some traditional up-scale ‘country clubs’ - requiring references, a sponsoring member, a trial membership, committee approval, and, due to fears about sex offenders, criminal background checks (though this is normally only done on male applicants). At the other
end of the spectrum is ‘unorganized’ naturism in which there is nothing to join, no one to pay, and only civil, common and criminal law to serve as rules of etiquette. Many people get their first exposure to the naturist movement through this kind of informal nudism (e.g. a clothing optional beach, a friend’s place in the woods, a party on the shore; skinny dipping).