If you’re like some of us your introduction to this strange idea of ‘nudism’ (also called 'naturism') came from grainy black and white photos of bare people playing volleyball. Or perhaps from the internet with pics of beautiful models basking ‘naturally’ on a page full of ads for porno sites. Let’s explore a bit and see what we find!
The first thing to keep in mind is that, other than being naked, nudists are people just like everyone else with the same feelings and interests, differences and personalities. We do tend to be a bit more open-minded, probably because we know what it’s like to be judged unfairly based on stereotypes. That said, we also tend to be rather prudish in some ways. You will find little ‘improper’ behavior in a socially nude situation. As they say; Be nude, not rude.
The first thing to keep in mind is that, other than being naked, nudists are people just like everyone else with the same feelings and interests, differences and personalities. We do tend to be a bit more open-minded, probably because we know what it’s like to be judged unfairly based on stereotypes. That said, we also tend to be rather prudish in some ways. You will find little ‘improper’ behavior in a socially nude situation. As they say; Be nude, not rude.
Enough of all that, time to move on. Shall we do this in a Q&A format? Ok, lets. Are we having fun yet?
Q: What’s the difference between a nudist and a naturist?
A: Not much if at all, though some would argue. A naturist may be generally more into nudity in an outdoorsy setting while a nudist is pretty much happy to be nude just about anywhere they can. At least, that's how some folks look at it! Some see it as exactly the opposite, oddly enough.
Anyway. that’s simplified but good enough for now. National and international organizations consider the two terms to be interchangeable. The term ‘clothes free’ is gaining in popularity recently since some people don’t care to be labeled ‘nudist’, along with the perceived negative ideas related to the word.
Q: What does ‘Textile” mean?
A: ‘Textile’ is a term referring to the community of those who cover their bodies with clothing most of the time, as opposed to ‘nudists/naturists’ who prefer not to. It is convenient, descriptive, and non-derogatory.
Q: What’s the difference between a nudist and a naturist?
A: Not much if at all, though some would argue. A naturist may be generally more into nudity in an outdoorsy setting while a nudist is pretty much happy to be nude just about anywhere they can. At least, that's how some folks look at it! Some see it as exactly the opposite, oddly enough.
Anyway. that’s simplified but good enough for now. National and international organizations consider the two terms to be interchangeable. The term ‘clothes free’ is gaining in popularity recently since some people don’t care to be labeled ‘nudist’, along with the perceived negative ideas related to the word.
Q: What does ‘Textile” mean?
A: ‘Textile’ is a term referring to the community of those who cover their bodies with clothing most of the time, as opposed to ‘nudists/naturists’ who prefer not to. It is convenient, descriptive, and non-derogatory.
Q: What’s the difference between ‘nudist’ and ‘clothing optional’?
A: Used in descriptions of campgrounds or resorts, ‘nudist’ usually means that full nudity is expected most of the time. ‘Clothing optional’ indicates that nudity is allowed but not required, and may be restricted as to times and places. When booking into a resort be very sure about what you’re getting. It would be a shame to travel a great distance only to find out that you can be nude only at the pool, after 11:00 PM!
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Q: Why do people want to be naked?
A: Why not? It’s fun! The breeze, the water, the sand. Grass under your feet (or whatever), it simply feels good! Our skin is a sensory organ, capable of discerning subtle nuances of feeling ranging from temperature to texture. We cover ourselves with clothing and smother most of this ability to perceive and enjoy that which Nature offers for our pleasure. Everything is different nude. Our bodies move and wiggle and bounce differently, our whole world feels brand new. It has to be experienced to be understood! A better question might be, why wear clothes when you don't need to?
Q: I was raised to keep my ‘privates’ covered, how could I possibly let someone see me?
A: Nudists don’t view the body as a thing of shame. We all learned body shame from somewhere; you know where you learned yours. Nudists are simply folks that have realized that we learned wrong. Our society equates skin with sex, sex with sin, and sin with evil. Nudists are better able to separate skin from sex. Isn't it ironic that by covering only ‘private’ parts that those parts become the focus of attention, creating sexual (evil) thoughts? Even more ironic is that by uncovering those parts they lose their mystery and become just another part of a body.
A: Used in descriptions of campgrounds or resorts, ‘nudist’ usually means that full nudity is expected most of the time. ‘Clothing optional’ indicates that nudity is allowed but not required, and may be restricted as to times and places. When booking into a resort be very sure about what you’re getting. It would be a shame to travel a great distance only to find out that you can be nude only at the pool, after 11:00 PM!
.
Q: Why do people want to be naked?
A: Why not? It’s fun! The breeze, the water, the sand. Grass under your feet (or whatever), it simply feels good! Our skin is a sensory organ, capable of discerning subtle nuances of feeling ranging from temperature to texture. We cover ourselves with clothing and smother most of this ability to perceive and enjoy that which Nature offers for our pleasure. Everything is different nude. Our bodies move and wiggle and bounce differently, our whole world feels brand new. It has to be experienced to be understood! A better question might be, why wear clothes when you don't need to?
Q: I was raised to keep my ‘privates’ covered, how could I possibly let someone see me?
A: Nudists don’t view the body as a thing of shame. We all learned body shame from somewhere; you know where you learned yours. Nudists are simply folks that have realized that we learned wrong. Our society equates skin with sex, sex with sin, and sin with evil. Nudists are better able to separate skin from sex. Isn't it ironic that by covering only ‘private’ parts that those parts become the focus of attention, creating sexual (evil) thoughts? Even more ironic is that by uncovering those parts they lose their mystery and become just another part of a body.
Q: I’m easily aroused, what if I have a ‘physical’ reaction to all those naked bodies?
A: Don’t worry, you probably won’t. It’s an extremely rare sight but if it happens, just wrap in a towel or turn over. As long as you don’t deliberately create the situation or run around waving it in people’s faces (so to speak) it’s no big thing. Oops, bad choice of words; change that to ‘it just isn’t important’…
Q: It’s beginning to sound like naturists are a bunch of sexless zombies, it that true?
A: Hardly. It’s just that there is a time and a place for everything and a social gathering of nudists is not a meet-market. Picture it more like a community picnic and behave accordingly.
A: Don’t worry, you probably won’t. It’s an extremely rare sight but if it happens, just wrap in a towel or turn over. As long as you don’t deliberately create the situation or run around waving it in people’s faces (so to speak) it’s no big thing. Oops, bad choice of words; change that to ‘it just isn’t important’…
Q: It’s beginning to sound like naturists are a bunch of sexless zombies, it that true?
A: Hardly. It’s just that there is a time and a place for everything and a social gathering of nudists is not a meet-market. Picture it more like a community picnic and behave accordingly.
Q: My body is less than perfect, will I be embarrassed to be seen?
A: Maybe, for a few minutes. You may be conscious of every wiggle, jiggle, wart and wrinkle. Until you are comfortable enough to look around a bit and realize that (1) no one is paying any attention to you and (2) most of them are nothing special to look at either (from a Textile point of view) and (3) nobody cares. They’re just folks, out for some sun and a nice day. After a little while you may feel at ease enough to move around a bit, maybe even talk to people (Hmm, what do I do with my eyes? What do I look at while talking to them?) and have some perceptions shattered. Why, these are just people like you, who enjoy being naked and nobody cares a lick about appearances! This will cause serious damage to your Textile view of the world. Imagine that: basing your opinion of someone on who they are, not how they look.
Q: I am young and buff, will I feel out place?
A: Nah. All sorts of people are attracted to the nude lifestyle. Some groups or locations may cater more to a particular clientele, but generally speaking we’re a pretty mixed lot. Fat, skinny, old, young, kids, and, yes, Beautiful People. It’s fair to say that nudists pay less attention to bodies than to the person inside them, but that’s not to say that we’re totally unaware of the standard forms of beauty when we see them. So yeah, pretty’s still pretty, but it’s just not particularly important.
A: Maybe, for a few minutes. You may be conscious of every wiggle, jiggle, wart and wrinkle. Until you are comfortable enough to look around a bit and realize that (1) no one is paying any attention to you and (2) most of them are nothing special to look at either (from a Textile point of view) and (3) nobody cares. They’re just folks, out for some sun and a nice day. After a little while you may feel at ease enough to move around a bit, maybe even talk to people (Hmm, what do I do with my eyes? What do I look at while talking to them?) and have some perceptions shattered. Why, these are just people like you, who enjoy being naked and nobody cares a lick about appearances! This will cause serious damage to your Textile view of the world. Imagine that: basing your opinion of someone on who they are, not how they look.
Q: I am young and buff, will I feel out place?
A: Nah. All sorts of people are attracted to the nude lifestyle. Some groups or locations may cater more to a particular clientele, but generally speaking we’re a pretty mixed lot. Fat, skinny, old, young, kids, and, yes, Beautiful People. It’s fair to say that nudists pay less attention to bodies than to the person inside them, but that’s not to say that we’re totally unaware of the standard forms of beauty when we see them. So yeah, pretty’s still pretty, but it’s just not particularly important.
Q: I’m gay. Is that a problem with nudists?
A: Generally, no. Single males are sometimes looked at with caution since ‘cruising’ is not appropriate at nudist venues. Gay guys are often more obvious about it and sometimes behave poorly, ie., in an openly sexual manner. That is absolutely forbidden and has earned gays a less than admirable reputation in some places. Just do us all a favor and behave yourself. That way we can all get along fine and have a good time naked!
Q: What about kids, how do they fit in? Should they see naked people? Isn’t that perverted?
A: Good questions. Kids are natural nudists, it’s we parents who put clothes on them. The human body is nothing to be ashamed of or hide and it’s only by doing so that causes problems for folks. That said, how a particular kid reacts to social nudity depends on their background, age and personality. Generally speaking, the younger they are the easier it is for them. Upper elementary school age through high school is tougher if they’ve not been raised with nudity. Ideas and attitudes become fixed, insecurities, hormones and sexuality, what a mess! Personal experience with our kids and friends’ kids, ages 12 through 18 at first exposure was just fine. A little bit of oh-my-god-everybody’s-naked at first, quickly becoming just fine to them. A lot of kids don’t mind being around nudity but prefer to remain clothed. No problem. Don’t force it.
A: Generally, no. Single males are sometimes looked at with caution since ‘cruising’ is not appropriate at nudist venues. Gay guys are often more obvious about it and sometimes behave poorly, ie., in an openly sexual manner. That is absolutely forbidden and has earned gays a less than admirable reputation in some places. Just do us all a favor and behave yourself. That way we can all get along fine and have a good time naked!
Q: What about kids, how do they fit in? Should they see naked people? Isn’t that perverted?
A: Good questions. Kids are natural nudists, it’s we parents who put clothes on them. The human body is nothing to be ashamed of or hide and it’s only by doing so that causes problems for folks. That said, how a particular kid reacts to social nudity depends on their background, age and personality. Generally speaking, the younger they are the easier it is for them. Upper elementary school age through high school is tougher if they’ve not been raised with nudity. Ideas and attitudes become fixed, insecurities, hormones and sexuality, what a mess! Personal experience with our kids and friends’ kids, ages 12 through 18 at first exposure was just fine. A little bit of oh-my-god-everybody’s-naked at first, quickly becoming just fine to them. A lot of kids don’t mind being around nudity but prefer to remain clothed. No problem. Don’t force it.
Q: What about legal issues and kids?
A: It starts to get a little murky right around here and this is not to be taken as legal advice. Different states and localities have varied laws and ordinances relating to the subject, and enforcement varies greatly. It’s almost impossible to get a straight answer from anyone and you certainly won’t find one here!
Most laws include wording which requires more than simple nudity to be in violation, some refer to particular body parts (one state’s statute forbids exposure of the female breast below the nipple but not above it), or certain types of behavior. But that's in public We are unaware of any problems with kids and nudity at any of the legitimate nudist campgrounds which allow children, but it is always a good idea to ask someone there ahead of time. And, as always, keep an eye on your kids. Creeps can be anywhere, though the safest places in the world are probably nudist/naturist venues!
So, get out there and try it if you haven't already! If you want to be nude, you can be. You'll find all sorts of other information on this website covering specific topics mentioned here. There's lots of stuff for newbies and plenty more for those with experience. All-Nudist is a good starting-off point which offers everything you need to safely discover the fantastic world of social nudism!
A: It starts to get a little murky right around here and this is not to be taken as legal advice. Different states and localities have varied laws and ordinances relating to the subject, and enforcement varies greatly. It’s almost impossible to get a straight answer from anyone and you certainly won’t find one here!
Most laws include wording which requires more than simple nudity to be in violation, some refer to particular body parts (one state’s statute forbids exposure of the female breast below the nipple but not above it), or certain types of behavior. But that's in public We are unaware of any problems with kids and nudity at any of the legitimate nudist campgrounds which allow children, but it is always a good idea to ask someone there ahead of time. And, as always, keep an eye on your kids. Creeps can be anywhere, though the safest places in the world are probably nudist/naturist venues!
So, get out there and try it if you haven't already! If you want to be nude, you can be. You'll find all sorts of other information on this website covering specific topics mentioned here. There's lots of stuff for newbies and plenty more for those with experience. All-Nudist is a good starting-off point which offers everything you need to safely discover the fantastic world of social nudism!