How to have a naturist lifestyle

If you've ever wished you could wear clothes as little as possible.

For most naturists, occasional nudity at home or social nudity with like-minded others is the normal state of affairs. However, given favorable circumstances and an increasing preference to enjoy being naked, a time may come to consider the idea of yielding to a desire to dispense with clothes routinely.

That’s likely to entail significant changes for most people in their everyday lives - yet it remains tempting - probably even more so as time passes. So let’s look at the realistic issues that need to be considered to adopt a naturist lifestyle.

So what is a “naturist lifestyle”? Basically it’s about wearing as little as possible as much of the time as convenient. It could mean seldom wearing clothes - generally possible only by residing at a naturist resort located in a warm climate. But usually the amount of “completely naked” time is considerably less. Let’s just think of it as wearing nothing when doing so is comfortable.

“Comfortable” is also a vague standard. It involves not only physical comfort but also how relaxed and at ease you feel being fully naked. And, of course, how comfortable the people you live with and visitors feel about your nudity. Ideally, the people you live with shouldn’t care whether or not you’re wearing anything. That should also be true about expected visitors (friends, relatives, etc.), but you’ll probably have to deal with each case individually.

Persuading others to accept your nudity as “normal” and unobjectionable is usually complicated. It’s much like persuading others to try naturism for themselves. If you can do that successfully, great. Persuading others to accept your nudity should be somewhat easier - but still not effortless. It’s possible by using some of the approaches discussed in my article on correcting the misunderstandings most people have about naturism - to convince others that going naked is not at all objectionable or “sinful” as most people tend to think. But “selling” naturism is no simple matter, so for this article, the focus is on how you can have a naked lifestyle yourself.

There are certain fundamental things you’ll have to deal with.

1. Unless you live alone, persuading your immediate family or others you live with to accept your nudity is essential and must be the first step. This applies especially to your spouse or domestic partner and any children in the home. They need to consider your nudity just a personal preference - “no big deal” - even if they’re uninterested themselves. If that isn’t possible, you’ll have to limit your nudity to naturist friends, naturist clubs, nude beaches, hiking or camping alone, or other activities when wearing nothing is simple and desirable.

2. Think about how your good friends and extended family will react. The best approach may be different for each person. Is simply knowing about your enjoyment of nudity likely to harm the relationship seriously? Should you try to keep it a secret (which is dicey)? Or will they be OK as long as you aren’t naked in their presence? Should you try to explain your preference for nudity or use gentle persuasion about its benefits? Should you aim to have some of your friends and family accept your nudity as normal (for you)?

3. Could simple participation in naturism - let alone a naked lifestyle - negatively impact your employment? That will depend on the type of employment. If your job involves children - teaching, working in a daycare center, etc. - caution’s obviously advisable. For many other jobs, the possible problems will vary widely. Perhaps your job lets you work mostly from home, with few visits to the office. You’ll have to assess the situation as best you can. Best of all, of course, is if you’re retired.

4. Short of being retired or independently wealthy, being self-employed is good - if you seldom have to interact in person with others. Could you be a freelance writer? A graphic artist working on assignments? A software developer working on projects in your home? There are few jobs working with others where nudity is normal or expected. But there are some - if you can make a living at it or at least supplement your income - such as working at a naturist resort, being a naked yoga instructor, or modeling naked for artists or photographers.

Beyond the fundamentals, there are many ways to change your current situation and lifestyle so you can dispense with clothes routinely.

Let’s assume you’ve been able to deal comfortably with the issues above. If so, there are many things you can do to enjoy a naked lifestyle more easily.

To begin with, if you own or rent a single-family home, there are various ways you can make it a better place for enjoying nudity.

1. The first thing to think about is privacy. Although you’re not ashamed of your nudity, many or most neighbors and passers-by won’t want to see it. Do you have sufficient fencing to block the view from neighbors or people walking or driving by parts of your yard or through your large windows? Fencing doesn’t need to be on lot lines; it could simply enclose patios or other places you might be naked - including swimming pools and spas. Becoming good friends with your neighbors may be the simplest way to handle privacy. Then if they reciprocate your friendship, just ask if they’d object to your nudity or that of other family members. But remember that neighbors may move and be replaced by others who are intolerant of nudity.

2. Fences aren’t the only way to have privacy. Large trees or shrubbery may be sufficient. But trees and large shrubs take time to grow (if not already there). You could also install trellises for climbing plants like wisteria, ivy, and star jasmine. Especially if any neighboring homes aren’t single-story, you might also install covering over patios and outdoor spas. If your home has large windows, curtains, or shades you can easily close if necessary are probably essential.

3. If you rent rather than own your home, you’ll need permission from the rentor or property manager to make more than minor changes for privacy. You’ll need to talk with the rentor/manager about changes. You might suggest covering part or all of the expenses if you can afford to. If a somewhat permanent change that enhances the property is involved (e. g. an outdoor spa), the rentor may cover much of the cost.

4. Another thing to consider is that where you live is also an important factor. In most urban and suburban areas, homes are usually close together, so privacy is more difficult. Privacy is generally easier when homes are farther from each other, as typically happens in more sparsely populated areas. (In upscale neighborhoods homes may be farther apart and have good privacy, but that’s an option only if you can afford it.) Home prices or rents tend to be lower in less populous areas too. So if you want or need to move elsewhere, consider smaller towns and less densely populated areas. Another plus is that naturist parks and resorts, and places for naked hiking and camping, are usually in rural areas, so easier to visit if you settle relatively nearby. The privacy, affordability, and other advantages may be worthwhile, despite the problem of longer commutes for work or shopping.

5. Assuming you own your home and can handle the privacy issues, you may want to add a spa or swimming pool - if it’s affordable. Note that spas and even swimming pools can be indoors for good privacy (but at a higher cost). Being able to immerse yourself in water in something more than a bathtub is a perfect incentive for nudity - and may tempt other family members and friends who visit to dispense with clothing too. A sauna (indoors or outside) is a similar possibility for being naked if it’s affordable and something you and others might often enjoy - especially in colder seasons.

6. If you only rent a home or apartment, you can enhance it with paintings, photography, sculptures, and other forms of art that involve or celebrate nudity. And you can take them with you if and when you move.

7. Gardening is another way to combine nudity and a popular home-based activity. Perhaps you already have a garden for flowers or vegetables - or you’ve wanted to start one. Either way, gardening naked enhances the experience. You can enjoy fresh air and sunshine while achieving tangible results. And if you work wearing nothing (except maybe shoes) there‘ll be no dirty clothes to wash, and you can clean yourself with a simple shower. (If you’re only renting your home, you should first get permission to start a garden.)

8. A significant issue is keeping warm at home during the colder months if you want to wear little or nothing. That will be expensive, especially in cold climates. However, if you own your home and plan to remain in it for a relatively long time, having solar panels installed is a good idea. If there are enough panels the electricity is “free” once the initial expense is paid off. Even if the home’s main heat source isn’t electrical, you can have small electric heaters in the rooms used most often.

9. If you are thinking about moving to a warmer climate to enjoy nudity more of the year, be careful of what places you consider. Although southern U.S. states have long warm seasons, most in the southeast are not especially friendly to naturism. Florida and Texas are the only southeastern states with more than one or two naturist clubs. And only Florida has legal clothing-optional beaches on the coast. Further west, however, especially in Arizona and California, the prospects are much better. Naturism isn’t very well represented even in Hawaii, despite the great climate. Oh, and by the way, should I mention hurricanes….

Become more involved in social naturist activities.

There’s far more to naturism than just being naked much - or even most - of the time at home. A wide variety of naturist activities are available. Most naturists probably haven’t tried many of them yet - but they should. Here are some examples.

1. Non-landed naturist clubs tend to go under the radar. The clubs are often located near established landed clubs, which provide venues for gatherings of non-landed clubs. The latter often organize activities outside the landed clubs. Examples: (1) Gatherings at private homes for potluck meals or general conversation, (2) Trips to National Forest lands for naked hiking and camping, (3) Visits to nearby clothing-optional beaches, (4) Rafting or canoeing trips on local rivers, (5) Organized painting lessons using nude models, (6) Private restaurant meals for members, (7) Hot-air balloon rides, (8) Group houseboating trips, (9) Body-painting. Naturists should take more advantage of such activities - and help plan for them in the non-landed clubs.

2. An especially important function of non-landed clubs is advocating for clothing-optional use of local beaches, both in coastal areas and inland lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Many such places have had clothing-optional usage, but they often come under attack from opponents of social nudity. A club can “adopt” one or more such places and defend clothing-optional use. When those places attract groups from non-landed clubs, the advantages to the local economy should be emphasized.

3. Join country-specific naturist organizations. In the U.S. that means AANR and The Naturist Society (TNSF). Naturist organizations in other countries may welcome members from the U.S. and elsewhere. British Naturism is a notable example. Both BN and TNSF have excellent printed quarterly magazines, which alone are worth the membership cost. If you plan to visit a country with excellent naturist locations - such as England, Spain, or France - obtaining a membership in the local naturist organization will be very helpful in planning your trip.

4. There are various online social media sites specifically for naturists, where participants can become acquainted with other naturists - who may be nearby or almost anywhere in the world. Such sites help make new friends and learn about naturist activities that haven’t been considered before. Examples include A Naturist World, Naturist Hub, and British Naturism Forums (BN membership is required, but is available to naturists anywhere). Some sites require modest membership fees, while others are free.

5. You definitely should include naturism in your vacation plans. Typically, most people use vacation time to visit State or National Parks and interesting cities (San Francisco, New York, Seattle, etc.) But usually there’s not much naturist activity in those exact locations - although there may be nearby. However, for the best naturist experiences in the U.S., the best choices are popular clothing-optional beaches and the larger naturist resorts. The best beaches are only on the East or West coasts. Some are well-known nationally (like Haulover in Miami and Black’s Beach near San Diego), while others are mainly known only to locals. It’s easy to identify naturist resorts using AANR maps (even if you’re not a member). C-O beaches can require a little more research. Using naturist social media sites can be helpful by posting questions about the general area you want to visit. In general, the best approach is to decide first what part of the country you’d like to visit - probably somewhere you already have an interest in.

6. When making vacation plans, don’t overlook the option of small hotels, guest houses, and bed-and-breakfast places in the general area you’d like to visit. Not many cater to naturists. However, some do, and the proprietors may be naturists themselves. You can discover many by using the Clothing Optional Home Network. One advantage of staying at such places is that the owners and other guests can recommend nearby places to enjoy nudity that are mostly known only to locals.

7. Renting (or owning) a camping van or trailer is an alternative - so you can visit suitable locations without needing private accommodations. Few campgrounds in the U.S. (except specifically naturist ones) welcome naturists. However, camping vehicles can park on some public lands in sparsely populated areas or some government lands (in National Forests or BLM areas). And then there’s “boondocking” - also known as van-dwelling - usually on private properties that welcome mobile travelers - and may be free or charge a small fee. There are websites that list such places. Check in advance with the property owners whether nudity is OK - which is more likely in Europe than in the U.S.

8. If you’re thinking about a vacation outside the U.S. there are far more choices of C-O beaches, hiking and camping places, and resorts of all sizes. If you’re an anglophile, England has many naturist resorts, beaches, and smaller naturist-friendly accommodations. That’s a natural choice if English is your main (or only) language. Even if you’re not a British Naturism member, their website has all the information you could want. However, British weather is fickle, and some Western European countries - especially Spain and France - have better naturist weather for more of the year. Naturist opportunities also exist even in places you might never expect, such as Thailand and New Zealand. So many options exist you could spend lots of time researching online. So begin by checking the countries you’re most interested in. Various websites provide extensive lists of naturist places worldwide - Nude Places and Naturist Travel, to mention just two.

Become an advocate for naturism

All of the ideas presented above have one thing in common: There’s a basic assumption that if you’re going to have a naked lifestyle, other people will inevitably be involved. (Unless you’re a hermit who lives strictly alone.) Some of those people will be friends or relatives. They’ll know you enjoy naturism - unless you’re very good at keeping it a secret. Even if you can manage that, you’ll probably want to socialize with people who have no objection to naturism - most likely other naturists. So you’ll need to become acquainted with other naturists - and for that to be easy there should be plenty of other naturists - the more the better. That’s why advocating for naturism is important. Here are some suggestions.

1. Think about the best ways to explain naturism to friends, relatives, and others you’d like to discuss it with - perhaps open-minded neighbors, a travel agent, or simply the person sitting beside you on the plane. At the start of this post, I mentioned my article about correcting the misunderstandings most people have about naturism. For others to know why you enjoy naturism dealing with the misunderstandings is necessary. You need not persuade someone to try naturism themself if they’re sure it’s not for them. At least they’ll understand and accept your practice of naturism.

2. The article cited in the preceding point explains how to counter the negatives and objections people typically have regarding nudity. If that’s successful, others should understand and accept your participation in naturism. The conversation may stop there if the other person can’t imagine participating in naturism. But if they want to know more, so much the better. The next step is explaining the pleasures and benefits of social nudity. That’s best done by describing what you enjoy about naturism and how it has enhanced your life. With the negatives dispelled and the positives explained, there’s a good chance someone may consider trying it.

3. However, no two people are exactly alike, so you should consider what you know of the other person that may suggest a different approach to naturism than yours. Others’ life situations, interests, and preferences will differ from yours in some ways. A person’s age, gender, and abilities can matter a lot. Some naturists prefer nude beaches, hiking, and camping, while others like to relax and socialize at naturist resorts. A woman’s perspective will generally differ from a man’s. Think of naturists you know who are similar to the person you’re talking with to inform the suggestions you offer.

4. Being able to offer personal experiences with a particular activity or lifestyle is one of the best ways to advocate for the activity or lifestyle. If you are willing to discuss naturism with at least some of your friends and relatives, then you are best able to be an advocate for naturism. That’s because you can describe in some detail why you became involved in naturism and what aspects you consider most enjoyable. Other people are most likely to be persuaded about many things - including naturism - if people they know personally, respect, and trust make the recommendations.

5. People who accept your interest in naturism, respect your opinions, and aren’t bothered by nudity may still be reluctant to consider naturism for themselves. You may help their understanding by inviting them to participate (clothed) in one or more naturist activities. For example a party or informal gathering at your home where others will be naked, using a swimming pool or spa with naked others, visiting a naturist club or resort or a clothing-optional beach with you, or a hiking or camping trip where others will be naked. Be clear that your relatives/friends won’t have to be naked. Even if they don’t strip off for the experience, they’ll gain a better idea of what naturism is like - and perhaps eventually try it themselves - somewhere in private or more openly.

6. Help support clothing-optional beaches. A few nude beaches have active organizations that support the beaches in various ways, such as helping patrol the beach to discourage inappropriate behavior, organizing beach clean-ups, and defending the beach from legal challenges. Some beaches also have informal groups for users to plan beach outings and other social activities. The more active groups also have an online presence on Facebook or their own websites which can help interested naturists learn about the beach. Other groups work to persuade local authorities to permit official clothing-optional sections of a beach. However, most actual and potential C-O beaches don’t have such groups. Visiting C-O beaches is a favorite naturist activity - when nude use is reasonably possible. So naturists should organize (formally or informally) to support existing C-O beaches and advocate nude use of others.