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#1
As far as I see it The people enjoying themselves here are free of all the self conscious b******t most of us live with everyday.
#2
It was my normal, so it didn't bother me. My thought was pretty much: *it's a naked body. So what?* I'm happy that I was raised to see nudity as a non issue. It just seems like such a stupid thing to be offended by.
#3
Being a naturist doesn’t mean owning no clothes at all or having to go out naked every time. According to a UK survey of over 2,000 adults, around 14% describe themselves as nudists. Of these respondents, around 39% said they’d either went swimming without a bathing suit, sunbathed naked on a beach, or been to a clothes-optional resort or club.
There are many different ways of living like a naturist. That’s why Bored Panda reached out to Marc, who’s an advocate for the nudist way of life. He is the founder and editor of ‘Nude and Happy,’ and has also written five books about nudism and naturism under the pen name Stan Muir.
We asked Marc why he chose to be a nudist, and he told us, “It felt more like I discovered something that was already a part of me. My first experience with nudism was as a child in Yugoslavia and later as a young adult in Greece.”
“Both experiences felt profoundly natural, freeing, and deeply human. Over time, nudism became not just something I did, but a way of being—an honest, unfiltered way to connect with myself, others, and nature,” Marc explained.
#5
We went to a couple of nude beaches and they were all great. But I remember my parents being very strict about us never going anywhere alone. Especially the bathrooms. We always had to have someone with us. And if an adult ever tried to talk to us we were to immediately go to our parents. At the time we didn’t really know why those rules were so strict. But now I do.
#6
This has also been really helpful for my general body confidence, embracing and accepting that everyone has flaws, being reminded of what people actually look like (compared to everything fake we see online), and learning to love my body more for what it’s capable of rather than how visually pleasing it is for others.
Sure it was very scary taking my clothes off the first time, but then it’s just so COMFORTABLE. You’ll never want to wear a bathing suit again after swimming in the ocean or any natural water nude. And sunbathing!
Being on your phone is also typically impolite in nudist environments and so it’s a great time to unplug and enjoy nature.
One of the most stark things about nudism that most advocates seem to echo is the sense of comfort, freedom, and joy they experience being in their own skin. A reason why it’s also called naturism is because believers tend to value a strong connection with nature and natural elements.
Marc told us that the benefits of nudism are immense. He said that “physically, it’s incredibly comfortable; nothing compares to the feeling of sun, water, and air on bare skin. Mentally, it’s been liberating—nudism strips away more than just clothes; it removes insecurities, judgments, and societal masks.”
“Emotionally, it’s fostered self-acceptance and a deep respect for the diversity of human bodies. And socially, it’s connected me with an open-minded and supportive community where authenticity isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated.”
#7
It’s certainly normalised it to me to the extent I think it’s a fine thing to do. I remember telling other people casually though and them being quite shocked. Some even thinking it was ‘abusive’ of my parents to have done that.
Being pretty autistic about the whole thing I just remembered thinking it was a whole lot easier. Nothing to trap sand; get wet (wet bathing suits gross!); easier to swim; no tan-lines etc. essentially all the bathing life-hacks.
I always go topless and or/nude in any pool/spa/sauna/beach setting if it’s legal and permitted.
#8
Swim suits are the dumbest invention ever.
#9
When I was about 12 and we moved to the States I had a friend with an internet connection who was very excited to show me a website with nude women. I remember how weird I thought the whole thing was. Like, ok she’s naked, so what? The fact that I had seen thousands of nude or topless women by then blew his mind.
Despite the joy that naturism provides to people, it’s hard to live openly as a nudist. Naturists often have to walk on eggshells in society out of fear of folks finding out and isolating or harming them. Marc explained that “one of the biggest challenges is the persistent stigma and misconceptions surrounding nudism.”
“Society often equates nudity with [intimacy] or shame, which creates unnecessary barriers for those curious about this lifestyle. Nudists are sometimes forced to keep this part of their identity hidden, even from friends or family, out of fear of judgment. There’s also a practical side to these challenges. Access to safe, legal, and welcoming nudist spaces can be limited, depending on where you live,” he said.
#10
#12
Despite most of the wholesome stories in this post, nudity is still quite stigmatized. There are, of course, organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) that advocate for the cause and try to clear misconceptions. Overall, nude recreation is a $400 million industry, and the more people who get comfortable with the idea, the more it will grow.
It might still be daunting to take that first step toward being a naturist, that’s why we asked Marc if he had any advice for budding nudists. He said: “Start small and at your own pace. Nudism isn’t about forcing yourself into an unfamiliar situation; it’s about allowing yourself to feel natural. Begin with something simple, like spending time naked at home or taking a nude swim in a private setting.”
“Find a welcoming community, whether online or at a local naturist club. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who share your values can make the experience much more comfortable and enriching.”
“Most importantly, let go of self-judgment. Your body is your body—unique, natural, and worthy of acceptance. Naturism isn’t about having a ‘perfect’ body; it’s about embracing the one you have with confidence and respect. And remember: naturism isn’t just about being naked—it’s about being yourself,” Marc shared.
#13
Went to the beach, and since it was Europe they were topless, actually it was a nudist beach
The first hour it was awesome seeing every manner of [breast] available!
But then it just becomes normal and you don’t notice anything anymore.
#14
Although there might be a lot of shock, nervousness, and embarrassment surrounding the topic of nudism, it’s important to understand why people love the lifestyle so much. There’s something very freeing about being comfortable in your own skin, especially around like-minded folks. You don’t have to live like a naturist if you don’t want to, but they’re also deserving of respect and love.
What do you honestly think about the nudist lifestyle, and is it something you’d ever try?
#17
It's fine? I think it's healthy, tbh. I grew up with realistic ideas about what human bodies look like and got to spend plenty if time running around outside with the other kids.
#18
#19
I stopped going when I was about 18 because my then girlfriend didnt dig walking around nude. When I started going it was prime age for getting a random erection and I never got one when I was out and about walking around. My parents continued to go to the resort for almost 40 years. The only rule that required you to be naked was in the swimming pool.
#20
If anything, it's reassuring to see that hardly any normal people are really all that attractive when they are undressed. That said, the fit people definitely stand out….