Naturist, Nudist...Should Labels Really Matter? 

"CLOTHING OPTIONAL BEYOND THIS POINT"

Perhaps you've seen a clothing-optional sign before - if not in person, maybe in an online image of a clothes-free beach. The term can sound a little less scary to people who aren’t familiar with the naturist (or nudist) lifestyle. Let’s face it, being clothes-free can be a problematic concept to those who have grown up thinking it’s only practiced during sexual or bathing activities. For those on the fence about getting naked in front of people, the term clothing-optional might help ease them into being free in their own skin.

Likewise, clothing-optional can sound scary for some naturists. They might not want to end up being the only one practicing social nudity on a beach or at a pool. There’s always the possibility that some people will visit these places and rarely go undressed.

Many property owners who don’t want to be considered “nudist” might choose to call themselves clothing-optional instead. They might not want to give the impression that they exist as a full-on nudist resort. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just that some people who would never visit a nudist (or naturist) resort might actually be willing to visit a clothing-optional one instead. A benefit to that is once they see social nudity being practiced, it might change their perspective and make them more likely down the road to visit a naturist resort.

On the other hand, labeling your property as clothing-optional can come with some eyebrow raising in the naturist world. Some resorts who participate in the swinging lifestyle will put themselves under this category. Unfortunately, this puts a bad name on the naturist lifestyle. We don’t want people to equate clothing-optional with sex. Americans already have a problem with equating nudity with sex. That’s why we need more clothing-optional properties to uphold a higher standard for vacationers.

If you have never visited a clothing-optional property, just know that you have the option to be nude or clothed whenever you prefer. These are places where clothed and unclothed people coexist with neither of the two forcing the other to conform. Isn’t that what the naturist philosophy should be about anyway? Having the freedom to choose how you want to enjoy your vacation destination?

"NUDITY IS EXPECTED BEYOND THIS POINT"

The majority of resorts that call themselves nudist or naturist usually have a nude-only policy by default in at least a few areas of their property. The expectation is that you will be nude when you can. This might sound conformist, but there’s good reason for this. If you are required to participate in social nudity, it’s helps you fit in more with other members and guests. It also helps preserve the identity and well being of the naturist community.

“Nude only” does not mean clothes are never allowed. People at naturist resorts don’t hate clothes. You might see a man wearing a t-shirt to protect from sunburn or a lady adorned with a floral sarong. If it turns chilly in the evening, people will wear garments for warmth. If it’s hot outside, you’ll see a lot of flesh, and as it should be, the pools and hot tubs will be swimsuit free.

Some naturist resorts might have signs that say, “Nudity is expected...” They are not trying to be the fashion police. It’s for the comfort and security of all guests. It’s good for properties to have these nude expectations. Some naturists only want to visit places where nudity is a requirement. They go there to participate in social nudity, not to be the only person unclothed around a bunch of clothed people.

We need more “nude only” properties in the world to visit. Nude only means you can embrace your authentic self, feel confident about your body image, and feel equal with everyone else. It removes any social status and puts you on a level playing field with everyone you meet. “Nude only” says, “You’re not here to watch, you’re here to participate; so join the community and enjoy your au naturel self.”

WHICH LABELS ARE BETTER?
The answer is that we need more of all these labels because they all mean BODY FREEDOM! Both clothing-optional and nude-only places (whether called nudist or naturist) encourage you to respect others and yourself. They motivate you to become more physically active, become more social, and inspire you to be at harmony with the natural world around you. Wouldn’t it be nice to have more of these kinds of places in the world?