Women and Nudism

[CTNudist]

In the United States, why does it seem there are more men than women attracted to nudism? Is this the case elsewhere in the world? What might be some reasons there are less women involved?

[Eternity]

It seems to be the same around Europe from what I've seen, but it would surprise me if men outnumber women by more than 3 to 1

[1Ace]

I agree, it would be much nicer for my wife if there were more women at the resorts and beaches we visit...

[Boreas]

I have given this topic some thought. I think there are a variety of factors at work. Women have been taught a different sense of modesty than men, and often it is more difficult for women to be nude in social spots than men. Men seem to get taught to flaunt it, while women seem to get taught to hide it. Of course I am making broad generalizations here!

I know it took me awhile to be comfortable in social nude settings. I realized the other day, I have come a very long way. We were at a lodge that had a hot tub. My husband and I were the only two guests, and the woman who runs the place gave her blessing for us to use the hot tub without bathing suits, since we had left ours at home. Her husband, who is German, and comfortable with public nudity, came down to join us. We thought he had been told we'd be au naturel. He was wearing a bathing suit when he joined us, and we were already in the water. He later said he did not realize we'd be nude, and that he might have been nude but was concerned about how I'd feel being the only female. I really was not concerned, and it was okay. Not too long ago, I would have been horribly embarassed or something. It was cool to be so comfortable! We have bought an acre of land in the development that is going in alongside the lodge. The owners of the lodge are becoming our friends. If we ever build there, we will be more able to be openly nudists now they know we are comfortable in the hot tub nude with others. If we get a hot tub, it will likely be a no bathingsuit zone!

[JeepNude]

Boreas- Great story! I wish you much success with your new home! That is just plain awesome.

CTNudist- Good question. This may or may not help answer it.

As a guy, it is much (much!) more comfortable to be nude than clothed. Simply because the testicles are always under some sort of distortion or pressure when clothed. For example, look at a man wearing shorts (not the 'floods' that pass for shorts these days, I mean SHORTS). Look at a man nude on a warm day, The manhood is resting low on the nude man, but the clothed man has his pushed up against his body for the clothing. Look at a nude man squatting down to pick something up. His testicles almost hit the floor of it is hot. Look at a clothed man squatting to pick something up. The testicles are compressed by the clothing into a very small space, and flattened themselves. The testicles are actually compressed and squished, which causes all sorts of health problems for many. Same thing with testicles clothed and unclothed when walking, etc. Study after study shows what happens to fertility and health for men who have their testicles squished in jockey shorts vs. those in boxers. Testicular cancer rates are much higher in men with squished testicles. Even so, just pants without underwear tend to squish them too, and as far as I know, there are no studies that show the testicular cancer rates for clothed vs. unclothed men. But, I imagine it would be even lower yet.

Believe it or not, that is VERY uncomfortable!! Most men seem to be okay with the discomfort somehow, but for those who have lived nude, and for those of us with larger than average testicles, it is nearly unbearable. So, nude recreation and lifestyle is not only healthier for men, but also more comfortable.

For women (only speaking for my wife), clothed or not doesn't make a lot of difference. Sure, a bra helps her when running and playing sports, so she actually prefers not being nude when active. When laying around, she prefers to be nude.

I (as a man) prefer to be nude no matter what. So, it is much more important to me to be nude than it is to her.

Maybe that is why more men seem to be attracted to this?? If women had their breast squished between their legs, I am sure you would see a lot more women nudists too.

[Eternity]

Maybe that is why more men seem to be attracted to this? If women had their breast squished between their legs, I am sure you would see a lot more women nudists too.
If women had their breasts squished to their legs.... :eek: That sounds so horrible!! :surprised:

For me nudism is a total body experience, I love the feeling of freedom it gives me. I don't know how it feels to have testicles flattened by clothing but I do know how it feels to wear a bra on a warm day and I doubt it feels worse than that.

Do you really think that for guys it's mostly about letting their manhood enjoy freedom? :confused: Somehow I doubt that.

[Pete Knight]

Do you really think that for guys it's mostly about letting their manhood enjoy freedom? :confused: Somehow I doubt that.

Believe me, after a hot day in the office or driving to meetings at sites, I just couldn't wait to let my danglies free and feel the cool fresh air around them.

I find that I feel the need to let them dangle free all the more as I get older, not sure why that is. I used to wear tight fitting clothes when I was younger, now I need to have more space to dance (More ballroom!).

Pete Knight

[Eternity]

lol so the only way to increase the number of female nudists is to give them a sex change :surprised:

[HabaneroSting]

From my perspective men think less of being nude than women. For such gender differences I think back to what cavemen would have done as being more reflective of evolution. Men were out on the hunt and clothing was restrictive, heavy and kept you from keeping up with fast moving pray. And also used their parts to intimidate the enemy. I think the basic instincts are still there. Today's society at large has a negative view of nude women for the most part. I expect that is a process of societal evolution somehow and makes most women self conscious. However, the goal of nudist activists is to counter the oppressions of society for the freedom to be yourself. It is a bigger leap for women to overcome then men. It will also take women nudists recruiting other women nudists to fill the gaps. I think most women would be suspicious of men trying to convince them to be socially nude.

[Running Bear]

I teach naturist yoga and I can assure you there is nothing more physical than this activity. The womans breasts move under the influence of gravity in a healthy way. The breast massage of gravity improves tone in the breast tissues and the swing is liberating. The man's testicles fare the same. Restricting either of the more mobile parts of the body is not the yoga way. Yoga was traditionally done near naked or in a loin cloth.

From a physical and mental point of view I can see no reason for the male: female problem. Both sexes have no shame in yoga and enjoy the discipline naked. The feeling of the naked body in yoga is the same for men and women.

I suspect the sex ratios does depend on the activity. I walk in the open countryside but few women do. I swim in a pool infested with women. I attend naturist events and the balance is often more equal. I have yet to receive an explanation that I agree with but suspect it may be a multi-faceted problem. Men dominant - no; some women terrify me. Women more gentle and modest - no' some women threaten me. Are women meant to be more modest than men? Nudity is not immodest!!

When truly in a naturist environment the writing on the tin says naturism for all so unless we are breeding pigeons you have a naked person not a gender section.

[usuallylurk]

I think most women would be suspicious of men trying to convince them to be socially nude.

A lot of men complain that there are no nudist women -- BUT -- there are some. It's just that to a great degree, they can't convince their mates to join them.

I know some single guys who have no problem finding female companions to accompany them to a nudist venue, and also others who have no problem mingling with single nudist women.

Being a married guy -- I wouldn't know how to go about doing this, but if I wouldn't "tip my (nudist) hand" until I knew someone long enough so I could confide in her ... also, if I had a serious relationship and my partner said "I would never do that", I would have to make a decision - the relationship, or nudism?

And of course, we are faced with the element of men who come into nudism with the primary objective of seeking a mate, and those guys almost always end up disappointed...

I saw a scene in a movie = "European Road Trip", where a woman went to a nude beach, and was "rushed" by a number of solo males... I am not surprised if this happens far too often.

[Sanslines]

A lot of men complain that there are no nudist women -- BUT -- there are some. It's just that to a great degree, they can't convince their mates to join them.

I know some single guys who have no problem finding female companions to accompany them to a nudist venue, and also others who have no problem mingling with single nudist women.

Being a married guy -- I wouldn't know how to go about doing this, but if I wouldn't "tip my (nudist) hand" until I knew someone long enough so I could confide in her ... also, if I had a serious relationship and my partner said "I would never do that", I would have to make a decision - the relationship, or nudism?

And of course, we are faced with the element of men who come into nudism with the primary objective of seeking a mate, and those guys almost always end up disappointed...

I saw a scene in a movie = "European Road Trip", where a woman went to a nude beach, and was "rushed" by a number of solo males... I am not surprised if this happens far too often.

Nudism is just one aspect of a meaningful relationship. No relationship will ever last based purely on nudism. A meaningful relationship must be based upon numerous shared interests and common values and understandings. If someone seeks a nudist mate, then (as you have mentioned) they should first search for a mate and then bring up the topic of nudism afterwards.

[OZJames]

The gender balance question is often asked but despite that it is still interesting. The quick answer has been stated above - women are more self conscious of their body shape and if they have a few extra pounds on board they don't want it seen by others. Films and advertising constantly promote the beautiful body which leaves us with not so perfect bodies "out in the cold" feeling depressed. I am reading an article by Kate Jennings at the moment which has just described a very classy (expensive") restaurant on the Upper East Side (of Manhatten) as full of women who have "been under the knife" some of whom can't say the letter "P" because of Botox. I find that the fact that people must resort to plastic surgery to maintain their feeling of wellness of mind and body very upsetting. Why cant we all get old gracefully.

Boreas says that women are taught to "hide it" and men are taught to "flaunt it" - well I am not sure about that. I know that many men flaunt themselves to some extent. We have recently returned from a weeks holiday at a naturist Village (Charco del Palo - Lanzarote) and most of the men there had nothing much to be proud to flaunt. We live on an isolated farm, it was my wife who started the nudity on our farm, we have two couples who visit us in each case the women go nude often in a totally relaxed way with my wife and I but their husbands do not go nude at all - they don't protest but just keep their swimmers on.

[vanesa1017]

It kind of is a cause and effect thing.

If a woman is concerned because there are more guys, then actually tries nudism and realizes that yes there are more guys, then that might keep her away. It is kinda a shame.

I also have heard of a lot of male only nude groups, and don't know of many female only groups. Are there any?

[usuallylurk]

Nudism is just one aspect of a meaningful relationship. No relationship will ever last based purely on nudism. A meaningful relationship must be based upon numerous shared interests and common values and understandings. If someone seeks a nudist mate, then (as you have mentioned) they should first search for a mate and then bring up the topic of nudism afterwards.

Absolutely! Someone compared nudism to pepperoni pizza. Two people might have a love for pepperoni pizza but it isn't enough to build a relationship with.

Too many men enter nudism thinking that it's a dating paradise -- and they find either that it's not.

Or in the WORST of cases, they make judgements and assumptions as to why the women are there...

I've been known for my bluntness in here, and I also sense that many of the men who come into nudism on their own -- NOT ALL -- but many --- are lonely people.

Nudism affords social opportunities, and it offers companionship and some great life experiences. And if you're a lone male, you can come into nudist living and you will enjoy those things. But if you are looking for female companionship?

Guys - if you have trouble having relationships with women in the textile world, the nudist world isn't the place to overcome those problems.

Many of the guys who date, and have relationships with women, and get into living in the textile world often have no problems doing so in the nudist arena. But if you can't "click with the chicks" in your everyday life, you're going to find the situation far more disappointing in our world.

There are women in nudism, single women in nudism -- but they're very independent. They often have careers. They know what they want in life, and in a mate, if they're looking for one at all.

As I say -- if you have a variety of interests, a career, an interest in the arts, music, food, wine, travel, etc. etc. you may find happiness, and a mate, in nudism.

But if your hobbies are Star Trekking, or comic book collecting, and you're over 30 and you still live at home with your parents, well, uh.....

[jimmyo]

it has taken some time to convince my wife to be nude at a beach or resort with me.she had the normal hangups about being nude. if the people in the U.S. would just relax about nudity we would have less sex crimes.

[Fitz1980]

I know some single guys who have no problem finding female companions to accompany them to a nudist venue, and also others who have no problem mingling with single nudist women.

Being a married guy -- I wouldn't know how to go about doing this, but if I wouldn't "tip my (nudist) hand" until I knew someone long enough so I could confide in her ... also, if I had a serious relationship and my partner said "I would never do that", I would have to make a decision - the relationship, or nudism?


I find it's easier to come right out with the nudist stuff early on with girls. Even if it's not for them most don't freak out about it or anything, and no matter what happens than you know where she stands on the issue. Also that way you don't end up in a big emotional relationship before finding out that she thinks the whole thing is sinful and never wants you to go to such a place again, even alone. Hitting on a nudist girl (at a nudist venue) is sort of like hitting on a female bartender, it's not impossible to succeed but it's difficult because she's got the guys lined up wanting to take her on a date and you are probably one of several just that day who hit on her. I've had some luck with single nudist females, that fact that I'm decent looking and in my 20s helps since often we might be the only 2 people under 30 at the place, but I've had better luck asking girls I knew from the "real world" to go with me to the nude beach or the clothing optional 5k.

[nickuma09]

But if your hobbies are Star Trekking, or comic book collecting, and you're over 30 and you still live at home with your parents, well, uh.....

well, i'm sure there are some naked trekkies and I have a pretty extensive comic book collection...but your point is well taken. if your entire 'nudist' experience centers around posting on nudist forums in the hope of meeting people in real life, then my guess is you're probably not a socially well-rounded person. self-confidence and the willingness to put yourself out there, be honest and try new things is the best way to meet people.

[OZJames]

My wife said something interesting this weekend. One of the reason she is concerned about who she is nude with is, not because of her shyness about her body, but because of other peoples attitude to nudity. Some people have bad attitudes and make snide remarks or pathetic jokes about nudity. Other people do not have an "attitude" and even though they may not be prepared to get nude themselves are totally relaxed about being with nude people. Most of us would have no problem being nude among clothed people as long as they do not carry on about it and make bad jokes etc

[usuallylurk]

well, i'm sure there are some naked trekkies and I have a pretty extensive comic book collection...but your point is well taken. if your entire 'nudist' experience centers around posting on nudist forums in the hope of meeting people in real life, then my guess is you're probably not a socially well-rounded person. self-confidence and the willingness to put yourself out there, be honest and try new things is the best way to meet people.

Spot on.

I'm sure that there are some naked Trekkies and frankly, there's nothing wrong with comic book collecting, but my posting, and preaching deals with getting out there, and not sitting at the keyboard.

When I read that people complain that there's no nudist activity in our neck of the woods ... I really get ripped. You and I are from Massachusetts and you know that there's so much here, that one sometimes has to be selective about the nudist activities one goes to.

But when someone states "there's no nudist activity" but it translates to "no one will meet up with me, and I've been posting and posting" .... well , it's like you say, someone has their online life ahead of the real thing.

Back on topic -- it's funny, I went to an event last week held under the auspices of the Maine Coast Solar Bares. There were around 40-45 people. There were a few more solo men than solo women, but in the group we were in, we didn't notice the imbalance. Everyone had a great time. But .... no one came in to be "on the make".

I have seen things from both sides of the fence. I belong to a landed club that is predominately couples, and I see peoples' viewpoints on the issue of singles; I belong to several non-landed groups that are open to all, and I see differing viewpoints there as well.

Women in nudism? Who is the head of TNS? Look at the AANR leadership, I think you will see women represented prominently -- in fact, some of its earliest nudist leaders were women.

There are a number of couples (man/woman) that are in nudism -- just, not a lot of single women. I think that nudism has a problem with attracting women -- namely, the women who have husbands and boyfriends that would love to try the nudist scene, but they refuse, and that usually keeps TWO people out of nudism!

As far as nudism attracting single women -- no, I don't see that as problematic. The people who tend to complain most about that are single men who learn that while there are SOME single women in nudism, the situation isn't what they were expecting to find.

[LanceAtCaliente]

All of you have made great points on this topic. Nothing really new to add. Just want to offer a few thoughts:

America is STILL a very conservative country in some ways. Many, many people in the good old USA genuinely believe that being nude with anybody other than their spouse is shameful, sinful and wrong. They really do believe this ... amazingly.

Women in the USA have traditionally been bombarded with body-image issues and morality issues that make even considering nudism, let alone actually trying it, very difficult for them. Our society has done our women a huge disservice in this way, and it's a shame.

Now, about the above points: Young people (say age 30 and under), I've observed, seem very much less affected by the above two issues than we older folks ... very much so. Good for them! I've noticed that girls in their teens and women in their twenties seem to have very few hang-ups caused by the above two issues. Again, good for them!

Finally, the entire nudist scene is replete with people who mean well but really and truly do not know how to market and sell the textile population on the nudist scene. The one refreshing exception is Corey and his Nudecasters on this very website.

Corey and the bunch have the right idea, especially in appealing to young people; however, even Corey's way of spreading the message (via this website and other means) is unlikely to sell our lifestyle to "the masses" in the textile world.

Just my observations. By the way, I'm a guy, age 53, married, a selling contractor by profession and go to Caliente, Paradise Lakes and Lake Como to "do the scene." Don't belong to any unlanded clubs. The ONLY time my wife and I "do the scene" is at these resorts ... never at home ... never with friends ... never at unlanded clubs.

Peace.

[Fresh Air]

Women have the burden of "beauty" ingrained in them in more cultures than America. So, I would guess that self consciousness is more of a problem in women than in men. Men can't exactly comprehend what it is like to have to worry about what they "look" like, to the degree that women tend to.

Granted, it is a choice for anyone to buy into that mindset, but there is certainly strong cultural bias towards it.

[SilverWolf]

Nudist Life is Free Life and when you Feel nudist is Beutefull thing

woman feel ashemed my be she is feel fat or she feel not sexy ...

Humman body is Beuatefull ...


sorry for spilling .

[NJNude1965]

In the U.S.A. nudity in public is still in the infant stages. One can only hope that this will change.

[Pumpkinpie]

Fresh Air you hit the nail right on the head,I talk with other women coworkers and friends and they all said the same thing "self consciousness" they walk around nude at home but not in front of anyone else they said the younger generation they don't fit in, cause how they look with saggy breasts stretch marks on breasts, big stomach with stretch marks,cellulite,verocial veins.
That they rather stay at home like they have been doing for years, it is hard for some women that man can't understand, bottom line they feel that the younger generation now is putting them to shame and they feel uncomfortable, that they can't walk around nude in front of men,there's a lot of guys interested in them but no go they all divorce cause husbands left them for younger women's so that put the frosting on the cake,they also said that they have pretty face and disgusting body all covered up that's why they don't want any man in there's lives again cause of there body and what their husband's did to them,I have try talking with them but nothing works don't know what else to say to give them back their happiness which they all deserve to have in there lives.

[northlondoner]

Nudism is predominately male in the UK too- not in continental Europe in my experience.

[BiNaturist]

Nudism is just one aspect of a meaningful relationship. No relationship will ever last based purely on nudism. A meaningful relationship must be based upon numerous shared interests and common values and understandings. If someone seeks a nudist mate, then (as you have mentioned) they should first search for a mate and then bring up the topic of nudism afterwards...

For the most part, I would agree with Sanslines post. It does make logical sense. If I may add to the discussion, I would like to cut and paste a post I made on another website (if you'd like to check out that discussion, here's the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eastover_naturists/message/399)
regarding a topic of the same nature.It's a bit lenthy, so take your time reading it;

"Hello Charles
Sorry it was not as warm at the Mid Winter Gathering as you and everyone else would've liked. The issue of there being more single males than single females at naturist gatherings has been a topic discussion for a few years now. I am single and have come to enjoy it as a single person for as much as I would like to have a female friend with me. When I first got involved in this I joined with a girlfriend. We've since broken up, and later on I met another woman that I met via the internet. For her, it was inspirational. I say this because she's a BBW and had body image issues. I can still remember her saying to me on the first indoor winter get together she accompanied me to that she was nervous and was gonna stick to my side the whole night, and on the way home her stating that she couldn't wait to come to the next one! It helped her break some mental baggage she had been carrying about her body, realizing that naturism isn't about what one looks like but how accepting you are of yourserlf and other people in that situation. The experience helped boost her self confidence. Alas, we too have separated, but thats besides the point here. Regardless of having a female counterpart or the potential of meeting one at a naturist gathering, my reasons for going (when I do/can go) are because I like feeling unrestricted of clothing, the comraderie and rapport that develops with others there, and in my specific case, to take it all in while I'm still able to (I have diminishing eyesight, which is another story). To bring the point home, I've also attended all-male naturist/nudist gatherings where no females are allowed.

If the reason you go to naturist gatherings is to meet a woman for a relationship, it is possible but very unlikely since these events aren't actually designed for hook ups or dating. As for landed clubs that don't allow single men, it is their right to establish that policy as discriminating as it seems; otherwise they'd be overrun with single guys, some of which wont be there with congenial intentions. Am I wrong on that one? Its just one of many 'trade-off' as you put it that we all have to live with in our lives. If you have other reasons for coming, Charles, I hope they're what keep you coming back. The naturist movement needs as many participants and allies as possible. This is more than I meant to say, so I'll stop here. If anyone agrees or disagrees, please let me know...and let us know your reasons for being involved. "

Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree.

[BEE-1]

Very well said BiNaturist!! It is what it is.

[lifelong]

It is always going to be more difficult for women, but especially older women, to participate in public nudity. A woman's appearance is scrutinized more than a man's. Sometimes women can be the harshest judges of other women, actually. I'm a new member, but from what I've seen so far, CFI does a good job overall at encouraging women to accept their own bodies as they are. However, there are far more men than women in the "CFI gang", and there need to be more older women in the Forum, "Nudes in the News", posting photos etc. Women have to feel safe and accepted to do so, however.

[NudeAl]

It is always going to be more difficult for women, but especially older women, to participate in public nudity. A woman's appearance is scrutinized more than a man's. Sometimes women can be the harshest judges of other women, actually. I'm a new member, but from what I've seen so far, CFI does a good job overall at encouraging women to accept their own bodies as they are. However, there are far more men than women in the "CFI gang", and there need to be more older women in the Forum, "Nudes in the News", posting photos etc. Women have to feel safe and accepted to do so, however.

Thanks for the post lifelong.

Did you see the show on Oprah where women were asked to do some things they never imagined doing? The final task was to undress at a nude beach. I think if more women knew that most of us nudists don't give a hoot what they look like and would gladly accept them as they are they could have a new life. I just wonder how many are going to believe any of that or take a chance on going to a nude club.

[ohjay26]

lifelong
You are so correct. If pictures of more mature, or women who dont look like models would appear, it might encourage more women to try naturism.

[ohjay26]

It is always going to be more difficult for women, but especially older women, to participate in public nudity. A woman's appearance is scrutinized more than a man's. Sometimes women can be the harshest judges of other women, actually. I'm a new member, but from what I've seen so far, CFI does a good job overall at encouraging women to accept their own bodies as they are. However, there are far more men than women in the "CFI gang", and there need to be more older women in the Forum, "Nudes in the News", posting photos etc. Women have to feel safe and accepted to do so, however.

lifelong
you hit the nail right on the head.

[scottwilliamsonoc]

From my experience, I think it tends to be the man that is hung up on nudity.

Years ago, an ex girlfriend and I went to vegas with her roommate and boyfriend. We each got a separate room at the Mandalay Bay with a jacuzzi. My girlfriend and I where in our room and the other couple came over and lounged in our room. My girlfriend wanted to go into the jacuzzi tub and asked if they wanted to join in.

My girlfriend and I went into the bathroom and got the jacuzzi going. My girlfriend' roommate started to take her clothes off, along with her roommate. I took my clothes off and the three of us got into the hot tub. The roommate boyfriend did not want to come in with us. He sat on the couch watching tv.

I never been naked in from of my girlfriend's roommate and it was not a problem between the two of us. No big deal. Her boyfriend just did not want to be apart of that.

My girlfriend says that women really do not have a problem being naked in front of others. In the locker room at the gym, I notice some men go out of their way to hide

[elaine555]

I have no problem in a locker room full of other women, but not in public.

[oyakanım]

Me and my boyfriend have been some naturist resorts many times and the number of nude women were not less than nude men.I am sure there are a lot of women also willing to be nude .