What if nudity was common

[Peter B]

Yesterday it was a very hot day and I needed to go shopping at a chain store and the supermarket.A crowded carpark, baking hot, just the right place for being naked and cooler if it was acceptable.
But if nudity was an every day common occurance, where would it be uncceptable?

I recall a picture of a naked woman in a supermarket scene, no doubt in a resort, picking up an item from a low chiller

It might well be, that this would be a reason for supermarkets to ban nude people in their shops for reasons of hygiene.

Where else would there be restrictions on nudity?
What about public transport?

[Peter B]

Yesterday it was a very hot day and I needed to go shopping at a chain store and the supermarket.A crowded carpark, baking hot, just the right place for being naked and cooler if it was acceptable.
But if nudity was an every day common occurance, where would it be uncceptable?

I recall a picture of a naked woman in a supermarket scene, no doubt in a resort, picking up an item from a low chiller

It might well be, that this would be a reason for supermarkets to ban nude people in their shops for reasons of hygiene.

Where else would there be restrictions on nudity?
What about public transport?

[Rick30ni]

Hi Peter,

That's an interesting idea. If nudity was acceptable everywhere, where would it be banned for hygiene reasons?
People would certainly be asked to carry towels with them for sitting in public paces such as cafes, park benches, and public transport, etc for hygiene. But if everyone is constantly carrying a towel in case they want to sit down somewhere, it makes sense just to tie the towel around your waist to free your hands, and then suddenly you're no longer naked!!

Just a thought!

By the way, I was in New Zealand a few weeks ago in Queenstown. It's a fantastic place!

All the best

Rick

[nacktman]

Nudity IS common in all parts of the world. The reaction of those witnessing said nudity is wherein the difference lays ... one area no reaction whatsoever ... another apolexy and flagellation, depends on where you are at the time.

[Big-Thinker]

Interesting question... I think anyplace where people might have accidental contact (crowded subway or crowded bars) nudity should not be. But then maybe those subways or bars could just be made less crowded. In fact, based on the appalling behavior and creeps in US cities, I think nudity would not work in a large urban environment, where anonymity allows people to try to get away with stuff they would never be able to in a small town or villiage situation, where they will more likely face consequences (at least social consequences of bad behavior).

[Buff Man in MI]

If nudity were commonplace and accepted by others as that, then people would come to enjoy it and the freedom thta goes with it. Hence, my responses, prison and/or jail.

[Geo]

I would just be satisfied to be able to go work in my front yard or walk or run, even if it meant going shopping or out to eat still required clothing.

[Bob S.]

Stu would be homebound http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/freak.gif

Bob S.

[nakedjohn]

Full nudity only happens in my dreams. But if this would be the case, I would not have to join my wife for cloths shopping, this would be heaven.

[smoothmike]

I think it would be great if nudity was common place. I agree that there would be certain places where 1 would have to cover up.

I think the ideal situation for commonplace nudity would be, that it were legal to be naked ON your own premises ie. back OR front yard (even if it is in view of passers by), public parks beaches and gardens, and doing activities in you own local neighborhood like walking the dog or fetching the paper from the mailbox or local store. I could understand not in restaurants and crowded bars etc. but the above circumstances would be nice.

As for carrying towels everywhere... a small hand towel or half sized towel should suffice and that can easily fit in a small shoulder bag which we would need to carry any way cos where would we put our car keys and wallet?

[smoothmike]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Stu would be homebound </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
haha!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Sauna]

That would be wonderful. No work for pickpockets! Long live clothing optional world. Full nudism is wintertime too cold here. No more wasting money to buidl mens' and womens' separate departments. It is very environment friendly.

[tinner666]

Interesting concept. Perfect for 'Big Brother'. For ID and paying for items or services, all people would have fingerprints or retinas registered in a massive database and ALL privacy could really disappear!

Sauna's comment made me think of the possible implications.
WOW, better not let Big Brother see this thread. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif All clothing in the US might be banned within months, worldwide ban in 2 years!

[oldbob]

It would certainly speed up the security checks at the airports.

Bob

[RalphVa]

It would be nice: naked on your own property.

When going out shopping, strap on your fanny pack that contains your billfold and a few other necessities. These new fanny packs would contain snaps in front and back to attach loin cloths to drape through our legs for use in public places like restaurants and grocery stores and department stores, to stop drips and skid marks.

I wear a fanny pack now and no underwear under shorts or sweat pants now, depending on temperature/season. Could the new fanny pack be the next step?

[smoothmike]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">When going out shopping, strap on your fanny pack that contains your billfold and a few other necessities. These new fanny packs would contain snaps in front and back to attach loin cloths to drape through our legs for use in public places like restaurants and grocery stores and department stores, to stop drips and skid marks.

wear a fanny pack now and no underwear under shorts or sweat pants now, depending on temperature/season. Could the new fanny pack be the next step? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmm i wonder, not a bad idea. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif smart thinking RalphVa

[missouriboy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Big-Thinker:
...based on the appalling behavior and creeps in US cities, I think nudity would not work in a large urban environment, where anonymity allows people to try to get away with stuff they would never be able to in a small town or villiage situation, where they will more likely face consequences (at least social consequences of bad behavior). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Perhaps if those "creeps" were placed in a nude environment, they might increase their own level of politeness and honest interaction with others, the same way we nudists claim to have experienced when making the switch. If nudity makes us appreciate the inner person more, why wouldn't it affect everyone else the same way?

[smoothmike]

Weve all been told at one stage of our lives that Breasts and Genitalia are the "naughty/rude" bits. Thats why they are covered, but getting into a nude lifestyle i find that now i am not aroused by the naked body in a natural setting. May be if the rest of society could see it this way then the creeps and perverts would get bored and give up, there would simply be no reason for them to peep and perve as every 1 is naked any way.

[kphoger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> People would certainly be asked to carry towels with them for sitting in public paces such as cafes, park benches, and public transport, etc for hygiene. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

i think the whole towel thing is overrated. if you think of societies in which nudity is commonplace -- the amazon area, for example -- you don't think of everyone walking around with large leaves to use whenever they sit down. people aren't forced to use a toilet seat cover in a public restroom, at least not in any restroom i've ever used. and, some people's pants are likely less hygienic than your typical bare bum. think about it: a man can separate pigs at the farm, get in his car and drive downtown, then board a subway and eat in a restaurant -- all in the same pair of boots. if he's not required to change his shoes, then i highly doubt nudists would be required to sit on a towel.

i wonder how long ago the towel nazis took over the nudist scene...

[kphoger]

even if nudity were commonplace, i would still expect private businesses to be allowed to enforce their own dress codes. a jewelry shop couldn't have a policy of refusing service to all mexicans, but i don't think that's the same as having a dress code. i think there's a line somewhere between the two.

[Fuzzy Nuts]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kphoger:
i think the whole towel thing is overrated.

I agree fully with you. This towel mania is something we nudists have developed to show non-nudists how hygenic and thoughtful we are. In most cases it is not necessary. We dont use a towel in bed to protect the sheets from drips, skids, and other body fluids. If one is prone to producing these stains appropriate steps by that person can be taken to avoid them.

If my bare feet are dirty I would not go on someone's carpet. I would clean my feet before entering and not put on shoes. Similarily if I suspected my hind end was dirty I would not sit down without attending to it. This would just be common curtesy. I dont need to carry around a towel.

[nudebushwalker]

If nudity were the the 'norm', then any hardcore perverts would probably need something else to excite them (maybe a person's clothes or shoes or hairdo ?).

If nudity was more commonly accepted, then I, personally, would go nude a lot more often..

And maybe people like "Stu" would eventually disappear up their own backsides; [and something I've often wondered about that "Stu" character : how do we actually know that he is the all-knowing, all-seeing, elderly, middle-class father of a couple of grown sons - that he often portrays himself as - and not really a fat, ugly, 90-year-old lesbian, with serious body-image issues ???].

[barebum]

Nudity is certainly the norm when I go to Cap D'Agde in France, spend whole week naked 24/7 never had a problem, shopping, eating or doing other chores naked!

[Fuzzy Nuts]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nudebushwalker:
If nudity were the the 'norm', then any hardcore perverts would probably need something else to excite them (maybe a person's clothes or shoes or hairdo ?).

If nudity was more commonly accepted, then I, personally, would go nude a lot more often..

And maybe people like "Stu" would eventually disappear up their own backsides; [and something I've often wondered about that "Stu" character : how do we actually know that he is the all-knowing, all-seeing, elderly, middle-class father of a couple of grown sons - that he often portrays himself as - and not really a fat, ugly, 90-year-old lesbian, with serious body-image issues ???]. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wonder how much money it would take to persuade Stu to post a photo of himself (I
doubt if it would be a nude one!)

[smoothmike]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">f nudity were the the 'norm', then any hardcore perverts would probably need something else to excite them (maybe a person's clothes or shoes or hairdo ?). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think thats what i was tryin to say in my last post .... u just used less words.
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/confused.gif

[Bob S.]

Legalized nudity will not get rid of pervs. It will get rid of flashers as they could never get the reaction they wanted, but not all perv behaviour. There are always pervs at nude beaches and going to nude parks. Of course, they are easiest to deal with at the private parks.

bushwalker:"how do we actually know that he is the all-knowing, all-seeing, elderly, middle-class father of a couple of grown sons - that he often portrays himself as - and not really a fat, ugly, 90-year-old lesbian, with serious body-image issues"

There really is no way for people who do not know you to believe who you are. For all I know, you fit that latter desctiption. How do I know your avatar is of you and not someone else?

You just have to trust the descriptions of who people say they are. Online, we can only know people by what they say and the kind of messges they write.

Bob S.

[stomper69]

I posted a suggestion somewhere else on this site , about countries having one city devoted to an all nude society.As one of the members here says " we are clothed when PRATICAL ".I believe the proper times to be dressed would reveal themselves over time.Certaily if nudity were the norm,then there wouldn't be many times where it would be unaccepted.Clothing is basically just protection from our enviroment such as cold weather.Clothes also protect us while doing certain chores such as cooking or weedwacking.Common sense usually prevails when working with hazardous conditions.So I don't see the big deal of being nude while dining at a restaurant or shopping for groceries.After all, why have a nude society if you have to get dressed to do everyday things?The best we can hope for is a clothing optional world and that would be good enough for me.But in an all nude society would Stu be considered a closet textile?Sorry couldn't resist jumping on the Stu bashing bandwagon.

[hatesclothes]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Peter B:
Yesterday it was a very hot day and I needed to go shopping at a chain store and the supermarket.A crowded carpark, baking hot, just the right place for being naked and cooler if it was acceptable.
But if nudity was an every day common occurance, where would it be uncceptable?

I recall a picture of a naked woman in a supermarket scene, no doubt in a resort, picking up an item from a low chiller

It might well be, that this would be a reason for supermarkets to ban nude people in their shops for reasons of hygiene.

Where else would there be restrictions on nudity?
What about public transport? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

as a paralegal, I'm somewhat familiar with courtrooms. Judges have wide discretion as to what clothing to allow in their courtrooms, can enforce it with a 'Contempt of Court' citation.

[Charl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think anyplace where people might have accidental contact (crowded subway or crowded bars) nudity should not be. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Big-Thinker, I would like to know what your adversion is to "contact."

[RCH44]

Nudity seems to be normal in Europe. We need to relax the nude laws in the United States.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by barebum:
Nudity is certainly the norm when I go to Cap D'Agde in France, spend whole week naked 24/7 never had a problem, shopping, eating or doing other chores naked! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Pete Knight]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RCH44:
Nudity seems to be normal in Europe. We need to relax the nude laws in the United States.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by barebum:
Nudity is certainly the norm when I go to Cap D'Agde in France, spend whole week naked 24/7 never had a problem, shopping, eating or doing other chores naked! </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't kid yourself, whilst the attitude to nudity is more relaxed, you can still face arrest if nude anywhere other than accepted places. Other than clubs/resorts I suppose Europe has more places where nudity is accepted, but the US appears to have a huge number of clubs/resorts, it would be interesting to do some kind of comparison.

Pete Knight

[Cheffred]

Hmmm interesting thoughts, How about this

Usually nudists are very clean people, so unless they are rubbing food on themselves, why would shopping nude be any different. Has anyone thought about the bacteria carried on clothes, I almost would rather shop with nudists than people I see in grocery stores in filthy clothes now.

[shaneone]

If nudism was the norm would people go to 'clothing required' beaches and resorts?

[Agde]

This question is amusing since it is posed kind of upside down. In general, laws are supposed to establish a line beyond which an action adversely impacts others in the community -- a line between mutual guarantees and individual choice. It would be great if the rule of thumb for laws on nudity was "public nudity is fine as long as it does not involve intrusive sexual behavior or a public health risk." Then the battles could focus on specifics, like whether people were required to sit on towels when nude on public transport. Rules like wearing a helmet on a motorcycle would anyway apply. Also in general, laws are not supposed to impose the preferences of the majority on minorities or individuals. This allows specific groups to set their own internal standards -- eg. if you choose to join the Jesuits or an NCAA team, there are internal rules to follow -- as long as they don't contravene minimum standards -- eg. racial discrimination is not ok even in a private golf club. Why should a round of golf au natural be banned? Countries differ, but overall laws on public nudity are in fact quite muddled and are usually discriminatory or an invalid imposition of majority preference on individual choice. Nudity could be an every day common occurence and the debate could flip to focusing on where nudity is unacceptable if we nudists just organized effective local and parliamentary lobbies to get the general principles right.

[sbp]

I agree too
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nudebushwalker:
If nudity were the the 'norm', then any hardcore perverts would probably need something else to excite them (maybe a person's clothes or shoes or hairdo ?).

If nudity was more commonly accepted, then I, personally, would go nude a lot more often..

And maybe people like "Stu" would eventually disappear up their own backsides; [and something I've often wondered about that "Stu" character : how do we actually know that he is the all-knowing, all-seeing, elderly, middle-class father of a couple of grown sons - that he often portrays himself as - and not really a fat, ugly, 90-year-old lesbian, with serious body-image issues ???]. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[fred950]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Fuzzy Nuts:
I wonder how much money it would take to persuade Stu to post a photo of himself (I
doubt if it would be a nude one!) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As a long time member of this forum, I seem to recall Stu what-his munber did post a (clothed) photo of himself as an avatar.
As I recall, he looked much younger back then.

Perhaps one of the moderators could dig it up.

[andy_ma]

Let me say, I am going to play devil's advocate and what first prompted me to think about this was just society and the race in general. I wish we truly were a kinder, gentler world, but sadly we aren't. And maybe this isn't a "new thought," but I got to thinking about this the other day. It sort of falls into this topic I think.

What if nudity was the norm for ALL people. As clothed people we do seem to set ourselves apart by brands, designer labels, etc. If we were all nudists, would we find other things to set ourselves apart. Obviously, some people set themselves apart by wealth status, I guess maybe age status, etc.

I guess my thought is, are we truly on equalized ground as nudists? especially if nudity was the norm/common place? We're certainly a people of habit.

I think sence we do live in a very textile world, that nudism has taught me very much repsect of my friends, a new level of trust (especially living in a clothed world), and certainly general acceptance of folks that enjoy the same things as me.

Maybe ** some times ** it's not so bad being a "sub culture" (if that's what it really is). Not sure. Maybe it is nice being different from the norm (or perceived norm).

Like I say, not a rant, nothing over philosophical, just some very random thoughts I had - brought to the front of my mind by reading this post.

[Enjoying life]

That would mean that I could walk about my house and other place without offending anyone or offending anyone in my family. That would be great.

[nudeM]

If nudity were to be more common and accepted, then clothing sales would drop drastictly, summer electrical bills would drop (air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, etc.), stress would be a thing of the past (for the most part), and everyone would be happier.

The only tan line would be from the fanny pack that we would have to carry in order to have our identification on hand, and/or shoes/sandals. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/smoking.gif

[smoothmike]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If nudity were to be more common and accepted, then clothing sales would drop drastictly, summer electrical bills would drop (air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, etc.), stress would be a thing of the past (for the most part), and everyone would be happier. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If only people had this type of view haha
Id support that argument http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

[Pampelmousse]

I heartily agree. In the vast majority of cases the use of towels is totally unnecessary; any individual with any sense of decency who has a particular problem at any one time would act appropriately, but generally the external skin of the seat is no more offensive than that of the hands.

[chickenman]

the real question should be if going nude was legal and common would you even wear clothes at all.

[RalphVa]

Need to wear clothes in the mornings here for warmth and in the afternoons in the winter about 1/3 to 1/2 the time. At night, I wear clothes inside because the house is kept at about 55.

Otherwise, I'd go totally naked around my house and in the street in front of it long as the weather was 40 or so outside. Out in public, I think folks should wear clothes on their lower ends, to protect against leakages but they could shed the coverings and just sit on them when on benches.

[Nude in the North]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> What if nudity was common </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd be nude a lot more often, and in a lot more places.

Steve

[barebum]

Me too would just wear clothes for protection or warmth then!, I mean it is ok on certain beaches and not on others? When go to naturist resorts everybody gets on fine no issues, why can't life be like that, after all only two basic models available, all the same underneath!
Nude regards
Mark

[danorganic]

I thinnk even the things that I would wear out in public to keep warm would change. I would mot wear pants as much. Maybe just a ponco or long jacket for warmth, boots socks, gloves and hat maybe.

[waitwhat?]

i think you are all overestimating the power of your peers. before i get attacked let me state my argument. number one you may go nude a lot more, however as human beings we tend to want to conform to the norms. this being said you would probably only go nude in the places that you might currently go with just some athletic shorts. for example do you wear sweat pants to an office? i would argue that many people as members of society would probably still wear clothes where clothes are commonly worn, like supermarkets, and offices. nudity in parks and on beaches would obviously increase, but the simple fact is that humans have a long history of body shame. For that reason even if it was legal, the sight of a nude person walking down the street will never be "the norm." Even in greek society, where nudity was not only accepted but incouraged in many situations, they still had some form of cover to keep confrontations to a minimum. This being said i do think it would be an awesome experiment to see how society would change with different nudity policies.

By the way im not trying to attack anyone im just stating my opinion from a realist point of view

[waitwhat?]

ha ha just realized last post was three years ago. oops sorry

P.S. I wouldnt ever wear a "fanny pack" so i would have to wear pants occasionally. Pockets are convenient http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wiseguy.gif

[NorthVanNudist]

I have been nude with other persons who were clothed (where a textile beach ends and the our clothing-optional section begins), a couple of times encountering clothed persons while I was hiking nude, and while out on my boat. You now what? The world didn't end, and the sun still rose the next morning. I think if nudity was common, that would definitely put an end to flashers and voyeurs right away. And the real pervs in society? Well, they are here among us right now, and common nudity wouldn't change that.

[simonsebs]

The porn industry would be crippled.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The porn industry would be crippled. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Doubtful. Mere nudity is not porn.

The porn industry will do just fine making films that appeal to prurient interests.

-Mark

[simonsebs]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Naturist Mark:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The porn industry would be crippled. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Doubtful. Mere nudity is not porn.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You and I know that, but lots of people don't, and porn doesn't do anything to help.

[lightmetal]

Nudity is common....we just have to cover it up with clothes. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/clown.gif

[Enjoying life]

The world would be a better place for all. But I could be wrong.

[nudistbob]

to bad its not i would if i could.most people jus dont know how to handle it.
stay nude

[DoctorSurferDude]

War would end.

OK...maybe not, but at least the big wars with big armor stuff.

[DoctorSurferDude]

"Nudism" would be as funny a term as "Clothesism"

[Agde]

"Nudism" would be as funny a term as "Clothesism"
"Clothesism"? Sounds like in preparation for common nudity that a whole range of new terms needs to be coined:
People who just like clothes = frabricophile
People who insist on changing clothes frequently = fashionists
Rich textiles = couturesionists
Young textiles = Generation C
Old textiles = Victorians
Non-nude detectives = under cover agents
Non-nude swimmers = polyesty-dippers
People who wear running togs = toggers
Clothed mothers = mummies
People with tan lines = stripers
People who equate nudity with sin = moral minority
...etc... :D

[nakedjohn]

I would have an empty walking closet.

[jon71]

I imagine voyeurism and exhibitionism would pretty much disappear.

[FishyDave]

Okay, first post here and in at the deep end.

For starters, we're dealing with a hypothetical situation, because I doubt I'll ever see the day when you can walk up and down the high street naked if you feel like it. But let's assume that it could happen.

If nudity became publicly acceptable, then I feel it would be the death of naturist clubs and swims. Yes, I got involved with naturism because I wanted to the freedom to be without clothes, but it turns out that I'm now at least as much into the social side as I am into having the freedom to be naked.

Make nudity acceptable in public, and naturist swims are redundant. Why go to a specific hour at a specific place when you can be naked at the pool of your choice any time it's open? So the communities that the swims have built up would dissolve overnight.

Landed clubs have more to offer, but would it still enough? Would you bother driving all the way to a naturist club when you could just go naked in the local park? If you wanted to camp overnight, would you go to a naturist club, or would you just go to a campsite that was better located or had better facilities?

I like naturist clubs, because they still seem to hold the values that British society as a whole has lost. I'm talking primarily about the concepts of respect and decency. Go to a 'textile' caravan site, and you're as likely as not to be overrun with feral kids kicking footballs at your car and caravan and stuffing reams of paper down the toilets. Their parents attitudes are that they're on holiday (from their parental responsibilities as much as anything, it would seem) and the kids can look after themselves.

You just don't get that at a naturist club.

As for towel sitting, I see it as more than a ritual. Having rented naturist accommodation, only to find a highly dubious brown stain running front to rear along the centre of a dining chair, I'd say it's a common courtesy that should be extended whenever using communal or someone else's furniture. As I see it, if you own the seating, then treat it as you wish (we still tend to use towels on ours) but if it belongs to somebody else, then sit on something rather than directly on the chair.

[Agde]

Okay, first post here and in at the deep end.
Great post, Dave! Naturism is clearly about much more than merely allowing nudity. It involves internalizing a whole set of enlightened attitudes toward human interaction, mutual respect, etc. ... Have people commonly thought about the reasons for clothing and separated the practical ones from the invented ones? Do people commonly have a high respect each other combined with an unequivocal sense of mutual equality and protectiveness? Have they commonly taken time to strip life down to the essentials so that they know what's important for living in harmony with nature and others?

Your comment could be usefully appended to a number of the discussion threads. It is not just "if nudity was common" but "if naturist attitudes and life skills were common."

Now I need to go fix that football dent in my car door, but meantime welcome to the forums and keep posting!

[NudonyII]

I'm a bit of a history buff; a little research into Spartan history shows that if nudity became commonplace, our society would somewhat resemble what Spartan society used to be like.

The closest western historical example of free public nudity was ancient Sparta, a society with rigorous codes of training and physical exercise, yet also having art and music. Spartan women wore briefer clothing than other Greek women, yet they sometimes dispensed with these garments and went nude in the town if they wished.[3] (Customarily, they and other Greek men and women were nude at festivals of the Classical period). In Spartan society naked women or men in the city would probably have been treated with the same respect as clothed people.

[nudebushwalker]

As I wrote on this thread last year, if public nudity was a lot more common, I would then go nude a lot more often - probably over 70% of the time...

As for those places where you might be required to don some clothing - for hygiene, safety or cultural/social reasons - a lightweight sarong, wraparound skirt, tunic or robe could easily suffice; and folded could also double for those occasions where some people suggest a towel or pad to sit on, might be required..

And where to carry it? As a couple people pointed out you would still need somewhere - like a satchel, handbag or shoulder-bag, or similar - to carry all your day-to-day essentials (keys, wallet, mobile phone, sunscreen, camera...).

[FishyDave]

Great post, Dave! Naturism is clearly about much more than merely allowing nudity. It involves internalizing a whole set of enlightened attitudes toward human interaction, mutual respect, etc. ... Have people commonly thought about the reasons for clothing and separated the practical ones from the invented ones? Do people commonly have a high respect each other combined with an unequivocal sense of mutual equality and protectiveness? Have they commonly taken time to strip life down to the essentials so that they know what's important for living in harmony with nature and others?

Your comment could be usefully appended to a number of the discussion threads. It is not just "if nudity was common" but "if naturist attitudes and life skills were common."

Now I need to go fix that football dent in my car door, but meantime welcome to the forums and keep posting!
Thanks for your kind welcome. I think I'm well and truly in at the deep end now, but I'm loving every minute of it so far :)

The clothed world would certainly benefit from naturist attitudes. In our little segment of society, crime is rare (and usually performed by outsiders) people are approachable, understanding and friendly. If they had houses at naturist clubs, you'd be able to leave your front door unlocked. As it stands, you can certainly do so with your caravan or chalet/cabin. Isn't this the world that your parents/grandparents always look longingly back at, while bemoaning how society has changed for the worse?

I recall talking to June at Tything Barn and she told me they'd only had one incident of theft in all the time they'd lived there, and that was some outsiders who turned up and half-inched a big decorative cart wheel. Similarly, while we did have a problem with caravan burglaries at our club, it was outsiders finding a way through the perimeter rather than naturists that were responsible.

That's not to say that naturists are never criminals. I've known two different clubs to suffer from cases of insider theft - one petty, one not so petty. But occurrences like this are few and far between, and once the perpetrators are found out, they're sent packing rather quickly.

I suppose part of the reason why people behave themselves is that they want the option to go back. Campsites are ten a penny - get banned from one, and you can just go to a different one next time around. Getting banned from one naturist site seriously curtails your ability to experience naturism. It also carries the possibility of being banned from a number of sites if the various venues keep in touch.

[papanudist]

If nudity was common the only time I would wear clothes would be work and in the winter.:D