Nudist shares dos and don'ts of stripping off as naturism surges in popularity

Nudism has surged in popularity in recent months.

British Naturism has gained 1,100 new members in the last year, which may be because people have been ditching clothes in lockdown.

Many of us have waved goodbye to tight trousers and uncomfortable bras while working from home, which is why the society claims "social isolation has caused an explosion in naked living”.

And with the UK basking in a heatwave at the moment, it’s likely even more will be inspired to get their kit off.

Donna Price, who runs the Women in Naturism Campaign for BN, is pleased people are getting into the pants-off pastime.

She hopes more women will be inspired to join the lifestyle as British Naturism’s female membership currently sits at 30%.

Donna, who lives in Scarborough, has been a naturist since 2016.

She told the Mirror: "My husband and I got into it by accident when we stumbled onto a nudist beach.

"My husband hates wearing clothes and he wanted to try it. I love swimming, when I got into the water naked I loved it. That sold it for me…

"My husband and I don't work anymore and we live pretty much naked unless it's really cold.

"Just normal activities but you don't put clothes on. It is very freeing. People tend to make assumptions or judgements, based on what you're wearing. It's a great leveller.

"There is no class, no status or distinctions, you don't feel as if you're being judged. It is very body positive.

"Everyone is the same fundamentally under there, even though we might be unique."

So will you be joining the movement? If so, you should probably learn about the etiquette of nudism first.

Donna has compiled a list of dos and don’ts of living life in the buff – and you can check them out below.

Be comfortable in your own skin

Donna advises that people take it slowly and build their confidence up if they're concerned about getting naked in public.

She said: "You have to be comfortable in your own skin, and feel as if it's a normal way of being.

"Get used to being naked indoors and then naked in your garden. Most people can't just suddenly go to a naked beach and strip off.

"Do it slowly and gradually."

Go to a designated beach

The law on being naked on British beaches is a bit of a grey area.

It is technically okay to drop trouser and wade into the sea on any patch of coast, so long as you don't 'harass, alarm or distress others'.

Donna recommends heading to one of the country's many specialist nudist beaches to avoid any opportunities to startle members of the public.

"If you're new to it, I suggest a designated beach," she said.

"You won't stand out too much."

Be respectful to others

Donna says there are no strict rules about when it's okay or not okay to amble up to a naked stranger and spark up a chat.

Instead she recommends reading the room and treating people, particularly women, with respect.

"Naked females on the beach are unusual," she continued.

"Naturism only has a 30% balance of women, so a naked female on the beach is like 'oh my god it's a female'.

"But a lot of the naturist guys like to have mixed company. It is quite nice to talk to a woman for a change.”

Nudists celebrate Naked in Nature Day by stripping off in the great outdoors

Donna continued: "You can't say to people 'don't approach women', the woman could then feel 'what's wrong with me'.

"Treat people with respect. If she's making eye contact say good morning but carry on walking."

Have fun and take your clothes off

Above all, Donna recommends first-timers enjoy themselves.

She said: "It's all about respect for yourself. There should be nothing different with how you are when you have clothes on.

"Relax, enjoy it and take your clothes off. You will feel more comfortable."

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