Is clothing optional… optional?
In this #UndressedThread, we’re debating the meaning of “clothing optional”
Some believe “clothing optional” should mean total freedom—wear what you want, when you want. Others argue that if too many people remain clothed in a naturist space, it changes the experience and discourages full participation. Should clothing-optional spaces set expectations to maintain a naturist atmosphere, or should they indeed be open to all choices?
In this #UndressedThread, we’re asking:
What does “clothing optional” mean to you?
Have you ever felt that a clothing-optional space leaned too much one way?
Should naturist spaces encourage full participation?
Let’s dive into this debate—share your thoughts in the comments. 🪐
I think the oddest experience is to go to a clothing optional area; get naked; walk out to the hot springs or other recreation area; and, everyone is clothed. It is an uneasy feeling -- is this really a clothing optional spot, or did I mess up. Can impact your confidence. I should add, that for me (and the experience has happen once or twice) beyond the impact to my confidence is the sudden panic attack. Did I really screw-up? Am I about to get arrested for indecent exposure? Have to register as a sex offender, because I got naked on the wrong day (there is a hot springs here that has a suit required/clothing optional schedule)?
I have been a nudist for 30 years. But I might never have discovered such a big part of my life if I hadn’t had the option to wear a bathing suit the first time ( my husband tells the story of how I lay face down on a lounge chair for 15 minutes with my top off, and was totally naked for the rest of the day and years after). So I’m fine with that option because it’s how people discover the nudist life. I also play in nude volleyball tournaments and quite frankly when it’s cold being able to throw on a T shirt is just common sense.