Should naturism have a symbol?
In this #UndressedThread, we’re debating the symbols used to subtly signal our naturism to those in the know
Between towels, pins, flags, and avatars, a yellow sun rising over blue waves has become a familiar sight in naturist circles. Look closely and the waves form a subtle silhouette: a reclining sunbather, represented by a pair of cheeks catching rays where the sun doesn’t usually shine. Known as the “Naturist Symbol,” it was introduced in 2020 by a group of volunteers seeking to create a free, universal emblem anyone could use—no branding, no permission required.
But it’s not the first symbol naturists have used. In 1973, Dutch jeweler Cor Uytenhaak designed a pendant to serve as a unifying emblem for nudists. In 2018, Alaska’s naturist group “nAKed Friends” introduced the Skinny Dipper Ensign—a yellow-over-blue flag—designed to subtly signal areas where social nudity might be welcome, particularly across open bodies of water.
Throughout history, naturists have also used other symbols both to promote their philosophy and to identify one another discreetly. This also extends to organization logos and other familiar iconography.
This October, the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) will debate whether to recognize the Naturist Symbol formally, not to replace their current logo, but to acknowledge its widespread use.
The debate goes deeper than mere aesthetics. Is this symbol for visibility or privacy? Supporters say it offers a discreet way to build community across borders. Critics often argue that it doesn’t visibly represent naturism, and that its abstract design fails to promote naturism as a wholesome, family-friendly lifestyle—the core mission of the INF-FNI.
Some see the Naturist Symbol as a unifier. Others, a missed opportunity. And some ask whether naturism needs a symbol at all. So, in this week’s #UndressedThread, we’re asking:
Do you use the Naturist Symbol? Why or why not?
Should official bodies recognize it?
What should a naturist symbol communicate? Connection, promotion, both, or something else?
And does naturism benefit from a shared visual identity?
The full debate is live on the INF blog:
https://blog.inf-fni.org/should-inf-fni-recognise-the-naturist-symbol
Share your thoughts below, and consider leaving a comment on the INF blog as well. This is a rare opportunity to shape a global conversation about what naturism looks like and why. 🪐
More #UndressedThreads
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(This #UndressedThread is brought to you by our Etsy store)
I don't mind having a symbol that unites us under naturism, but dear god can we get one without eye-bleeding colors and something more than just a sun and waves? That doesn't represent naturism at all to me.
Personally, I wouldn't like to see this symbol adopted in any official way, at least not to globally signal naturism. That's not to take anything away from the creators or those who use it, but it just doesn't represent nudism for me. I understand it was designed to be low key, perhaps even covert but that doesn't represent my view of naturism in 2025. We should be putting the secret signals behind us and being more out there and direct. Being clandestine only perpetuates the stigma. This design does not instinctively give any clues to it's meaning except perhaps to those in the secret club.
Could I come up with something better? No, but I'm no expert with graphics. I recognise how difficult it is to signal nudity in a pictographic form but for me it really needs to be something more obvious, in the style of European road signage perhaps. I'm also not keen on the sun and beaches themes as this no longer represents the wider practice of nudism and conveys a very narrow and old fashioned message.
I confess to being a little disappointed how this particular design has been touted as 'the' official naturist symbol by online promotion, when it's far from that. Having said that. I'm sure this sign has value for those who want something more discreet. I know what it means should I encounter it but I just wouldn't use it myself. Maybe we need two versions?