We’ve been naturists for nearly twelve years, and the only time we’ve felt the need to cover up is when we’re rambling in public areas, which we do in for respect for other people.
I’ve searched and read a lot of posts on this site where it mentioned that you quickly cover up, or you say that you always carry a cover up just in case.
We have experimented with lots of different cover up’s, like a skirt, a wrap and baggy shorts etc. Nothing we’ve tried seemed to be very quick, or that successful, and it’s obviously even worse for a girl to cover up.
I remember one day when I was struggling to cover up, and I heard a girl giggle, as she said, “Why bother”, and I think she summed it up.
Louise (my other half) has a totally different idea and approach to the problem of covering up, which I call girly logic.
She’s said it only takes a second to weigh up the situation. Elderly people and young children is a definite cover up, which is an arm across her boobs, a hand or hat over her lower bits. If she has to wait for them to pass, then she’ll turn away slightly so all they can see is her side, back and her bum. Her idea is that bare bums are frequently seen in magazines etc, and what’s offensive about a bare bum.
Everyone else is judged by their expression. A look of disapproval or shock, is a cover up. A friendly smile is a don’t bother, unless they start talking, and then it would be just a token cover to save any embarrassment as we chatted.
I think she’s right, so I’ve adopted her idea. A hand or hat over my bits and I turn away if get a hint of disapproval. This idea seems to work, although negative conversation can be a problem, and I find a positive reply sometimes resolves the situation. It appears that most people are a bit more broadminded these days, and the laws are supposed to be more relaxed. Unfortunately I’ve found that most textiles know nothing about the law regarding nudity, and they nearly all assume that any nudity in public is illegal.
I don’t know if we’ve been lucky or what, and I wonder how do you cover up if it has to be done within a minute or two.
There’s Something Therapeutic About Being Naked
I have resorted to a wrap-around towel if i feel the need to cover up, but I don't find it particularly satisfactory. It may be relatively easy to put on, but why on earth would anyone normally be walking around the country wearing a towel?
It makes it so obvious that you are doing something 'unusual' that it probably attracts just as much bewilderment to the passer by as not bothering at all - I have to say I am increasingly taking this latter option !!
I do carry a wrap and put it on (in seconds) on the very rare occasion that I bump into anyone that I don't know. Most people where I walk know I am a naturist because I have mentioned it in the past when blethering. Forewarned means less of a shock. If people know I am a naturist then I will not bother to fully cover up, maybe just slide the wrap over so it is more like a loin cloth.
i carry a kikini tan through beach wrap, bit like a flimsy miniskirt, either tied on the hip or just held. i carry one in the car and another in the van so ive always got one for the unexpected ramble. if im organised i take a shoulder bag with a dslr and a couple of lenses, slung from one shoulder its easy to slide around infront. and is somewhere for nibbles,keys wallet and phone.
hot sunny weather im less likely to use the wrap if ive got the shoulder bag.
i dont see any point in trying to hide the fact that i was/am naked but equally dont want to offend anyone.
My only question for Sunnydays is why cover up for old people? Children I can understand, not for their sake but to disarm the “what about the children” brigade. But surely we oldies have seen it all by the time we get to be old and don’t need to be protected.
Noli illegitimi te carborundum
Carry a tartan towel and if someone approaches, pretend you are Scottish.
My only question for Sunnydays is why cover up for old people? Children I can understand, not for their sake but to disarm the “what about the children” brigade. But surely we oldies have seen it all by the time we get to be old and don’t need to be protected.
Hi pjcomp. Louise said most old people are very narrow-minded and quite grumpy.
One old grumpy said to us both last year "Absolutely disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourselves displaying your naked body's for everyone to see".
But Louise also realises that there're one or two old grumpies who've seen it all, and are more broadminded these days. :laugh:
There’s Something Therapeutic About Being Naked
Interestingly of the few that I have met when walking naked, the oldies have been quite accepting. It is the younger bigots that bother me more!
Only happy when naked
I don’t doubt some old folk will be grumpy gits, just as some of any age will be, but it would be unfortunate if the idea that “children and old people” need to be protected gained traction. Not least because I suspect the profile of a majority on NC would fall into the “older” category ::)
Noli illegitimi te carborundum
I tend to walk in very open countryside where I can see well ahead, I don't like walking in woodland. I can cover up quite quickly. I don't wish to impose my interests on others. I have been seen on a handful of occasions and had no issues at all. I have walked many hundreds of miles. (Twenty five miles last weekend saw 5 or six people). I"m a naturist not an exhibitionist so respect for and from other people is important to me. The reality is that naturists are a minority and naturism will never be regarded as a normal activity by most people. But that's probably why I enjoy it. Although I love the freedom of walking in peaceful open country naked.
My kindest wishes ,
Steve.
It is the younger bigots that bother me more!
Definition of a bigot: "a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions."
Surely by calling them bigots you are displaying an intolerance of someone who does not agree with your's or indeed my views concerning public nudity and thereby makes you a bigot.
You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate.
Definition of a bigot: "a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions."
Surely by calling them bigots you are displaying an intolerance of someone who does not agree with your's or indeed my views concerning public nudity and thereby makes you a bigot.
There is a limit to tolerance. To tolerate intolerance is beyond the pail.
If we are all tolerant (to lifestyles, beliefs etc that do not directly impinge on other people) we can all get on. But if some are intolerant, we could not unless we changed to fit in with them, which is not reasonable.
In the context of nudity, there is still a big issue around education, to the effect that 1) simple public nudity is not illegal and 2) it is not harmful to old people, women or, especially, children. ie there is no logical justification for intolerance of simple nudity in public.
Being considerate to other people doesn’t mean never letting anyone else see you naked in public, but simply using your judgement and sensitivity to avoid upsetting people if they appear uncomfortable with nudity, either keeping a little distance or covering up when in close proximity.
Tread lightly upon the earth
Certainly the very few people i meet when naked do not seem to have a problem and many were forewarned as i walk the same route regularly. I have a wrap on the waist strap of my rucksack and remain visible until quite close when i will either wrap up or move the wrap over so it is more of a loin cloth. The educating textiles part is there and have taken their possible sensitivities into account. Once i have met them once i dont bother covering up at all.
It is the younger bigots that bother me more!
Definition of a bigot: "a person who is intolerant towards those holding different opinions."
Surely by calling them bigots you are displaying an intolerance of someone who does not agree with your's or indeed my views concerning public nudity and thereby makes you a bigot.
Hi Brook - good point! Firstly my grasp of language is not all that good so sorry if I used the wrong words to make my point (badly) but it caused me to look up the definition which was "Definition of bigot. : a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (such as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance". I think it was the hatred part that I was bothered by. I have read post on here where naturistas have been threatened physically because someone did not like them being naked. I would not consider that my opinion is in any way strong against those who are intollerant of naturists but I am intollerant of anyone who is rude, abusive or threatens violence against others for being naked in a harmless way.
I do take your point that somone referring to another as a bigot might well be the same - a point very well made.
Andrew
Only happy when naked
Interestingly of the few that I have met when walking naked, the oldies have been quite accepting. It is the younger bigots that bother me more!
Not in my experience. The elderly especially cyclists can be quite aggressive although I've had both recently, one accused me of exposing myself while the other called me a pervert - we have a long way to go in changing people's attitudes to nudity I can't believe there are still people like this.