Naturism for couples: when one of you is curious

Naturism for couples often starts with one person being curious and the other being unsure. Maybe one of you skinny dipped on holiday and loved it, or read something about naturist beaches and can’t stop thinking about it. The other might be worried about their body, about who will be there, or about what it says about the relationship. All of that is normal. This guide is about raising the subject kindly, trying it gently, and accepting the answer, whatever it is.

You are less unusual than you think

Nudity is more mainstream in the UK than many people assume. An Ipsos survey of 2,249 UK adults, carried out in July 2022 for British Naturism, found:

14% described themselves as naturists or nudists.
21% had been skinny dipping.
39% had done at least one of: skinny dipping, nude sunbathing, visiting a naturist beach abroad, or visiting a British clothes-optional beach, resort or club.

So if you raise the idea, there is a decent chance your partner has at least thought about it. We look at those numbers in more detail in seven million naturists in the UK.

Why naturism for couples can work

The best-known research comes from Dr Keon West at Goldsmiths, University of London. His 2018 paper in the Journal of Happiness Studies reported three studies. In a survey of 849 people, more participation in naturist activities was linked with better body image, higher self-esteem and greater life satisfaction. In two smaller studies at real naturist events, taking part improved all three.

There are limits. Most survey respondents were male, white, straight and middle-aged, and the event studies were small. A later 2020 study by West with just 15 participants, all non-naturists with low body image, found improvements that lasted at least a month after a four-day programme. Encouraging, but not proof that naturism will change how either of you feels. For more, see our guide to the health benefits of naturism.

One finding is worth sharing with a nervous partner: West’s early analysis suggested that seeing ordinary bodies of all shapes and ages seemed to matter more than being seen yourself. That surprises people. The fear is being looked at; the benefit often comes from looking around and realising everyone is ordinary.

How to suggest naturism to your partner

How you bring it up matters more than what you say.

Pick a calm moment. Not in the middle of planning a holiday, and not as a surprise booking.
Explain why it appeals to you. Freedom, swimming without a wet costume, feeling the sun, less fuss about bodies. Be specific and honest.
Be clear it is non-sexual. Naturism has nothing to do with swinging or exhibitionism. If your partner’s first worry is what kind of people go, say so plainly, and point them to what naturism actually is.
Ask, then listen. “What would worry you about it?” is a better question than “Will you come?”
Share information, not pressure. Let them read things in their own time. British Naturism’s site is a good neutral starting point.

Starting gently

If your partner is willing to explore, take small steps. There is no need to start at a busy club.

At home. Spend a lazy morning or an afternoon in the garden without clothes, if it is private. It is lawful on your own property, and it is the easiest way to find out how it feels.
Somewhere abroad. Some couples prefer to try it first on holiday, where nobody knows them. Our guides to naturism around the world and Corfu’s naturist beaches are good places to start.
A quiet UK beach. Choose an established naturist beach on a weekday. On a clothes-optional beach you can stay in a costume until you feel ready.
A spa session. Naturist spa and sauna sessions feel familiar to anyone who has used a sauna.
A club or campsite. When you are both comfortable, a naturist club or naturist campsite offers a friendly, managed setting.

Agree a simple signal before you go: if either of you wants to cover up or leave, you do, with no argument and no sulking afterwards.

Respecting a no

Your partner may say no. Possibly after trying it once, possibly without trying it at all. That has to be fine.

Don’t bargain or keep raising it. Repeated asking turns a hobby into a source of resentment.
Don’t treat it as a judgement on you. Comfort with nudity varies hugely between people.
Look for middle ground. Some couples settle on nudity at home or in the garden only, or on holidays abroad.
Be open if you go alone. Some people do enjoy naturism without their partner. That only works with your partner’s genuine agreement. Note too that British Naturism has said some clubs are hesitant about members whose partners are not involved, so check a club’s policy before you apply.

Couple-friendly places to try

A few practical points for couples:

Clubs. Many clubs aim for a balance of men and women and of singles and couples, according to British Naturism. That can make it easier for couples to arrange a first visit than for single men.
British Naturism membership. BN offers a couple membership for two people at the same address, at a discount on two individual memberships. It gives access to members’ events and is a simple way to support naturism. Read about British Naturism, and join at bn.org.uk.
Events. Organised gatherings such as Nudefest are another way in, with a programme to fill the day. See our UK naturist events list for what is coming up.
Beaches. Studland Bay in Dorset has a signposted naturist stretch on Knoll Beach, managed by the National Trust.

FAQs

Is naturism good for couples?

There is no specific research on couples, but studies by Dr Keon West link naturist activity with better body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction. It can also simply be a relaxed hobby to share. It only works if both of you genuinely want to be there.

How do I tell my partner I want to try naturism?

Choose a calm moment, explain honestly why it appeals, make clear it is non-sexual, and ask what would worry them. Then give them time.

Is naturism sexual for couples?

No. Naturism is non-sexual for everyone, couples included. Affection at the level you would show on a clothed beach is fine; anything more is not.

Can I go to a naturist club if my partner doesn’t want to?

Often yes, but some clubs are hesitant about people whose partners are not involved, so ask the club. More importantly, talk to your partner first.

Sources

More from Go Bare: all posts, naturism guides and UK naturist beaches.