Naturist places and events įamilies bathing nude at a hot spring in Taiwan "Textilist" is said to be used interchangeably with "textile", but no dictionary definition to this effect exists, nor are there any equivalent examples of use in mainstream literature such as those for textile. "Textile" is the predominant term used in the UK ("textilist" is unknown in British naturist magazines, including H&E naturist), although some naturists avoid using this term due to perceived negative or derogatory connotations. "the textile beach starts at the flag", "they are a mixed couple – he is naturist, she is textile"). In naturist parlance, the terms " textile" or "textilist" refer to non-naturist persons, behaviours or facilities (e.g. Naturism and nudism have the same meaning in the United States, but there is a clear distinction between the two terms in Great Britain. The usage and definition of these terms varies geographically and historically. The International Naturist Federation explains: Įach country has its own kind of naturism, and even each club has its own special character, for we too, human beings, have each our own character which is reflected in our surroundings. Current research has begun to explore this complex relationship. For various social, cultural, and historical reasons, the lay public, the media, and many contemporary naturists and their organisations have or present a simplified view of the relationship between naturism and sexuality. Some recent studies show that naturism can help grow self-esteem, and thus have a positive impact on having a well-balanced sexuality, too.
Many contemporary naturists and naturist organisations advocate that the practice of social nudity should not be linked with sexual activity. a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment. The XIV Congress of the International Naturist Federation (INF) held at Agde, France, in 1974 defined naturism as:
Nude recreation opportunities vary widely around the world, from isolated places known mainly to locals through officially-designated nude beaches and parks and on to public spaces and buildings in some jurisdictions. Since the 1960s, with the acceptance of public places for clothing-optional recreation, individuals who do not identify themselves as naturists or nudists have been able to casually participate in nude activities.
At the turn of the 20th century, organizations emerged to promote social nudity and to establish private campgrounds and resorts for that purpose. That said, naturists come from a range of philosophical and cultural backgrounds there is no single naturist ideology.Įthical or philosophical nudism has a long history, with many advocates of the benefits of enjoying nature without clothing. Though the two terms are commonly interchangeable, nudism emphasizes the practice of nudity, whereas naturism highlights an attitude favoring harmony with nature and respect for the environment, into which that practice is integrated. Naturism is a way of life encompassing non-sexual social nudity and the cultural movement which advocates for and defends clothes-free living. A group of Florida Young Naturists (2014)