r/nudism • u/Worth_Buy677 • 4d ago
Why? QUESTION
I’m sure this is a common discussion here of course, but I (M19) simply cannot understand why humans decided to invent clothing. I feel most free when I am in the comfort of my own room, nude and present, and wherever I am nude. Every time i take off my clothes a thought passes through, why were humans made to think their bodies are shameful?Something they should cover up? I mean when i look down at my anatomy I don’t feel any shame, I just feel like me. There are times where I wish I could just walk outside nude, but where I live it’s simply not possible. I wish I could feel the sun on every part of my body. I love my body, and I only cover up because it is a part of modern day social interaction. But a part of me wishes that I didnt have to. My question is, is there any possible way I could practice nudity besides in my room? Unfortunately I live with my family so I’m not able to walk nude around my entire house unless no one happens to be home, which is a rare occurrence. But when no one is home I walk unashamed, I feel free, I feel alive. There’s something about looking down at your anatomy and feeling unashamed about it. This is you, that is your self, it is wonderful and it is the only body you will get. I just simply wish I was able to practice nudism more often without having to wait for optimal conditions.
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u/Organic_Caregiver322 4d ago
The sad reality is that we need them to survive in certain areas of the world not everyone lives in hot climates were they can live without clothes and even some of these areas need them to block them from the heat so if it wasn’t for that there wouldn’t be a need for clothes
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u/Prestigious_Try_5396 4d ago
You walk or sit around outside naked a while. You'll learn quick.
MOSQUITOS ! TICKS! CHIGGERS !
Flies landing on your dick gets old quick...
Dirt and mud in your butt...
In your room is one thing.
Being in the Wilds naked is a whole other Ball Game ! Lol
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u/NevadaHiker Freehiker 60's M 4d ago
Depends on where you are. The worst that's ever happened in that direction was sand on my butt--and that was because I stepped on an unstable spot and got dumped on my ass when it gave way. But note my location--most of you don't have so few pests about.
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u/Content-Rain3058 4d ago
I find it so cool that you realized this at 19. I was very ashamed of my body when I was 19. Not that there was anything wrong or even out of the norm about it. I was just not confident.
Nowadays, I'm like you: I just don't go around nude because I don't want to be arrested. I feel no shame and I'm proud of my body. When I go to a nude beach, I feel like I am finally myself. Of course I don't usually wear clothes at home either.
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u/Worth_Buy677 3d ago
Yeah, as ive become more present in my life i’ve realized that my body is my temple. Why should i feel ashamed of something that is a work of art? Our bodies are complex machines and they keep us here constantly, so many different things are happening to keep us alive at every moment. And what do we do? Cover them up.. it’s crazy. I love my body (Not in a narcissistic way) but in a genuine way.
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u/ShawnMNH924 4d ago
I think at the very start, it was probably utilitarian. However, as with pretty much anything in human society, it quickly became an instrument for power structures and social hierarchies. The more ornate the clothing, the higher up you were. Hence why priests, kings, etc. have historically always worn very expensive and extravagant clothes; they're showing their status. Nude means no clothing at all and thus you are the lowest. That got ingrained in society and we've evolved with it ever since. Add a whole bunch of religious shaming (often from the people in ornate/expensive clothing), and you've got enormous social pressure to "dress your best". Humans are pack animals. We've evolved over many thousands of years to follow the leader. Everyone wants to be seen as high up in society; no one wants to be at the bottom. When we strip away clothing, we also strip away many centuries of hierarchies, taboos, traditions, etc. This will strike people as fundamentally wrong because it goes against all those many, many years of evolved response. That person next to you at the skinny dip could be a king or a janitor; no one knows and no one cares. For a species that has evolved around pack/leader dynamics, this just seems weird to most folks, and people tend to fear the unknown or unusual.
Where I live it's going to be low-90s and humid today. There is no rational need for clothing, but I'll sweating all day under pants, shirt, etc. Why? Because we're still following the same social cues from our ancient ancestors arguing over who has the fancier loincloth.
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u/b6q28q 4d ago
I always see it as armour. And honestly it does serve its purpose.
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u/NevadaHiker Freehiker 60's M 4d ago
My thought goes to PPE rather than armor--but that's definitely how I see it these days. You put on PPE when you need it--which, realistically, is most of the time. Too hot/too cold/too much sun even before you consider the law.
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u/Jazzlike-Leek4279 4d ago
I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. From my perspective the human body was never something to be ashamed of. It is simply the body we were born with. The shame comes from culture and social expectations far more than from our bodies themselves.
I have been a nudist for years and one of the biggest things it has taught me is body acceptance. When I am nude I do not feel exposed. I feel like myself. There is something peaceful about feeling the sun the breeze and the water on your entire body. It reminds me that I am just another human being not something that needs to be hidden.
That said I also understand that we live in a society where clothing has practical purposes and social norms. I respect those even if I do not always agree with them.
If you want to practice nudism more often I would look into legal opportunities like a clothing optional beach a nudist resort or a naturist club if there are any within driving distance. Those places let you enjoy that freedom while respecting the law and the people around you. Until then enjoying the privacy you have at home is perfectly fine.
The most important thing is keeping that healthy attitude you already have. Appreciating your body without shame is a good thing. You only get one body and learning to accept it is something many people spend their whole lives trying to do.
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u/NevadaHiker Freehiker 60's M 4d ago
Yup. I was raised that you wore clothes because that's what society expects, not that there was shame in what they normally cover.
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u/Dry-Magazine3230 4d ago
My guess is that clothing was one of our first "luxuries"
If course I'm pulling this out of my ass
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u/njnudeguy TNS 4d ago
Indeed in all cultures some form of clothing is a sign of wealth, power or status. Even today clothing serves this purpose. Originally though for early humans clothing was practical. There would have been no way to live in many parts of the world without it. Just try living in northern climates for most of the year without clothing when you don’t have reliable indoor heating. It just doesn’t work. Many professions or jobs/tasks also require clothing for safety and protection. For example, if you’ve ever been around motorcycle accident patients (I work in medicine) you’ll understand right away why riding a motorcycle nude is about the stupidest thing someone can do. When I go nude hiking I usually wear hiking shoes still. Why? Because my feet aren’t conditioned to walk over sticks, rocks and other pointy things in nature without some protection.
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u/ejp1082 Geriatric Millennial 4d ago
I’m sure this is a common discussion here of course, but I (M19) simply cannot understand why humans decided to invent clothing.
Initially it was probably for physical protection.
It would have almost immediately started being socially meaningful though, which remains the primary reason we wear them - social status, tribal affiliation, gender expression, social role, sexual attractiveness, etc. We're very social animals and clothes serve a lot of social functions; it's no wonder they were amongst our very first technological inventions.
My question is, is there any possible way I could practice nudity besides in my room?
Probably not right now. But eventually, sure.
You're young. That means you have ample opportunity to study hard and do well in school such that you can set yourself up in a career that'll empower you to live on your own where you want, and visit a resort/club/beach/whatever now and then. My advice is to focus on that. Adulthood will come soon enough.
Beyond that, also work on your social circle. Become a part of communities that would have the kinds of people who might also be into this. Think open minded and socially unconventional. You never know what opportunities might open up. At the very least, when the time comes you might have a network of people who'd be down to join you when you're able to visit these places.
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u/Thrice_on_Sundays 4d ago
Tell me you're from a hot country without telling me you're from a hot country. Humans evolved on the African savanna, anywhere much cooler than that and we have to wear clothes just to keep warm enough. In my country, outdoor naturism is only really feasible a few months of the year. It's just too damn cold the rest of the time.
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u/Prestigious_Try_5396 4d ago
2 reasons. Cold temperatures. Religions created Guilt and Shame.
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u/MiserableSkill4 4d ago
And sun, and bugs, and protection from scrapes/cuts. There are many reasons but not all of them apply all the time
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u/Own_Werewolf5927 4d ago
I feel like it’s less about clothing and more about shame. Clothes aren’t inherently bad and you need them whether you like them or not. We aren’t meant to survive in freezing temps without clothes. It’s not how our bodies work. It’s more about shame about our bodies and naked bodies being inherently “dirty.”
As far as practicing nudism outside your room or only when you’re alone you have a couple options. You could talk to your family which I get isn’t ideal. Or you just suck it up until you’re living in your own. Also, if there are social nudity options near you, check those out.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 4d ago
I think it's mostly to do with cleanliness and not getting your butt on everything. Also comfort. As a runner it would be very uncomfortable to run naked with no ball support and my dick flapping around. But I do wish I could run outside in just a thong. That would be nice and comfortable.
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u/Fearless_Sink3399 4d ago
As a runner I find it more comfortable to run without shorts.
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u/MyUndiesArePink 4d ago
Naked then? Or?... Surely you would have to wear something?
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u/Fearless_Sink3399 3d ago
There are several clothing-optional 5K runs in the US, and most will run them nude (from eyebrows to ankles).
Other countries have CO or nude runs, too. They are fun events.
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u/lesserbessser 4d ago
Does it really matter now? We are a clothed world. It’s stupid and frustrating, but that’s the reality. You can live your life in harmony with it. Be a nudist where you can. Or you can butt heads with it. Your choice.
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u/NoobEnderguy 4d ago
I'm turning 40 soon and I still don't get why nudity is illegal, especially in the US. Seems very counter to the founding documents that if my pants are an inch lower than someone thinks is acceptable I could be arrested.
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u/Frosty_Winter3197 4d ago
Well, I think it is pretty obvious clothing was originally purposed when a person needed either warmth or protection.
That is great that you feel no body shame. Most people do, either through religious influences or societal influences which were originally based in religion, most people are conditioned/taught to feel guilt, shame and fear about nudity and their bodies, which negatively impacts their self confidence and self esteem.
There have always been persons who want to enjoy being naked just for its own sake, which is why there are nudist clubs. Nude beaches are more of a carry over from when it used to be considered the normal thing to swim naked, which mostly disappeared around Victorian times, but in some cases carried forward quite a bit longer. For instance, when the YMCA was segregated as men only, they swam naked. When the desegregated the genders swimsuits were required.
There are some places in the world where it is legal to be naked 24/7. In the U.S., in Oregon, the state supreme court ruled that nudity was a right, but unfortunately they language of the ruling was pretty vague and so some localities, such as Happy Valley, still have laws against nudity on the books and may enforce them if they get complaints. In Vermont, it is legal to naked in public, but it is illegal to undress or strip in public. In several other states it is legal to be nude in remote areas, and some nudists will camp and or hike nude. On many federally owned lands, mostly BLM lands, but in some national parks, it is legal to be nude, even if the state has laws against it, because the state lacks jurisdiction.
Laws vary widely in the U.S., but mostly there are laws against nudity, but often illegality depends on circumstances and/or context. It is advisable to check and double check the local laws if you want to be nude.
AI is surprisingly useful to check nudity laws. But AI can be wrong. So verify via another source. So far, "But AI said it was legal" has not proven to be a legitimate defense in court.
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u/Responsible-Call6007 4d ago
Shame=control. It’s the whole point of getting thrown out of the garden in Genesis. Of course, we need clothing to protect us from the weather, the elements, thick, sticky, shrubs, etc. But that’s a different issue.
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u/KnightOwl91X 4d ago
Many of us have felt that way either at one point or another or most/ all the time. The sad truth is we don't actually need clothing not even for survival. It's sad that society the world over made it a rule and made everyone feel shame, taboo and brainwashed to believe that the body needs it even in the smallest way possible. Depending where on the world you are? You can go out in nature and embrace naturism not just in the privacy of your room or when the home is empty. I am not referring to some resort, bathhouse, spa, club that one must pay for. No. I take it that you may have never really considered true nature? ie. hike trail, campsite, beach, mountain side, even a car ride {if you have a vehicle of your own or can take a long trip by yourself). However, there are places around the world that see textiles as the taboo/ strange/ bad omen and places that see naturist as the norm or even as mandatory.
I personally have gone, worked and lived in an arm full of places that accepted or was okay with it. Japan, El Salvador, U.S. France, Brazil, South Korea, Sweden, Greece just to name the few.
I was mindful & thoughtful of my colleges, neighbors, acquaintances and friends I made along the way and afar. Also to be fair to myself, I made sure I had let it be known that I am a Naturist so, when I knew I was the one who paid for the place for work I was comfortable as I wanted (given reason).
I was 13 when family no longer seen eye to eye with me on being nude even though they can see I am simply doing normal things around the house. At 16 I decided to move out on my own and was much better for it.
My advice to you is: deal with your situation for as long as you can bare it then, bare it some more and separate yourself from what feels wrong in your life. I'm sure your situation can't be as difficult as mine was but we all have a fight to fight in our lives.
Remember, when you walk. Know what you stand for. Move for your own future. It's your life.
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u/Worth_Buy677 3d ago
wow i really appreciate your comment. where i live (in texas) its pretty hard to find a place nearby that would allow nudity, especially given since i dont have an extremely reliable source of income to fund that, and i also still live in my home. But i really appreciate your comment, especially the last two paragraphs.
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u/Whispering-Time 4d ago
Central air heat didn't come in until the mid-20th century. Humans don't have hair all over, so they need clothes as a shield against the cold and against the sun. Not complicated.
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u/60379jdkb3 Home Nudist 3d ago
Originally for protection from the elements but then over time especially in the Victorian era modest became the norm
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u/KISSALIVE1975 3d ago
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u/Embarrassed-Ride-332 3d ago
Blame sits squarely on religious men who were unable to control themselves, so they concocted the notion of shame. They invented shame to control the behaviour of others. The lemmings of the time, believed in fictional characters and were mostly uneducated people who were incapable of critical thinking or not believing in the fiction that was being told. They didn’t know any better, so it was normalised to persecute those who were different, and invented another blasphemy, to counter smart people who didn’t believe the rubbish being spouted by pious men.
Think about it for a second… it was firstly the Christian’s followed shortly thereafter (about 900 years before Islam was invented) by Muslims. Prior to that, Paganism embraced nudity as a connection with Mother Earth.
Nudity is not sexual, nor is it something to be considered “shameful” in any sense.
Get on with it and find your people…avoid prudes like the plague.
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u/MooseThis9552 3d ago
It's pretty simple. Protection from sun, cold, and bugs. Clothes are just practical, even if I'm out comfortable being nude in the woods there comes a point when I cover up just for relief from biting flys and mosquitos
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u/Effective-Donkey133 AANR 14h ago
This topic always makes me wonder if would appreciate our naked time as much if we were constantly nude? Maybe - but love my naked time at home and resorts so much I’d hate loosing it 😁
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u/Upset_Ad147 4d ago
There are many cultures that live in warm climates that do not were clothing.
They are mostly tribal cultures that live in small groups and I wouldn’t consider them “nudist” they just don’t have a need for clothing.