There are a wide variety of places where you can go nude. You may want to start at home, or in the garden if you have a secluded spot. Naturist swims are frequently organized, these often offer jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms etc., in addition to the usual facilities. There are naturist health clubs, and some other health clubs have naturist evenings.  Naturist clubs are usually family oriented and provide a safe and private environment in which to enjoy social nudity. Most countries also have naturist beaches. Facilities vary from country to country, but naturist venues can easily be found in most western countries. Your national naturist organization should be able to give you information about naturist facilities available near you.

In the past naturism was mainly popular among wealthier people, but now that has all changed. You will find that naturists come from all walks of life from pop stars, doctors, clergymen, office staff, builders, professionals, manual  workers, nurses etc. In fact you'll find people just like you!

Few of us have perfect bodies, we all get older and our body changes. Naturism is all about being natural and accepting people the way they are.  Naturists come in all ages and have all sorts of bodies, some are  fat and and some thin, some are young and some old. One of the largest women I know is a naturist!   You will find wrinkles, stretch marks, sagging breasts, stretch marks, scars, mastectomies and much more among naturist women. The beauty of naturism is that we can just be ourselves and are accepted for what we are, we don't need to hide beneath clothes.  Naturism helps to create a confident and healthy self image.

Isn't it rude, indecent or just weird?  

Certainly not! The  strange idea that we shouldn’t reveal certain parts of our body has a long history. In some cultures women must cover their entire body. Even in western countries, many of our current fashions would have been totally unacceptable fifty years ago, skirts revealing the knees, swimsuits and bikinis. In recent years society has developed a healthier attitude to our bodies and in many European countries naturism has become very popular. We need to free ourselves of outdated ideas that there is something shameful or “naughty” about a naked body.

Naturism is not about voyeurism, exhibitionism or sexual display, it is about having a healthy attitude to our bodies and enjoying  the freedom and sensuality of not  wearing clothes. What could be more natural and normal?

In countries where naturism is more widely accepted,  there are fewer sex crimes than in those countries where nudity is considered indecent or restricted.

Public beaches are great places to be naked. Once you have experienced  a naturist beach it will seem unnatural to swim or sun bathe in a bikini or swimsuit, nothing beats the sensual feeling of the sun, sea and breeze on your completely naked body .

Public beaches are of course open to the public and, like any beach,  you will  find all sorts of people there. Sometimes a part of a naturist beach may be used as a meeting place for gays or swingers and there may be some sexual activity.  If you are going alone, or with a group of other women and  just want to enjoy the sun, sand and sea then you should choose  a beach that is used by families and chose a spot near a family, preferably one with children.  The same rules apply to a textile beach and there is no reason why you should feel more vulnerable on a nude beach. On some beaches you may encounter clothed voyeurs, these are usually sad people who are embarrassed by what they are doing and often hide behind the trees or in the dunes. They can generally be safely ignored!

Naturists are usually very honest, considerate and well behaved people and the general atmosphere at a naturist beach is usually much more pleasant than at a textile beach!  Women often feel safer at a naturist beach.

Oh! Don't forget the sun protection, especially for  those parts that you haven't exposed before!

Maybe, but no more than anywhere else! First-timers to naturism may stare a little at first, but they soon get used to being naked and surrounded by naked people. In fact most first-timers very quickly become completely comfortable at ease with nudity, this is not really surprising since it is the most natural way to be.

Textiles - This is the naturist word for those strange people who insist on wearing clothes even when they are swimming or sun bathing.

Towels - In many countries it is naturist etiquette to always place a towel over a chair or seat  before you sit on it. This is done for hygiene reasons, watch what others do if you're not sure.

Personal Space - How much space should you allow between you and your neighbours on a naturist beach? The rules are the same as any other beach and it depends how crowded the beach gets. Some European naturist beaches get so crowded and you have to use any space you can find!

Menstruation - This is natural and accepted as a normal part of life among naturist. Many women wear a bikini bottom or shorts during their period,  others prefer to just wear an tampon and stay naked. No one will mind either way.

Pubic hair - Some leave it natural, some trim it and others shave it all off. You will find all three styles among naturist women, although the smooth (shaved) look is becoming more popular.

Body decorations  - Body piercings (nipple, navel or genital) and tattoos are popular with some naturist women and  if you have them you will not feel conspicuous.  A few  private naturist clubs do not allow genital or nipple piercings, but they will tell you about that before you join. Tattoos are generally acceptable.

Photographs - You are of course  free to take photos of your family and friends, assuming they give their consent. Take care to ensure that your photos do not include other naturists who just happen to be around.

Sexual preference - This is your own business and no one else will take any notice about it. There are many gay, lesbian and bi-sexual naturists.

Sexual Activities - A public naturist venue is not the place for public sexual activity; body contact should generally be limited to a hug, kiss or help with applying the sun block.  Some "adult" naturist clubs do take a more permissive  view on sexual activities, but these are in the minority.