Nudity is natural, but so is being considerate.
This post is part of my Daily Naturist Living series, a personal exploration of how naturism weaves into my everyday routines—at home, in the garden, on the move, and yes, even during chores or coffee breaks. It’s not about escaping to a resort (though I love that too)—it’s about how living naked, when done with intention and respect, can shape daily life for the better.
I live nude. That’s not just something I say—it’s how I show up, day in and day out. At home, I’m naked. In the garden, I’m naked. When I write, cook, read, or water the tomatoes—I’m naked.
But sometimes, I grab a robe.
Not because I’m ashamed. Not because I’ve suddenly changed my mind about naturism. Simply because naturism isn’t about stubbornness—it’s about comfort, confidence, and yes, consideration.
Ding-Dong…
You know that moment: you’re deep in a naked task—vacuuming, gardening, stretching in the sun—and the doorbell rings. Maybe it’s a delivery. Maybe it’s a neighbor returning a spade or looking for eggs.
I’ve got a sarong or robe always within reach. Not hidden, not shamefully tucked away—just there, waiting. If I need it, I grab it. If not, I carry on.
The beautiful truth? My neighbors know I’m naked most of the time.
They’ve dropped in unannounced, they’ve seen me tending the garden, and they’re not shocked. If anything, they’re used to it—and I’m grateful for that. There’s mutual respect. I don’t flaunt. They don’t stare. We just live.
But when the situation calls for it—when I sense it’s the respectful thing to do—I throw something on. Quickly, easily, casually. No fuss.
It’s Not About Rules—It’s About Rhythm
Naturism isn’t a contest in who can be naked the longest. It’s not a game of “you’re not a real naturist if…”. That kind of rigidity doesn’t interest me. I didn’t choose this lifestyle to box myself into a new uniform made of dogma instead of denim.
I chose it because it makes sense. Because it feels right. Because it allows me to live fully, comfortably, authentically. And that includes knowing when to cover up—for the mail, for the plumber, for that one new neighbor who might need a moment to adapt.
I’m not dressing up—I’m just adapting. Temporarily.
Being Naked Doesn’t Mean Being Oblivious
Living nude in a clothed world means learning to read the room—even when it’s a doorstep. Sometimes, being a good naturist means grabbing the robe, smiling, and showing that nudity isn’t oppositional—it’s optional.
Naturism is Freedom. And Freedom Includes Choice.
Covering up for a knock on the door doesn’t make me less of a naturist. It just makes me a naturist who understands that respect, context, and connection matter.
I’m not dressing for them—I’m undressed for me.
And when I do reach for the robe, it’s not defeat.
It’s just good timing.
Do you ever cover up?
What’s your robe routine? Do you stash one by the door or stay proudly bare? I’d love to hear how you balance nudity and social norms.
Share your “robe moments.” Let’s show that being naked and being considerate go hand in hand.
Get Nude, Stay Nude, Live Nude and Share the Nude Love!
With regard to when, or whether to cover up. I often give away perfectly good items that I have no further use for on Freecycle Sites. When I give my address to people who request items I always add the following. “Just so you know! Most of the time I maintain a naturist lifestyle. Consequently I will probably be going about my daily business “au naturel”. If you are not comfortable with that simply message me when you are on your way as I have no wish to cause any alarm or embarrassment. I can then leave your item by the doorstep for you to collect. Thanks. 07nnnnnnnnn. Keith.
However, because non-sexual nudity in public is totally legal and does not conflict with criminal law in this country I am less inclined to cover up for uninvited callers. I rather liked the comment posted by one contributor on another site who said that when he told the plumber he was a naturist the plumber replied “I’m coming to your house to fix your plumbing, not to tell you how to live your life”.
Thank you Keith. I agree with the stance on being less inclined to cover-up. I’m sitting on a fence on this, and yes, I would tend to agree.
I have a sign on the front door that says “Nudist Inside” so very few knock. Even Jehovahs leave their literature but don’t knock. In a couple of rare cases, I’ve pulled on an old kilt — the same one I use in my front yard. After that warning sign, however, I’m really free to do what I want.
I love this!
I have a robe at both doors, since i am always nude in the house.
Thank you Mitchel. If this makes sense for you, this is awesome!
I am a 24-7 naked naturist, but I do not understand WHY WE NATURISTS HAVE TO RESPECT OTHERS all the time! I am pretty fed up with that. Why can’t others respect me for being a naked naturist, instead? Think about it and let it sink in…
Just saying.
I agree Christofer and I tend to think alike. Being naked does not harm anyone (let’s be really honest). I’m however recognizing the fact that nudity can shock people, so live and let live…
Respect should go both ways. As well as I should respect their wish to not seing nudity (they can look away, it’s not that hard), they should respect my wish to be and stay naked.
Yes, I agree. I say that the two most important considerations in nudism are Respect and Consent. I respect other people’s sensitivities – if they are unknown, I treat my supposition of them conservatively. As far as the “consent” part is concerned, by being a nudist, I automatically give my consent to see and be seen, naked. No more – no less!
How I deal with unexpected visitors, is simply a sign on the closed gate to my property saying,
“WARNING! When the weather is warm, I prefer to not wear clothes. If this offends or embarrasses you, honk your horn, wait here and I will cover up and come and open the gate. Otherwise, come on in and close the gate behind you”
Cheers,
Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin. Respect and ask for consent seems to be a great way to avoid direct confrontation in a prudish world, with people who will look for a fight just for the sake of it.
I will take the pareo upon which I’ve been sitting and wrap it around my waist, exactly for the reasons you have so well stated.
And my wife keeps a muumuu she can quickly throw on by the door.
Yep, I sometimes do the same, Bill. Thank you.
I don’t know how it works in America, but where I live (in Italy), no one knocks on my door unannounced. If it’s friends, we ALWAYS arrange it by phone beforehand. So we know in advance they’ll be coming. No one goes to someone’s house uninvited. Neighbors never knock. We say hello (if we meet on the street), but that’s it. The postman leaves the mail in the mailbox, so he has no reason to knock. Maybe it’s different in America. In any case, if it were to happen (very, very unlikely), I don’t see what the problem would be with wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Sure, I prefer being naked, but I can tolerate the discomfort clothes cause me, at least for a while. Then I can take everything off as soon as the guest leaves the house. Becoming a nudist hasn’t made me fanatical or unreasonable. I don’t share the fanaticism of some nudists, nor do I start counting the hours of nudity or anything else. Doing these things makes nudism unnatural.
Clothes only when circumstances require it, and naked in everyday life. Nudity is my dress.