Naturism - or nudism - the belief that life is lived better without unnecessary clothing. Why two names, what's the difference? According to some they are synonymous, for others nudism is an essential part of naturism, which then includes respect for and an affinity to the natural environment and humanity.

Naturism takes great care to separate nudity from sexuality. It might be defined as non-sexual nudity in a social setting. In the world as most of us experience it, this is not how it usually is. I suspect for many if not most people their opportunities to observe naked bodies other than their own are limited to bodies portrayed explicitly or implicitly as sexual objects, typically in red-top newspapers, top-shelf magazines, films and advertisements. An exception may be athletes and sports enthusiasts with communal changing rooms and showers, but I suspect even that is becoming less common

Types of naturist:

• Around the house (possibly this can only be nudism).
• Back-garden sunbathing.
• Back-garden gardening.
• Fenced-off club, jolly nude volleyball and arcane rules.
• Annual holiday at a naturist resort away from regular friends and in a decently warm place.
• "Official" naturist sites.
• Opportunist outdoor nude swimming.
• Country walks, beaches, discreetly away from the few others there.
• In-your-face body freedom campaigners.

Why might old farts object?

• Nudity promotes lasciviousness and promiscuity
• Nudity is proscribed by favourite superstition
• Nudity is proscribed by imposed superstition
• Nudity is ugly
• Nudity suggests sexual aggression (flashers)
• Nudity is an indication of poor morals
• Nudity is an indication of low class
• Nudity hides distinction by wealth or rank
• Nudity encourages equality
• Nudity is unhygienic
• Nudity will frighten the children

Nudity is good for:

• Relaxation
• Body acceptance
• Confidence
• Levelling of status
• Health
• Hygiene
• Assertion of individuality (while it's a small minority)

Naturists are:

• Biased towards the male
• Relatively older
• Relatively better-educated
• Relatively middle-class
• Biased towards the south and east (of the UK)