Get your kit ON! Naturists unveil range of... clothing

FOR a group who love to experience the great outdoors naked, it’s a rather curious way to appeal to new recruits.

But British Naturism, which says there has been a surge in the popularity of nudism since lockdown, is spreading the word… by telling fans to get their kit on.

T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and aprons are being sold with slogans such as ‘I’d rather be naked’, ‘I’ve got nothing on later’ and ‘Clothing is always optional’. There’s even a bright orange beanie hat with the phrase ‘Isn’t it a bit cold for that?’

The merchandise, which also includes a ‘Naturists may be seen beyond this point’ doormat priced at £20, is being sold on the British Naturism website, which promises that new items are ‘ready for the winter – or the British summer’.

Officials say further products in the pipeline include towels and flags ‘to show your support from tents, boats, caravans and maybe even flagpoles’.

British Naturism reported last month that the social isolation seen during the pandemic had ‘caused an explosion in naked living’.

The group has been staging dozens of online events each week allowing members to strip off and chat or take part in activities such as naked yoga sessions, cooking classes or cocktail hours on Zoom.

But lockdown restrictions have forced the organisation to reschedule one of its biggest annual nudist events – ‘The Gathering’ – to October when hardy naturists will venture to the Isle of Bute in Scotland.

Those joining the three- night break at one of the grandest hotels on the island may be grateful for British Naturism’s fleeces and woolly hats, as the average temperature in Bute at that time of year is just 7C (44F).

The recent interest in naturism has buoyed the movement’s longstanding fans who say they look forward to welcoming those who enjoy ‘ exploring the freedom, friendship and acceptance that naturism offers, perhaps for the first time’.

A spokesman added: ‘We’ve seen a growth in enquiries to join us, no doubt linked to coronavirus.

‘People were spending a lot of time at home during lockdown and I think a lot of them spent that time naked. It’s only natural that it would be carried over.’