How to Feel Comfortable Ditching Clothes for the First Time (Without Needing a Cocktail First)

When I first decided to spend time clothes-free around other people, I felt every possible version of awkward. My brain ran through every worst-case scenario. What if someone stares? What if I look ridiculous? What if I feel out of place? I almost backed out.

The funny thing is, none of those fears actually happened. What I learned instead is that comfort in these spaces has very little to do with how you look and everything to do with how you approach it. The nerves are normal, but they do not have to take over.

You do not need liquid courage to feel at ease. What you need is some preparation, a shift in mindset, and a clear picture of how these spaces really work. Here is how I went from anxious first-timer to actually enjoying the experience, and how you can do the same.

1. Know What to Expect Before You Go

The first time I went somewhere clothing-optional, most of my anxiety came from not knowing the rules. Was I going to accidentally break some unspoken code? Was everyone there going to know I was new?

I learned quickly that every place has guidelines. Some are stricter, like no phones and always bringing a towel to sit on, while others are more casual. Reading the rules ahead of time took away half my stress because I knew exactly what was expected before I ever stepped in.

2. Bring the Right Gear (It Is Less Than You Think)

I overpacked the first time. I thought I needed options, layers, backups, like I was preparing for a full-day hike. In reality, I only needed a few essentials:

• A towel to sit on

• Sunscreen, because some skin had not seen daylight in years

• Flip-flops for walking around

• A light cover-up for moving between spaces

That is it. The less I carried, the easier it felt to actually enjoy the experience.

3. Shift Your Mindset: Nobody Is Staring

This was the biggest lesson. When I walked in, I was convinced everyone would notice me, that I would somehow stand out as the new guy. What I realized almost immediately was that everyone was too focused on their own comfort to care.

Nobody was scanning the crowd to critique. Within a few minutes, what felt so strange started to feel normal. My brain stopped racing, and I could actually relax.

4. Learn the Etiquette

Etiquette is what keeps these spaces comfortable for everyone, and knowing it ahead of time makes you feel confident instead of clueless. Here are the basics I learned:

• Always sit on your towel, no exceptions.

• Do not stare, point, or comment on anyone’s body.

• Keep phones put away unless there is a designated area for them.

• Treat it like any other social space. A smile, a nod, and basic manners go further than you think.

5. Go with Curiosity, Not Pressure

When I stopped trying to “act confident” and just let myself be curious, everything felt easier. I walked around, sat by the pool, and just observed at first. Once I realized nobody was watching me and I was free to just exist, I started to enjoy it.

You do not need to go all-in right away. Ease into it. Let your comfort build naturally.

If you want more tips, along with a list of spaces that are genuinely beginner-friendly, I put together a resource that would have saved me a lot of nerves my first time.

Download the “No Shame Guide to Nudist-Friendly Spaces” here.