TAKING your kit off to reveal your birthday suit for all to see is nothing new, but the desire to live a life free of clothing is an increasingly popular trend.

Every year in the UK, annual skinny dips are held in a bid to encourage people to bin their clothes and embrace their naked ambition – but what exactly is a naturist and how do you join?

4 Millions of people in the UK are naturist and embrace live in the nude Credit: Alamy

What is naturism?

Naturism is the act of going naked in designated areas, either individually or within a social circle.

Many naturists are members of specialised venues or events, where nudity is optional or expected.

For many, being a naturist is a way of life and centres around respect for oneself, others and nature, as well as just taking off your clothes.

There are a series of ideals that have formed within naturist groups:

Ecological or environmental — respect for the natural world.

Health —Enjoying the benefits of the sun and fresh air

Diet — Many people moderate or prohibit alcohol, meat and tobacco intake

Psychologically — respect and accept for all humans

Spirituality — Embracing your nudity and being close to nature

Pedagogy — respect children as equals

Equality — If you take off your clothes you limit social barriers

Liberty —everyone has the right to not wear clothes

4 For many, being a naturist is a way of life and centres around respect for oneself, others and nature, as well as just taking off your clothes Credit: Alamy

Is naturism the same as nudism?

Although the term is often used interchangeably, especially in the US, there is a subtle different between the two terms in the UK.

Nudism is the act of being naked and enjoying your own skin.

Naturism goes further and for many is a lifestyle involving self-respect, vegetarianism, non-smoking, yoga, teetotalism, pacifism and respect for the environment.

How many naturists are there in the UK?

There are around 3.8 million naturists in the UK, and the British Naturism has more than 9,500 members.

And there is more opportunity than ever to get your kick off in the UK.

If naked restaurants and bike rides in the buff weren’t revealing enough, a new fitness trend encourages fitness fanatics to bare all.

For £8, gym goers can attend the hour-long class, which is described as “gentle boot-camp style exercise with partner games and teamwork” – all without clothes.

4 There are around 3.8 million naturists in the UK, and the British Naturism has more than 9,500 members Credit: Alamy

Class leader Helen, who is also a member of naturist organisation British Naturism, believes that removing clothes helps participants to really follow along with all the moves.

She said: “The main benefit of exercising naked is that you can really see what the instructor is doing in the exercises.

“For example, if you are doing a plank but wearing baggy exercise clothes, it is hard to tell if you have the correct form or not.

“You also don’t have to think about washing sweaty gym clothes after the class, and it’s a great way to celebrate the body.”

And the benefits are not just physical.

Scientists at Goldsmiths, University of London found the longer a person spent naked the better they felt about themselves, their body and their lives.

4 Scientists have found the longer a person spent naked the better they felt about themselves Credit: Alamy

What is the British Naturism federation?

British Naturism is the Naturist organisation of the UK - and aims to support those who have decided to opt for a naked way of life by providing safe venues and working to make social nudity more acceptable in the country.

The organisation has now been running for 52 years, and has been helping areas create their own naturist groups for those who prefer going out in their birthday suit as opposed to their work one.

British Naturism is mainly run by volunteers, and is funded by those taking part with a subscription fee.

