The secret world of young British naturists

Peter, 25: “I’ve always ­enjoyed being naked, but it was only recently I ­attended a resort. Most of my friends and some colleagues know. Sometimes I might spend the entire day naked, if I don’t need to leave the house. Unless it’s a warm day, I’m only naked inside.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Jenny, with boyfriend Sam: “I’ve been a naturist for a year. Sam and I visited Studland [­naturist] beach. I was nervous, but I surprised myself. Normally I would have been too self-conscious, but I felt a sense of pride. I’m at university. My family doesn’t know, and I’ve told only one friend. Sam and I have been together for over a year. He doesn’t mind me being naked around women, but he’s not too sure about the men. He’s ­worried they’re perving. I do get that quite a lot, but Sam makes sure no one gets too near or ­accidentally brushes up against me.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Christopher, 24 (left): “I’ve been a ­naturist for 10 months, but I’ve been ­interested since I was 16, I just didn’t feel I could tell anyone. Now a few of my ­closest friends know. During summer, I’m often naked at home, but being a nudist in ­Britain is cold and wet. I tried it once in the ­middle of January, when the snow hit, but it would take a lot to coax me out of my clothes in that weather again. I’m definitely a ­fair-weather nudist.” ­ Photograph: Laura Pannack

Robert, 21: “I’ve been a part-time naturist since I was a child. When you’re young you can just walk around naked. I liked the feeling and I never did grow out of it. My girlfriend and I chill out at home ­naked, but she’s never ventured to any clubs or beaches. She doesn’t have any problems with me going, though.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Sam, 21 (third from left): “I’ve been a naturist for five years and I got my ­girlfriend Jenny into it. Unfortunately, there aren’t many young attractive women ­naturists, so Jenny is in the minority, and sometimes men make no effort to hide the fact they’re staring at her. All men get erections sometimes, that’s just the way it is. But sex and ­naturism are very separate in my world.”
Andy, 26 (far right): “I was curious about naturism, so I searched the internet and met others online. I haven’t had any ­embarrassing moments yet... but that’s why we always carry a towel!” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Vicky: “It all started with the ­superficial desire for an all-over tan! My boyfriend’s a nudist, too. It breaks down barriers – you don’t have any preconceptions based on clothes.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Carl (right): “I got interested at 16, when I had a bath with a few friends and realised I enjoyed being in the company of naked people. I sit around the house in the nude when it’s warm enough, and sometimes persuade some mates to join me, though they don’t tell anybody.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

“My fiancee and I first went to a nudist beach six years ago. In the summer, I’m clothed only when we see friends and family. My mum had a laugh when she saw us in the Brighton naked bike ride on YouTube.” Photograph: Laura Pannack

Pannack's project so far has taken 18 months, but the work is ongoing. Photograph: Laura Pannack