Nude swimming for men was a very common practice, and often required, at schools and YMCAs for much of the 20th Century. While the instructor is clothed in the first photo, often a male swim coach would be naked as well. In a men-only environment, swimsuits served no purpose, and students learned to accept nudity and their manhood in a positive way. Photos from the Life Magazine archives.
In case you’re wondering why I’m always insisting that nudity is most Manly….
The pictures above come from Life Magazine, the top weekly print publication in America from 1936 until 2000.
Male nudity was very very common in WMCA swimming pools and high school and college swim teams.
Nudity was considered most Manly and the shared nudity bonded boys and Men – naturally.
No shame. No self conscious behavior. No implication that nudity was promiscuous.
Our Consumer Culture, the dominant culture, “poisoned the well” by pushing the idea that male nudity is shameful and clothes make the Man. Buy your Manliness and appear Manly with the right clothes.
Wrong!
Nudity is most Manly!
WarriorMale
Boys were still swimming naked at the YMCA and some summer camps, high schools, and colleges. That’s just how it was. The YMCA only allowed trunks after the YWCA shut down and women were invited to use its pool. It was a good experience … totally non-sexual.
Yes, its time that we return to this practice.
It’s time to fight the shame Men feel with their bodies.
It’s time to fight the Consumer Culture and its manipulation of Men.
WarriorMale
WarriorMale 