Vintage Nude Swimmers

Before 1960 swimsuits were uncommon in single gender environments, with nudity mandatory at the YMCA and many other public facilities. So enjoy these images of nude bathers from the 40s and 50s.

9 Thoughts to “Vintage Nude Swimmers”

  1. I had swim lessons at the Y, always in the nude. At summer camp, the same rule applied, “Nude Swimming Only” As part of the swim team in High School, we would also train at our local Y after school, again in the nude. I would also help on the Saturday “Father-Son” swim session at the Y.

  2. I took swimming lessons starting the mid 60s, then trunks were wore. When it was in a lake or creek and just friends it was nude. Nobody cared, not parents or neighbors.
    There was also no judgement regarding your size.

  3. Swim class in my HS was mandatory for all freshmen. 5500+ all boys public school 1967-1971. Everybody naked. Keeping it down seeing 35 or so other naked 14 year old boys was tough.

  4. I started swimming at the YMCA in 1955 when I was 9 years old. We were required to be naked and parents often watched. By the time I was 14 I was teaching swimming. I often stood naked talking with mothers about their sons. I never thought twice about it. And when our swim teams competed all family members were invited to watch. There was no body shaming like there is today.

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