First dates are always nerve-racking. What if you don’t fancy them, or they don’t like you? What if you have nothing to talk about and it’s really awkward?
So imagine sitting down and meeting for the first time while completely naked.
Naked speed dating events became a hit before lockdown, and many could now move online, offering people the chance to get to know each other without the distraction of clothes.
The events were held in pubs, with guests changing into robes on arrival before stripping off as they sat down. They would have three minutes with each potential match before moving on, just like in traditional speed dating.
We’ve spoken to two people who have searched for ‘The One’ in the buff, and the man behind the Date in a Dash events in London to find out why they do it, the advantages and disadvantages and their most memorable stories from the events.
Nolan, 36
Though he stripped off for the event, Nolan decided not to part with his hat.
“I wear it every day so it’s like my identity.”
The music and events promoter admits he didn’t go to his first event to find love, and more wanted the experience.
But when he was there he realised how much he enjoyed it, and has come away with some great friends.
He said: “I found it more relaxing than normal speed dating.
“You had nothing to hide. You’re not being judged. I feel we’re normally judged by what we wear and we try to guess what people do.
“People would be more talkative.
“I wasn’t really there to look for a date, I wanted to say I’d done it.”
He also found the conversation is a lot more interesting than other dating events he has attended.
He said: “One of the things I hated about speed dating is you talk about the same things – work and other things like that. But here you just talk about life.
“I would say give it a try, a lot of people do it in secret.
“It is the experience of doing it.
“You get the chance to meet interesting people and do something different.
“Guys are very respectful of the women who attend.”
Although Nolan has exchanged numbers with a few dates from the events, none of them have blossomed into romance.
However he has met friends through the events, and now enjoys doing other unusual events with them.
“I do feel like you were more open, both in the room and outside the room, than you would be in a normal speed dating event.
“You’ve got nothing to hide.”
Simon, 43
Despite what you might expect, Simon believes most men go to the naked events to find love rather than for a bit of fun.
“It keeps everything real. Normally you date four or five times before you get to the intimate bit.
“You cut through a bit of the rubbish. I think girls were more open because they were in a state of nudity, they were more honest about what they wanted.
“I don’t think guys are going for anything casual, we’re going to meet the love of our life.
“There are no barriers or games. Everyone was quite open.”
He was due to attend his first event with a friend, but they changed their mind at the last minute so he went solo.
“Initially people are looking around and thinking ‘what am I doing’ but once you get into it people are really chilled.
“Everyone was quite nervous at the start, there wasn’t lots of interaction. Everyone was holding their stomach in.
“It’s a great way to meet people.”
While he says it’s not a sexual thing, he does admit there can be awkward moments when some of the guys get a little “excited”.
He said: “Some guys do get a bit excited and have to cover it up.
“It was a giggle, you just ask normal questions.
“I think people just go for the crack, women tend to come in groups.
“People are all different shapes and sizes. It was just like a normal dating event but everyone was starkers.”
Simon did exchange numbers with a woman at the first event he attended, but it didn’t go any further as they realised they wanted different things.
He explained: “She was a little extreme. She was lovely and very edgy, but I was looking to fall in love and she was looking for something a bit more open.
“I could see myself being heartbroken.”
Simon is now in a relationship, but he would definitely recommend naked dating to anyone looking for love.
Would you ever try naked dating?
Yes – it looks like a lot of fun!I would love to, but not sure I’m brave enoughNo thanks – I’ll stick to Tinder!
He said: “I would say give it a go and really go for it, don’t be afraid. It’s 100 per cent mainstream – there is nothing kinky or rude about it.
“It’s just a one off, you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Rob – organiser
The fun and unusual events are put together by Rob from Date in a Dash, and he now hopes to move them online in lockdown.
He said: “If you’re confident enough to go to naked dating then you are meeting people with the same level of confidence and they have no hang ups about their body.
“There is a common interest and grounding there straight away.
“People who like to be naked tend to have other things in common too. It’s definitely a good ice breaker and a story to tell. Plus, you get to see people naked.
“Honestly, I’ve had no negative feedback. People love the concept, they find the way it’s managed is very relaxed/no pressure.
“They have found the quality of attendees has been very good and the number of people who have turned up has been far greater than they thought.”