In the 1950's the lifestyle found an unparalleled growth until politics and religion intervened. Soon, laws were passed forbidding social naturism around America. Social naturists were forced away from the cities. From the 1950's to the 1980's the lifestyle grew rapidly. Nudists quickly learned that there was no correlation between sex and being naked. Men did not get erections upon seeing nude women as was commonly believed by outsiders.
Then, in the early 1990's social naturism in America begun to change, with new club owners arriving with fresh ideas to promote their clubs. "Clothing Optional" had become the new term. Anyone interested in social naturism could come first to check out the club without getting nude. Clothing optional really was the norm at most clubs. Even the clubs which said they were "Nude Only" would allow clothing to be worn in most recreation areas which once demanded total nudity. Traditional naturists were leaving clubs in record numbers.