To go topless in my own garden?

[YellowStages]

Perhaps I am. I have to say, I feel quite sad that so many people might mind since it's even in my own garden. Posting in AIBU so preparing myself for a flame

I have been in the garden with just bikini bottoms on today, playing with my 6 month old in the paddling pool , relaxing, etc.

I am almost 100% sure next door wouldn't be able to see anything, unless the children jumped on their trampoline and caught a glimpse. But they're impeccably quiet and I've never heard a peep from them (I think they're both no more than age 8).

We do however have a bit of a gap at the back where you can sort of see onto the huge field in front of us, where some little boys ride their bikes, lots of football training goes on, people walk their dogs, etc.

But it is generally a very quiet area and apart from when football is taking place, never really anyone there!

DH has been very and thinks I should at least be cautious and cover when I'm facing a certain way.

AIBU? I have been quickly whipping a Muslin over myself sometimes but as the day has progressed, I've started not to bother.

I'm really comfortable just being topless and it is the absolute norm where my family are from.

I breastfeed in the garden so that makes that easier too. I know I should probably consider other people but it is my own personal garden so I think people can look the other way if they're not wanting to see, can't they?

I'm a B cup so you wouldn't see any swooshing around. Not much to see really.

It is inequality, I don’t disagree. As it stands, OP is doing nothing wrong. However, if a neighbour comes round, expresses that they are offended and OP argues back “i’ll Do what I want in my own garden” and continues to do it, then there is an offence committed. I’m not even saying she would do that. I only said what I said because of all the people saying you can do what you want in your own garden, and that is not strictly true. That was all I was saying.

Enjoy your sunbathing OP 😊

It's fine, my dad does it all the time.

storm Can you link to the offence you are so sure the op could be convicted of if someone complained?

Yes. Very unreasonable.

here

Go for it, it is your garden and private property.

No one can easily see into mine and I always sunbathe in just my knicers. If they want to position themselves with long lens cameras peeking through holes in the fence or fly a drone over that's their look out. Given how many locals totally cover up head to toe including full burkha it is almost a matter of principle that we mainain the right of the English to our free nudity (my grandparnets used to swim naked in the North sea eveni the 1920s - family tradition0. Free yourself of clothes today... mind you I just trimmed back a very prickly bush in the garden and I made sure I was well covered up for that.

Identify as a man if anyone complains...?

(sorry )

Of course you should go topless if you want.

We unfortunately live in a nation of prudes.

So why is it ok to go topless on a beach which is very public but not in your own garden. I have a neighbour who sits in her front garden topless. No problem

No issue at all.

If I were younger I would.Theres nothing offensive about it.
Nowadays I might get splinters in them walking on the decking😫

@apbio that thread was more about round the shops than in own gardens.

YANBU when I was breastfeeding my son in the summer he was born I would sit outside topless. I dont have large breasts so wearing a bra etc was more trouble than it was worth, just made me hot and uncomfortable. Should be able to relax in your own garden without being uncomfortable, particularly if you are breastfeeding. If your garden is not really overlooked then I dont see the problem at all.
Of course people could make an effort to look in but thats their own prob isnt it.

Nicknacky - read what I said, I did not say she would be convicted of an offence if the neighbour complained. I said if she continued to do it after a neighbour complained then potentially yes there could be an issue.

www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/nudity-public-guidance-handling-cases-naturism

*In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this).

In this case such conduct should be regarded as at most amounting to an offence under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986; and regard needs to be had to the question of whether a prosecution is in the public interest.*

It would come under naturist law as there is no separate "topless" law. I doubt very much that OP will get into any trouble at all but, as I have already said, it is not correct to say "your garden, your rules".

Does your DH go topless in the garden?
There is your answer!

storm that link is completely irrelevant. She is committing no offence at all at merely sunbathing in her garden, even if snowflake neighbours complain about it.

You are correct in saying that being in your own garden does not give you the right to do anything you want, but that doesn't apply in this situation.

Well we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I lurrrrve sunbathing naked when possible and topless when being fully nude isn't possible. We live in London but have a walled garden that can't be overlooked (at least not without some serious stretching and effort) so today I had shorts on and was topless.

I don't look as attractive anymore though- DD boobs with gravity and children having had an impact- but I love the feeling of warm sun on my skin nonetheless!

I think it's hideously low class to sunbathe topless and that you're putting yourself at unnecessary risk of sun damage.

@ILikeMyChickenFried what about the rest of her body,that at risk? Or no😕 just her boobs

We live in the countryside, no nearby neighbours, nice enclosed garden / BBQ space and shaded patio area ... so I'd enjoy lazing about in various states of undress when the weather is OK. HD has never complained .

However, with two teenagers about that's not often these days! They'd certainly be offended!!

I think it's hideously low class

If that's my only crime then I shan't threat

low class😂😂😂PMSL

I really wanted to do this yesterday but we have teenage boy neighbours, who wouldn't be offended but would more than likely have a good look. I don't mind people catching a glimpse in passing but both of their bedrooms are at the back of the house and they can see over our fence into our garden without too much trouble 😬