Imagine replacing your usual coffee date or happy hour with friends by spending time together in a warm, steamy room—completely naked. While this might sound unconventional to most Americans, it’s a practice deeply embedded in many cultures around the world. At a time when loneliness is at epidemic levels, perhaps it’s worth revisiting these communal traditions as a way to foster deeper human connections.
Origins of Bathhouse Culture
Bathing together with friends and strangers in public bathhouses was once a cornerstone of community life in many parts of the world. The tradition of communal bathing dates back thousands of years, from the Neolithic age to the Mezopotamians, the Romans, across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and it’s still in use in many cultures today. Not only have bathhouses been of ritual and even spiritual significance, they also served as social hubs where people would go to connect with themselves and others.
A Revival in the U.S.?
While bathhouses have largely fallen out of favor with the mainstream in American culture, due to the advent of modern plumbing and the strong influence of Puritan values—which positioned nudity, even in a non-sexual context, as shameful—their benefits and cultural significance remain compelling. In fact, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in communal bathing and wellness facilities in the U.S, particularly following the imposed social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are seeking out new ways to come together and connect in an increasingly lonely world, making the relaxing atmosphere of spas or traditional bathhouses, like Russian Banyas or Korean Jimjilbangs, a popular draw in urban areas.
The U.S. faces a growing loneliness epidemic. Studies show that loneliness has significant mental and physical health consequences, rivaling risks like smoking or obesity. Communal activities, like bathing, could provide a remedy by offering spaces for genuine connection and vulnerability—qualities often missing in modern relationships.
Learning from Other Cultures
Noah Shin, a 24 year old Korean-American, grew up frequenting traditional Korean bathhouses, where disrobing is mandatory. To him, there is a clear difference between Asian and Western cultures when it comes to non-sexual nudity and bathing with friends—it is still considered taboo in the West, “particularly among men, in settings where a culture of toxic masculinity produces insecure men, who project their low self-esteem and inadequacies as a defense mechanism,” he told Boona. This is in stark contrast to the culture Noah was raised in, where scrubbing another man’s back at the bathhouse is considered a sign of respect, and shyness around nudity among friends or other male strangers can be seen as a marker of insecurity and lack of masculinity.
However, Noah is also witnessing a gradual shift in these attitudes, as he has noticed more non-Asians exploring bathhouses with communal spas and showers in the US. “I do think the West will catch onto the norms of bathing in Asia,” he shared, citing the broader influence of Asian culture.
Vulnerability and Connection
Recently, Noah has taken the bathhouse culture he grew up with into his home, launching a video series on social media, where he films himself showering with his friends. A military man, currently in the US Air National Guard based in New York, Noah underwent nine weeks of basic training, where he would routinely shower with 40 of his fellow soldiers, which marked his first time doing so outside of a bathhouse. Although a different context, the experience deepened his understanding of the connection that physical vulnerability fosters.
“Nevertheless, making myself vulnerable in that way in front of friends still tremendously impacts self-confidence and the closeness of our friendship, due to the mutual understanding of respect and comfort in one another, especially when you're not only showering together but also holding an intentional conversation,” Noah explained, noting that the physical vulnerability of being naked together also translates to emotional openness, fostering deeper connections.
Noah’s assessment of the correlation between this vulnerability and his confidence is spot on, as research has shown that communal nudity can help people improve their body image. By being naked and physically vulnerable with others—whether strangers or friends—people feel less anxious about how others view their bodies which, in turn, makes them appreciate their own appearance even more.
The idea for the video project came to life during a cabin trip Noah took with his friends.What started as a practical way to clean up quickly after a soccer game on their trip evolved into a project showcasing the power of camaraderie and shared experiences. “While we were showering we obviously felt vulnerable, but that experience tremendously strengthened our brotherhood as we were laughing and joking around,” said Noah, noting that “through my videos, I hope people are reminded of the power of brotherhood, and sisterhood as well.”
While the idea of communal showering might seem unconventional, it aligns with the ethos behind our Tandem Shower, designed for couples to connect by sharing their shower space. Although primarily intended for intimate partners, Noah’s playful take suggests another layer of possibilities—so if you’re keen to try out the Tandem with your friends at home, we won’t stop you.
The Case for Showering Together: A Modern Twist
The decline of public bathhouses in the U.S. reflects broader cultural and technological changes, but their benefits remain timeless. Communal bathing offers more than just physical cleansing—it’s a way to foster connection, vulnerability, and community. Across cultures and centuries, bathhouses have been a cornerstone of human connection. Vulnerability, as Noah’s story shows, can break down insecurities, encourage mutual respect, and strengthen relationships. By normalizing non-sexual nudity, communal bathing can foster greater confidence and acceptance.
In a world where loneliness is on the rise, embracing communal activities like bathing could help address the yearning for connection and community. Whether it’s visiting a traditional bathhouse, trying our Tandem Shower with a partner, or even showering with friends like Noah, there are plenty of ways to explore the benefits of shared vulnerability.
Did we make a compelling case for trying this out? Let us know in the comments if you’d give bathhouses or showering with friends a try!
