Statistics and surveys don't lie: bears like high fashion. Gone are the days when bears wore only a bow tie and a smile. Or are they?

A small group of old-fashioned bears from Washington State is going back to basics. "Teddy bears way back when didn't wear fancy hats and velvet dresses," says Harlan, who prefers to go bare and only wears a neck bow on special occasions. "Call us 'old school,' but there's something to be said for this natural way of living."

Brandon Michael, who used to model hand-knit sweaters, went bare after developing an allergy to angora. "My snobby model friends won't talk to me now. But I don't care. Bare is best!"

Fraternal twins Morley and Leslie were taught early on to feel comfortable in their own skin. "Our parents raised us in the wild. Nuts and berries, you know, the whole bit," says Leslie. "This is who we are and how we intend to raise our own families."

Fuzzy Grizbear doesn't wear bear clothes because he can't find outfits that fit right. "My fur is so long and fuzzy. Every time I tried on a dress shirt, it just puffed out. After a while you just give up, throw in the towel, and decide to go naked. Feels pretty darn good. And I save tons of money 'cause I don't go to the tailor."

Sally Skinzy