If you’re new to the sauna experience, you may be wondering what to wear in a sauna. After all, saunas are hot and steamy environments, quite different from your typical locker room or living room. Dressing properly for a sauna session is important for hygiene, safety, and ensuring you can fully enjoy the relaxing heat.
The Short Answer: Less is More
Most sauna experts recommend wearing minimal clothing or going nude when using a traditional Finnish sauna. “Finns prefer to take saunas completely naked, even among strangers.” [1] This allows your skin to fully benefit from the dry heat and humidity without any barriers.
However, going nude in a public sauna isn’t permitted in many cultures. In these cases, the general guidance is to wear as little as you feel comfortable with. Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing or a towel is best to allow perspiration and heat transmission.
What To Wear in a Sauna: Don’ts
While the recommended sauna attire is minimal clothing or simply a towel, there are certain items you’ll want to avoid wearing altogether. Fabrics that don’t allow proper heat transmission or air circulation can cause problems in the sauna’s extreme heat and humidity.
Avoid Wearing Underwear or Swimsuits
When wondering what to wear in a sauna, it may be instinctive to just go in a swimsuit or underwear. However, you’ll want to skip any tight synthetic undergarments or swimsuits in the sauna. The nylon, spandex, or other non-breathable materials can trap heat and sweat against your skin. This discomfort could potentially even lead to burns, rashes, or other skin irritation.
Don’t Wear Excessive Clothing Layers
While you may be tempted to wear a t-shirt and shorts for modesty, too many clothing layers defeat the purpose of using a sauna. The dry heat needs to be able to penetrate and allow your body to sweat freely. Restrictive clothing made of heavy fabrics like denim will only make you overheat.
What Should You Wear On Your Feet?
No socks or shoes on the benches. Most saunas will require removing any socks, shoes, or sandals before stepping onto the wooden bench area where you’ll be seated. The heat can cause these items to become burning hazards. Shoes can also carry in dirt and bacteria, which is unhygienic. Stick to going barefoot on the sauna benches.
By avoiding underwear, swimwear, excessive layers, and footwear on the sauna benches, you’ll be able to make the most of your relaxing heat bathing experience. When it comes to sauna dress code, minimalism is key for maximum comfort and benefits.
Sauna Accessories
Other sauna accessories beyond minimal clothing, there are a few other items that can come in handy for an enjoyable sauna session:
- A towel to sit on and wipe perspiration
- A water bottle or electrolyte drink to stay hydrated (Recommend a glass bottle, as plastic could melt)
- A scrub brush for exfoliating your skin
- Clogs, slippers, or sandals to wear in the changing areas
Following typical sauna etiquette of using towels properly and fully rinsing off before re-entering the hot room will also ensure a comfortable, hygienic experience for everyone.
So the answer to “what to wear in a sauna?”, is a very simple one – as little as you feel comfortable with! Allowing your skin to be exposed to the heat promotes the fullest relaxation and health benefits. Just be sure to bring a towel, stay hydrated, and wear sandals or water shoes if needed.
Is dress code the same for infrared and traditional steam saunas?
Yes! Whether you’re planning to use an infrared or a steam sauna, the same clothing guidelines and etiquette apply. To learn more about the difference between infrared vs traditional steam saunas, check out our Ultimate Comparison Guide.
