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What Should I Wear in a Sauna?

What Should I Wear in a Sauna?

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When stepping into a sauna, what you wear can make a big difference in your experience. Whether you’re visiting a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, or a steam room, understanding the appropriate attire ensures you maximize comfort, safety, and the health benefits that saunas offer.

We’ll guide you through all the essential details you need to know about what to wear (and not to wear) in a sauna, along with some essential tips for an enjoyable and relaxing session.

Should You Wear Anything in a Sauna?

The first thing to know is that sauna etiquette varies by location and culture. In Finland, for instance, saunas are often a nude experience, emphasizing natural relaxation and hygiene. However, in other regions, it’s common to wear towels, swimsuits, or light clothing. Ultimately, what you wear depends on the type of sauna you’re using, your comfort level, and the specific rules of the facility.

woman in a sauna

What to Wear in a Sauna

Here are the most common options for sauna attire, along with their pros and cons:

A Towel

Wearing just a towel is a popular and practical choice for most sauna-goers. It provides a barrier between your body and the sauna bench while allowing your skin to breathe.

  • Pros: Comfortable, hygienic, and promotes better sweating.
  • Cons: Requires careful positioning to prevent it from slipping unintentionally.

Swimsuits

In public saunas, swimsuits are often required to maintain modesty, especially in mixed-gender settings.

  • Pros: Keeps you covered in shared spaces.
  • Cons: Synthetic fabrics may not be ideal for high heat and can trap sweat, leading to discomfort.

Lightweight Sauna Clothing

Specialized sauna attire made from organic, breathable materials like cotton or linen is another great option.

  • Pros: Allows sweat to evaporate while maintaining modesty.
  • Cons: Can feel excessive in the high heat of a sauna, potentially making the experience less comfortable or limiting the body's natural sweating process.
sweaty back

Going Nude

In private saunas, going nude is often the preferred option for optimal comfort and hygiene. In many traditional Finnish saunas, people sit directly on the wooden benches while naked, but they often place a small personal towel or mat to sit on for hygiene. This protects the bench from direct contact with sweat while minimizing the amount of material inside the sauna. This also eliminates the risk of fabrics interfering with your sweating process.

  • Pros: Most natural and comfortable option for your body.
  • Cons: May not be suitable for shared or public saunas.

What NOT to Wear in a Sauna

Certain items can hinder your sauna experience and even pose safety risks. Avoid these at all costs:

Synthetic Fabrics

Avoid clothes made from polyester, nylon, or other synthetic materials. They can trap heat and moisture, causing irritation or even overheating.

Jewelry

Metal accessories can heat up quickly, leading to burns. Leave all jewelry outside the sauna.

Shoes

Keep the sauna space clean by leaving footwear outside.

Lotions or Oils

While not technically clothing, wearing heavy skincare products can clog pores and reduce the benefits of sweating.

Sauna Attire by Sauna Type

Traditional Saunas

In Finnish culture, traditional saunas are often enjoyed nude, particularly in private settings. However, if you’re in a public or mixed-gender sauna, a towel or lightweight clothing is more appropriate.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, making lightweight clothing or a swimsuit a better fit. These saunas focus on deeper heat penetration, so wearing minimal clothing allows the infrared waves to reach your skin directly.

Steam Rooms

Since steam rooms are highly humid, wearing a swimsuit or towel is typically the best option. Cotton clothing can absorb moisture and become uncomfortable in this environment.

spa products

Essential Sauna Tips for Comfort and Hygiene

Bring an Extra Towel

Use one towel to sit or lie on and another to wipe off sweat if needed.

Avoid Heavy Perfumes

Keep the sauna experience pleasant for others by avoiding strong scents.

Shower Beforehand

Showering before entering the sauna helps remove oils, dirt, and other impurities, creating a cleaner and more hygienic environment.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water before and after your sauna session to replenish fluids lost through sweating.

The Takeaway: Find What Works for You

Ultimately, what you wear in a sauna depends on your personal comfort level, the type of sauna, and the setting (private vs. public). Whether you choose a towel, a swimsuit, or nothing at all, the goal is to create an environment where you can fully relax and enjoy the health benefits of sauna bathing.