Dress code what to wear in a sauna? Spending time in a sauna can be soothing and relaxing, providing health benefits.
To ensure safety and maximize comfort, follow sauna etiquette and choose the right sauna clothing.
Although some cultures prefer to go to the sauna naked, this is not an option for most people. And that’s why this article gives you all the information you need about sauna clothing.
Choosing the right sauna outfit
Before we start looking at the types of sauna outfits, let’s define how you should approach choosing to wear clothing.
When selecting your sauna attire, consider these four factors:
- Lightness
- Breathability
- Looseness
- Easy to remove
Lightness
When using a sauna, your body temperature will rise and you will sweat, causing your clothing to stick to your skin. To avoid clogging your pores, it is recommended to wear lightweight clothing that allows sweat to pass through the fabric.
Breathability
Additionally, sauna clothing should be breathable to allow for air circulation and prevent overheating.
The hot air in the sauna can then pass through the fabric onto the skin, helping you sweat properly, and evenly.
Looseness
Although you may feel sweaty during sauna sessions, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes to minimize contact with your skin.
Easy to remove
Visiting a sauna can be a relaxing experience, but it can also be uncomfortable. It is recommended to wear clothes that can be easily removed, as they will become wet by the end of the session.
What to wear in a sauna session?
Wearing the wrong clothes in a sauna can hurt your experience, potentially making it unpleasant or even unsafe.
The following sections detail the best clothing options for a sauna:
- bathing suit
- towel
- cotton and linen clothing items
- sauna hat
- footwear
Bathing suit
Bathing suits are ideal as sauna wear as they allow you to sweat freely. Sweating and body temperature increasing in the sauna is beneficial for blood circulation, detoxifying the body, and opening the pores.
To ensure optimal performance, it is important to avoid sauna suits made of synthetic materials or PVC fabrics that may melt in high temperatures.
Towel
A cotton towel is mandatory when using a sauna, whether you are naked or wearing bathing clothes. Sauna enthusiasts often wear only a towel wrapped around the chest or waist.
It is customary to sit on a cotton towel rather than directly on the sauna benches. There are both hygiene and safety benefits to the correct use of a towel in the sauna.
It is a good idea to have several towels with you, one for the changing room, one for the sauna, and one for drying your skin after a shower or swim.
Cotton and linen clothing items
If you have the feeling that just a towel or cotton wrap is not enough, you can wear cotton or linen clothing in the sauna.
Cotton prevents heat from being trapped, allowing your skin to breathe. It is always comfortable to wear an oversized T-shirt and cotton shorts, in the sauna.
Other suitable clothing options include linen or a linen and cotton blend.
It is recommended to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.
Anything that absorbs too much heat will not be pleasant to wear.
Additionally, it is advisable to bring a towel to sit on during your sauna session to keep the sauna bench clean and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Hat
Sauna hats are necessary accessories that can enhance your sauna experience and protect your head from overheating.
The head is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dizziness and also loss of consciousness. In addition, a hat keeps you cool and comfortable while in the sauna.
Another benefit of a sauna cap is that it helps to moisturize your hair and scalp.
Footwear
When selecting sauna shoes, it is crucial to opt for non-slip footwear that is easy to put on and take off. Since many saunas require shoe removal before entry, it is essential to choose a suitable option.
Shower sandals or flip-flops are a popular choice for sauna footwear due to their lightweight design, ease of use, and ability to provide excellent traction on wet surfaces.
Sauna shoes are typically made of water and sweat-resistant materials. Select well-fitting shoes that will not cause discomfort or injury while you relax and enjoy the heat.
Infrared sauna
Infrared saunas have become a popular health & wellness activity. An infrared sauna is an innovative analog of the classic steam room. It warms up not only the upper skin layers, but also muscles, joints, and bones.
The main difference between infrared saunas and traditional saunas is how they use heat.
Unlike a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna uses a central heater to radiate heat directly at the user. The heat is generated through radiation, and less tissue in the path of the radiated heat enhances the sauna effect.
What to wear in an infrared sauna?
When considering what to wear to an infrared sauna, wear comfortable clothing that will not cause overheating.
A t-shirt and sauna suits are acceptable options for an infrared sauna, but be mindful of your comfort as overheating can occur quickly due to the sauna’s small and concentrated size.
An infrared sauna is different from a traditional sauna because you do not need to take a bath. When visiting an infrared sauna, it is common for people to wear only a thin towel.
Most infrared saunas are private, so there is no risk of being an uninvited guest or the only person in swimming trunks.
Does an infrared sauna penetrate clothing?
Many people have probably wondered whether infrared sauna can penetrate through clothing. To dispel doubts, we can say with certainty that infrared waves are prevented by any material that prevents direct contact of infrared radiation with the skin.
To get the full benefits of an infrared sauna session, you must have the maximum amount of infrared radiation in direct contact with you.
What to wear in a steam room?
When it comes to steam rooms, the clothing you wear can make a huge difference. The high temperatures and humidity levels can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
Choosing the right sauna suit is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment of the steaming room.
It is recommended to wear a sauna suit or loose clothing made of natural materials such as cotton to absorb sweat. Some people prefer to strip naked, but this is a personal preference.
Appropriate clothing for a sauna visit at the gym
When using the gym sauna sessions, it is important to wear gym clothes.
Natural fibers such as cotton are ideal as they absorb sweat and do not trap heat, thus causing discomfort in a hot environment.
Wear sandals or flip-flops that provide ventilation and do not stick to your feet when they sweat.
Most gyms do not allow changing clothes in the sauna. Therefore, it is best to remain in your clothes during your sauna session. Wearing appropriate clothing will help ensure a comfortable gym sauna experience.
Dress code for public sauna and private sauna
When using a private sauna, your main concerns should be comfort and cleanliness. In a public sauna, however, you should also consider the other people who will be sharing the space with you.
Start with more modest clothing options and then adjust as necessary.
It is a good idea to bring a swimming suit and a soft towel. In a private sauna, you have more flexibility to adjust the temperature and other settings to your liking.
What not to wear in a sauna?
Now that we know what to wear during a sauna session, let’s look at what to avoid. What should I not wear in the sauna? Some items should be avoided.
Synthetic and tight clothes
Synthetic materials should not be worn in saunas because they inhibit sweating and do not allow your skin to breathe properly.
Sweating is an effective way to flush toxic chemicals like BPA out of your body. Wearing materials that prevent sweating can prevent you from experiencing the health benefits of sweating.
Jewelry
Another thing you should not wear in the sauna is jewelry. This applies to earrings, rings, and any other metal jewelry, as they will get hot after a while and can burn you.
Dirty clothes
For a pleasant sauna experience, avoid wearing dirty clothes or previously worn and sweaty clothes, including gym clothes.
Workout clothing
It is not recommended to wear workout clothes in the sauna. Clothing made of PVC should be avoided as it is not suitable for the hot environment of the sauna and may even melt.
Creams, lotions, oils
Lotions and creams should be applied to your skin after sauna use. If applied before sweating, moisturizers and oils can clog the pores.
Nothing
In many countries, you do not have to be in a public sauna naked. You can be naked in private saunas as long as you are not seen by your neighbors.
Conclusion
Before entering a sauna, always read all warnings to comply with sauna etiquette. As for clothing in the sauna, the best option is something light, such as a cotton T-shirt or shorts that won’t put sweat on your skin.
Avoid sauna wear made of synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester, which can trap heat and make it harder to cool down, and tight clothes that can impede blood circulation and cause discomfort.
The choice of footwear when going to the sauna should also be considered carefully.
Topics & Questions
Here is a list of questions and topics that will help you understand the current topic and avoid unwanted situations
What clothes should you wear in the sauna?
What is the dress code what to wear in a sauna? When visiting a sauna, it is important to dress appropriately. Loose clothing such as a T-shirt is ideal. Also, wear sandals or flip-flops to avoid burning your feet on the hot floor. It is not recommended to wear jewelry or glasses in the sauna.
What should I pack for a sauna?
To visit a sauna, the following items are required: a sauna cap, sauna seat covers, towels, sauna scents, sauna brushes, scrubbers, and sometimes even buckets, and ladles.
What are common sauna rules?
When visiting saunas, personal hygiene should be observed to keep the inside of the sauna clean and to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. It is also important to have towels for sitting on the benches and wrapping your body. Be mindful of other visitors’ personal space and maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Most importantly, follow safety rules.
Do you wear clothes under a sauna suit?
Do not wear underwear underneath a sauna suit, as this prevents the normal drainage of sweat and heat and leads to overheating and the risk of dehydration or heat stroke. If you decide to wear something under your sauna suit, it’s best to wear moisture-wicking clothing to wick away sweat and heat, and as a layer of protection against overheating.
What can you not wear in a sauna?
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience in the sauna, it is crucial to understand what clothing to avoid. Synthetic fabrics should not be worn as they trap moisture and heat, leading to overheating and discomfort.