Sauna Etiquette: What to Wear in a Sauna

Key Takeaways

• Wear loose, breathable clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen
• Always sit on a clean towel for hygiene
• Shower before entering the sauna
• Follow facility rules - some require swimwear, others allow nudity
• Remove jewelry and avoid wearing makeup or perfume

Introduction

Knowing what to wear in a sauna can be confusing. 🤔 The wrong choice might leave you uncomfortable or breaking rules. This guide will help you pick the right sauna attire for comfort, safety, and respect for others.

Understanding Sauna Types and How They Affect What You Wear

Different saunas have different clothing rules:

• Dry saunas: Very hot (70-100°C / 158-212°F) with low humidity
• Infrared saunas: Cooler (45-60°C / 113-140°F) using special heat
• Steam rooms: Wet heat with high humidity

Your clothing choice depends on:
• Where you are (Finnish saunas are different from American gyms)
• The type of place (home sauna vs public spa)
• If it's for men only, women only, or mixed

Knowing these details helps you avoid awkward moments. 😅

General Rules for Sauna Clothes

No matter where you are, remember these tips:

• Choose breathable fabrics - your skin needs to breathe in the heat
• Wear loose-fitting clothes - tight clothes can be uncomfortable
• Natural fibers are best - they handle sweat better than man-made materials

Best fabrics for sauna use:

1. Cotton - Soaks up sweat and stays comfy
2. Linen - Naturally cooling and dries fast
3. Bamboo - Soft and fights bacteria

Never wear:
• Nylon or polyester - These can melt or trap too much heat
• Tight clothes - They stop air from moving around your body
• Anything with metal parts - Zippers or underwires can burn you

What to Wear in Public Saunas, Gyms, or Spas

Towels Are a Must

Almost all public saunas require you to sit on a towel. You can also:

• Wrap the towel around you like a dress for privacy
• Use two towels - one to sit on, one to wipe sweat
• Bring an extra towel for drying off after

Swimwear Options

Most North American gyms want you to wear:
• Women: One-piece swimsuits (avoid two-piece suits)
• Men: Swim shorts (tight briefs often aren't allowed)

Pro tip: Choose swimsuits made of natural fibers if you can. They're more comfortable when you're sweaty.

Clothing Choices for Men and Women

Some fancy places might have special sauna clothes like:
• Light cotton robes (common in nice hotels)
• Sauna skirts (used in some European saunas)
• Spa gowns (given out at high-end spas)

Home Sauna vs Public Sauna Clothes

At home, rules are more relaxed:

• Private home sauna: Many people go nude for maximum comfort
• Family saunas: Kids usually wear swimsuits or towels
• With friends: Use a towel until you know what others are comfortable with

If you want to wear clothes in your home sauna:
• A big, comfy cotton t-shirt works great
• Loose cotton shorts are a good choice
• Keep special "sauna clothes" that you only wear in the sauna

Staying Clean and Safe

Your clothing choice affects how clean and safe you are:

Important things to do before entering:
• 🚿 Take a shower - wash off sweat and pool chemicals
• 🧼 Wear clean clothes or swimwear
• 🧺 Use fresh towels just for the sauna

Risks of poor clothing choices:
• Synthetic fabrics can burn your skin when they get too hot
• Dirty clothes can spread germs on shared surfaces
• Heavy clothes can make it hard to breathe and sweat properly, which might make you too hot

Special note: Take off all jewelry before going in - it can get hot and burn you. Also, don't wear makeup, perfume, or skin creams that might bother others in the small space.

Do's and Don'ts of Sauna Clothes

✅ What TO Wear

• Light cotton clothes (clean and loose)
• Swimwear (if the place requires it)
• 1-2 big towels (one to sit on, one to cover up)
• Maybe special sauna sandals (for walking to and from the sauna)

❌ What NOT To Wear

• Regular clothes (they're dirty and smelly)
• Clothes made of plastic-like materials (they trap heat dangerously)
• Anything with metal parts (zippers, jewelry)
• Heavy robes (unless given by the spa)
• Wet swimsuits (dry off first)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

First-timers often make these errors:

• Wearing too many clothes: Don't wear regular clothes or lots of layers
• Not covering up enough: Make sure you're properly covered in mixed saunas or Western public saunas
• Using dirty towels: Don't use the same towel for sitting and wiping your face, and don't bring dirty towels
• Not following rules: Don't assume all saunas have the same rules

Remember: If you're not sure, watch what others do or ask the staff. It's better to ask than guess! 👍

How Sauna Clothes Differ Around the World

Sauna clothing rules are very different in different places:

• Finland: People are usually naked in same-gender saunas; towels are just for sitting
• Russia: Often fully naked with special leaf massages; some mixed saunas require swimsuits
• Japan: Always naked (no swimsuits), but you must shower before entering
• American Gyms: Usually require swimwear and towels
• European Spas: Mixed rules - German and Nordic spas often expect nudity in areas separated by gender

When traveling, always check local customs to avoid embarrassment. 🌍

Tips for First-Timers and Common Questions

What to Do Before You Go

1. Check the rules online or call ahead
2. Pack the right stuff: 2 big towels, swimwear (if needed), flip-flops for the shower area
3. Bring water in a plastic bottle (metal bottles can get too hot)

Answers to Common Questions

Q: Should I wear anything under my towel?
A: In most Western public saunas, yes - wear a swimsuit under your towel to stay modest when moving around.

Q: How do I keep covered when I move?
A: Hold an extra towel ready to wrap around yourself when you stand up. Many places have hooks for robes near the door.

Q: Are the rules different for men and women?
A: Usually not - everyone is expected to be modest, clean, and wear appropriate clothes.

Q: What if I don't want to be naked in a traditional sauna?
A: In European saunas where nudity is normal, tell the staff if you're uncomfortable. You might be able to go at a different time or bring a friend for support.

Conclusion

Remember these key points for sauna clothes:
• Respect others
• Stay clean
• Be safe

When in doubt:

1. Check the rules
2. Bring clean towels
3. Wear light, breathable clothes
4. Shower first
5. Follow what others do

By following these tips, you'll be comfortable and confident in any sauna. Enjoy the heat and relaxation! 🧖‍♀️🧖‍♂️