What to Wear in a Sauna: The Ultimate Guide to Sauna Etiquette and Comfort

Saunas have long been recognized for their relaxation and health benefits, helping to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and provide much-needed stress relief. But whether you're using a sauna at a gym, a spa, or your own home, one common question arises: What should you wear in a sauna? Whether you're a sauna regular or a first-time user, understanding proper sauna attire is essential for comfort, hygiene, and etiquette.

In this guide, we'll break down the best options for sauna wear, address common concerns about sauna attire, and explain the reasoning behind the clothing choices. We’ll also offer tips on sauna etiquette, especially in shared spaces like gyms or public saunas, to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for everyone.

The Importance of Proper Sauna Wear

Saunas are designed to be places of relaxation, but choosing the right attire is essential for ensuring both comfort and hygiene. The hot temperatures and high humidity in saunas can cause sweat and moisture buildup, making it important to consider what you wear. Wearing the wrong clothes can not only diminish the sauna experience but could also affect the sauna's hygiene or even be inappropriate in certain settings.

Whether you're visiting a gym sauna or relaxing in a private sauna at home, understanding the proper attire is key to maximizing your sauna session.

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What to Wear in a Sauna at a Gym

1. Gym Sauna Etiquette

When using a sauna at a gym, there are several etiquette rules to consider, especially when it comes to clothing. Most gyms offer sauna areas that are communal, which means that others will likely be using the space as well. To ensure a respectful and hygienic environment, it’s important to follow a few key guidelines:

• Towels: Most gym saunas require you to wear a towel, typically wrapped around your waist or body. This is to ensure hygiene and prevent direct contact with your sweat on the sauna's seating.

• Swimwear: While some gyms allow the use of swimwear in the sauna, others may have more stringent guidelines that ask for only a towel or robe. Be sure to check your gym’s specific sauna rules.

• Avoid Clothing with Zippers or Metal: Avoid wearing anything with zippers, buttons, or metal parts (like jewelry), as these can heat up in the sauna and cause burns or discomfort.

• Bare Skin vs. Towel: If you're in a shared or co-ed sauna at the gym, a towel wrapped around the waist is typically the most appropriate option. This keeps you covered and comfortable while respecting the sauna's hygiene standards.

2. The Best Gym Sauna Attire Options

• Towels: A large towel is the most common option for gym saunas. You can either sit on the towel or wrap it around your body.

• Swimwear (Optional): If the gym allows swimwear in the sauna, a bathing suit or swim trunks are acceptable.

• Robe (Optional): Some gyms provide robes for use in the sauna, but you can also bring your own if you prefer.

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What to Wear When at Home

When using a sauna at home, you have more freedom to choose your attire, as you are the only one using the space. Still, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind to maximize comfort and hygiene:

1. Going Bare (The Natural Option)

In the comfort of your own home, many sauna enthusiasts choose to go completely nude. This is perfectly acceptable in a private sauna, as it allows your body to sweat freely and prevents any clothing from sticking to your skin. Bare skin also ensures that there are no barriers to the detoxifying sweat process. However, keep in mind the following:

• Privacy: Ensure that your sauna is in a private space where you can relax without concern for others.

• Hygiene: When going nude, make sure to place a towel or cloth down on the seating area to maintain cleanliness and protect the sauna's surfaces.

2. Towels or Robes

If you prefer a bit more coverage, using a towel or lightweight robe is an excellent option. You can use the towel to wrap around your body, sit on, or place over your shoulders for modesty and comfort. A robe is also a great option for those who want something more substantial but still lightweight and breathable.

Why is Your Attire So Important?

1. Hygiene and Comfort

Proper attire, like a towel or robe, helps maintain the sauna's hygiene by preventing direct contact between your skin and the sauna surfaces. The heat in a sauna causes your body to sweat, and clothing can trap moisture, making it less effective at promoting detoxification. Opting for minimal clothing or a towel allows for proper ventilation and better sweat release.

2. Temperature Regulation

Wearing the wrong clothing, especially something tight or synthetic, can make you feel uncomfortable in the sauna. Choose clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Towels and robes are typically made of cotton or other natural fibers that allow air circulation, making them more suitable for sauna use.

3. Maximizing Relaxation

A relaxed, comfortable sauna experience depends heavily on what you wear (or don’t wear). Going nude in a private sauna session allows your body to truly experience the heat without any barriers. In a gym setting, wearing a towel or robe can provide comfort and modesty while respecting the communal nature of the sauna.

Advanced Clothing Options

1. Saunas with Infrared Technology

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, typically ranging from 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C). In these saunas, you may feel more comfortable going without any clothing, as the lower temperatures don’t cause as much sweating. The heat penetrates deeper into the skin, so being unclothed allows for a more efficient detox process.

2. Saunas with High Heat (Traditional Saunas)

Traditional saunas, with their higher heat levels (150°F to 190°F or 65°C to 88°C), require more care in terms of attire. A towel wrapped around the body is a good option to maintain comfort while keeping your body cooler on the seating areas. Avoid clothing with any metal parts, as these can get excessively hot and cause burns.

Want to Hear More About Sauna Etiquette? 

Nikki does a great job of breaking some do's and don'ts for you in this short video.

When it comes to choosing the right attire for a sauna, comfort, hygiene, and respect for sauna etiquette should be your top priorities. Whether you're at home, the gym, or a spa, the key is to wear something lightweight, breathable, and respectful of the sauna’s environment.

At home, you have the freedom to go nude, use a towel, or wear a robe. At the gym, a towel or swimwear (depending on the gym’s rules) is the best choice. Always consider the sauna’s temperature and setting to ensure maximum relaxation and comfort.

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