What to wear in a sauna?

You're about to head into your new sauna and a thought hits you. "What should I wear in the sauna?"

Good question. 

Not only does the right choice ensure you stay comfortable....

It also keeps you safe (more on that in a moment) and follows sauna etiquette.

When it comes to clothing (or lack of clothing) choice for sauna there are certain guidelines to keep in mind. 

Here's what you need to know...

What to wear in the sauna

Choosing the right attire for sauna sessions is critical. It's about way more than simply following sauna etiquette; it's also about ensuring your comfort and regulating your body temperature effectively.

Here's a few good options...

Go Naked

Let's address the elephant in the room.

We're often asked, "Is it OK to go naked in the sauna?"

There's no straightforward answer since it largely depends on personal comfort and the cultural norms of the setting.

Going naked in saunas is common in Finland, for both private and public settings.

However, if you're not comfortable with nudity, or if the rules of your sauna don't permit it, then there are several clothing options available as well.

Cover yourself with a towel

Yes, towels are a solid choice when it comes to sauna attire. If you're uncomfortable being almost naked, wrapping a towel around your waist or chest is a decent alternative.

At public saunas, towels are typically provided, but you're always free to bring your own.

Wearing a robe is also acceptable; nothing stops you from dressing for a relaxing spa day while sitting in a traditional sauna.

Wear Cotton Clothes

If you're going to wear clothes anything made of Cotton is gold standard.

Why? Because its natural. We don't want synthetic plastics on our body being heated and seeping into our skin (I'm looking at you polyster)

Another tip: make sure your cotton clothing is loose and breathable. And clean you god damn barbaric. 

Remember, cleanliness is paramount. So if you're going to wear clothes, be sure they're fresh. An oversized cotton t-shirt can deliver optimal comfort. And even with cotton clothes, you'll want to have a towel nearby.

Sauna Hats

Sauna hats are a great accessory to consider, especially if you sauna frequently like us.

They protect your head from the intense heat and can help to prevent dizziness and discomfort. Remember, your head often heats up faster than the rest of your body in a sauna.

A Sauna hat can help regulate this.

But again - makes sure its made from natural fibres.

Footwear?

Finally, let's talk about sauna footwear.

While it's not something you necessarily need, it can be useful, especially in public settings.

Flip flops protect your feet from dirt and grime and can prevent slipping. Some saunas even provide them for their visitors. 

You can even get specially made Sauna shoes these days.

Necessary? Probably not.

Style points, though.

What Not To Wear in the Sauna

While it's crucial to understand what to wear in the sauna, it's equally important to know what not to wear.

Your choice of attire and accessories can significantly impact your comfort and hygiene during sauna sessions.

Steer Clear of Synthetic Fibers

When it comes to sauna attire, natural materials always trump synthetic ones. Fabrics such as nylon and polyester can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and overheating.

Moreover, synthetic materials like PVC found in workout clothes or sweat-suits have the potential to release toxins or even melt at high temperatures (and your Sauna will be reaching high temperatures if its doing its job). 

Avoid these and opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, which would allow your skin to breathe and increase your comfort.

Choose Your Swimwear Wisely

If you're not comfortable going naked, swimwear seems like another decent option but make sure it's not tight-fitting.

Clothes that tightly grip your skin, such as compression wear or wired bras, can restrict blood flow, become uncomfortable, and interfere with the benefits of sweating as the sauna's heat requires loose clothing to allow for expansion as your blood vessels dilate.

Also, remember to go wirefree as metals heat up rapidly and can lead to burns. So, opt for a soft, wire-free sports bra or swim top if you'd prefer to have some support.

And again - nothing synthetic!

Don't Wear Makeup

Avoiding makeup during sauna sessions is also a golden rule. The heat inside a sauna can open up your pores and increase sweating, which helps detoxify your skin.

However, makeup can be detrimental as it can clog your pores, sabotaging your skin's breathing and the natural detox process.

Avoid Strong Perfumes

Though it might sound surprising, wearing strong perfumes in a sauna is frowned upon. They not only interfere with the authentic, natural smell of the sauna but in a confined heated space, a strong perfume might also cause discomfort to other users.

Essential oils are an exception. 

The Takeaway

When gearing up for a sauna session, select your attire wisely. Your choice can impact comfort, hygiene, and overall sauna experience.

Here, I'll highlight the importance of fabric selection and how it impacts your sauna sessions.

Natural Fabrics

In my years of experience, I've found that natural fabrics like cotton and linen are excellent choices.

These materials are breathable and allow sweat to escape easily. In fact, when your skin breathes well, it aids in optimal heat dissipation that can prevent overheating or discomfort.

If you prefer to wear swimwear, pick ones devoid of metal fasteners or embellishments, as metal can quickly heat up, causing potential skin burns.

Synthetic Fabrics

On the other hand, synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and PVC are not recommended.

They have a tendency to trap sweat against your skin, leading to discomfort.

Moreover, synthetic fabrics don't breathe well, making you feel sweaty and clammy - a no-go for relaxation.

A stat to remember: these materials can also release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, avoid synthetic materials for a safe and pleasant sauna experience.

You're here to detoxify. Not re-toxify.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sauna etiquette?

Sauna etiquette focuses on several factors, such as modesty, respect for others' space, and maintaining silence. Personals electronics and strong fragrances are discouraged inside the sauna. Keep in mind that proper sauna behavior fosters a relaxing and welcoming environment for everyone.

What are you supposed to wear in a sauna?

For sauna sessions, clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen is ideal. These fabrics are breathable and have excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping your skin dry as you sweat. Loose-fitting clothes in light colors are also recommended to promote comfort and heat dissipation.

What not to do in a sauna?

Avoid alcohol to reduce dehydration risk and other health problems. It's also unadvisable to spend more than 20 minutes in a sauna at a time. Remember to hydrate well since sweating causes significant fluid loss during a sauna session.

Do you wear a bathing suit in a sauna?

You can wear a bathing suit in a sauna. However, to prevent any discomfort from synthetic fabrics on your skin, also bring a towel to lay on the bench before sitting. Essentially, a towel is all you need, whether or not you choose to wear a swimsuit.

Can I take my phone in a sauna?

Bringing your phone into a sauna is generally not advised. The high temperatures and humidity can damage your phone's internal components and potentially cause overheating or explosion. The convenience does not outweigh the risks involved.