What to Wear in a Sauna: A Complete Guide

Wondering what to wear in a sauna? The answer depends on whether you're using a private home sauna, a public sauna, or an infrared sauna. While many traditional saunas are enjoyed with minimal clothing, towels, swimsuits, and lightweight natural fabrics are often the most practical and comfortable choices.

In this guide, we'll cover what to wear in a sauna, what to avoid, and simple sauna etiquette to help you enjoy a safe and comfortable sauna session.

What Should You Wear in a Sauna?

Why What You Wear in a Sauna Matters

When it comes to sauna bathing, there's no one-size-fits-all. What's important is to dress in a manner that can help ensure your comfort, hygiene, and safety.

The temperature of most saunas is between 110 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which can increase your body temperature and make you sweat. 

However, wearing restrictive or heavy clothing can hinder the evaporation of sweat and prevent heat from dissipating efficiently. Cleveland Clinic notes that this affects your body's ability to cool down, increasing your risk of heat exhaustion, cramps, or stroke.

Dressing inappropriately for a sauna can also cause a host of hygiene issues. For instance, synthetic fabrics like polyester or spandex tend to stick together when damp — meaning they'll cling to your sweaty body instead of drying off quickly like natural fabrics do. This can lead to bacterial growth, resulting in rashes and infections.

What To Wear in a Sauna

While there are no hard and fast rules about what to wear in a sauna, you should follow some general guidelines when choosing your attire for your steam session. Ideally, you should opt for loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or linen. 

These breathable fabrics promote better air circulation and moisture-wicking properties that help keep your skin dry while you sweat. This is especially important if you plan to add a sauna session to your workout.

Such materials also tend to be softer and more comfortable against the skin, allowing you to fully enjoy the soothing effects of a sauna.

For most people these options work best:

• Towel

• Swimsuit

• Cotton shorts

• Loose cotton shirt

• Sauna kilt

• Lightweight robe before and after

Clothing ultimately depends on whether you're using a private home sauna or a public facility with specific dress requirements. 

If you're using a private home sauna, you're free to wear whatever makes you most comfortable.

Sauna Accessories

While sauna accessories are optional, they can help enhance your sauna experience and make it more enjoyable and comfortable. 

The following are some essentials that you can wear or use during your sweat session:

• A sauna hat, headband, or hair tie to keep hair away from the face and neck

• A water bottle or thermos to stay hydrated and cool down

• A robe or cover-up to wear before and after the sauna

• Aromatherapy oils for sauna aromatherapy

• A towel to sit on (or seat cushions or bench mat)

• A sauna pillow 

• Flip flops or slippers to protect your feet from the hot surface

Sauna Robe

This mid-length robe is perfect for unwinding between sauna rounds. 

Auroom Sauna Hat

Protect your head from excessive heat during longer sauna sessions.

What Not To Wear in the Sauna

As important as it is to know what to wear in the sauna, it's equally vital to be aware of what not to wear in a sauna to ensure safety, hygiene, and proper etiquette. 

Here is a list of items you should avoid wearing in a sauna or steam room:

Steer Clear of Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester tend to retain moisture and heat, resulting in overheating and dehydration. 

Also, because these fabrics don't breathe well, they can make you feel sweaty and clammy, which is not a pleasant sensation when trying to relax. Stick to natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool.

Choose Swimwear Wisely

If you plan to wear swimwear in the sauna, choose the ones without metal fasteners or embellishments. Metal can become very hot in the sauna and may be uncomfortable, potentially causing nasty burns upon coming into contact with your skin.

Don't Wear Makeup

While you might be tempted to wear makeup in the sauna, leaving this step out of your routine is best. 

When you use a sauna, your body temperature rises, and your pores open up. If you have makeup on, it can get trapped in your pores, causing inflammation and breakouts. Wearing makeup can also block your natural detoxification process and keep the toxins in your skin, affecting your overall health and appearance. 

Once you're done with your sweat session, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face with a gentle cleanser to help prevent blemishes.

Avoid Strong Perfumes

Since you'll be sweating a lot in a sauna, you'll want to avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne. Certain perfume ingredients, like alcohol, can be harsh on your skin, especially when combined with sauna sweat, exacerbating skin sensitivity and resulting in irritation or discomfort. 

Don’t Wear Jewelry

Think twice before wearing rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces to a sauna session. The high temperatures of the sauna can heat up your jewelry, resulting in painful irritation or burns. 

Similarly, it's also a good idea not to bring your phone to a sauna.

What To Wear During a Sauna: FAQs

Should You Wear Shoes in a Sauna?

No. Most sauna users either go barefoot or wear clean, slip-resistant sandals until entering the sauna. Avoid athletic shoes or socks inside the sauna because they trap heat and moisture.

Should you wear clothes in a sauna at home?

If you're using a private home sauna, what you wear is largely a matter of personal preference. Many people choose a towel, lightweight natural fabrics, or no clothing at all, while public saunas often have specific dress codes.

Do You Shave Before the Sauna?

Whether you should shave before a sauna session is a matter of personal preference, but there are some factors to consider. 

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, shaving at least a few hours before your sauna session or even the day before is better. This allows your skin to recover from any potential razor burns, reducing the risk of irritation caused by heat and sweating. 

On the other hand, it's best to shave after your sauna session if you have relatively thicker hair. The steam will help soften the hair follicles and make shaving easier.

Can you wear workout clothes in a sauna?

It's generally best to avoid tight workout clothing made from synthetic materials. Lightweight cotton clothing or a towel is usually more comfortable.

What Should You Wear in an Infrared Sauna?

Regarding what to wear in an infrared sauna it's best to wear minimal and breathable clothing like a bathing suit or a towel wrapped around your body. This will allow infrared rays to penetrate your skin directly and produce the desired health benefits of a sauna. 

If you're using an infrared sauna at home or in a private setting, you may choose to wear less or go nude.

What Should I Put on My Body Before a Sauna?

You really shouldn't put anything on your body before a sauna. Applying lotions, creams, or oils before a sauna session can clog your pores and hinder detoxification.

What To Wear in a Sauna: Final Thoughts

Knowing what to wear in a sauna helps make every session safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Whether you prefer a towel, swimsuit, or lightweight natural fabrics, the goal is to stay comfortable while allowing your body to regulate heat effectively.

Ready to create your own home sauna experience? Browse our collections of Traditional Saunas, Infrared Saunas, and Sauna Accessories to build a setup that fits your lifestyle.