What do you wear to a sauna bath?

Author: Robyn Quigley  |  Last update: Sunday, September 28, 2025

The rule of thumb is to keep it light and breathable. Natural fibers like cotton are often recommended. For example, a lightweight cotton t-shirt or a pair of shorts can be ideal. Sauna apparel like loose-fitting, breathable swimwear is also acceptable, particularly in public saunas where nudity isn't an option.

Do you wear a bathing suit in a sauna?

It is not hygienic to wear clothing or a bathing suit in the sauna. Proper etiquette is to be naked and sit on a towel so that your skin or sweat doesn't touch the wood.

What is the dress code for a sauna?

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.

How do you prepare for a sauna bath?

Drink plenty of water before, during (if possible), and after your sauna session. Have a light snack an hour before the sauna if needed, but avoid heavy meals. Exit the sauna if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable. Take a shower to rinse off and gradually cool down your body.

Should I wear a bra in the sauna?

Try to avoid tight underwear, especially your bra, to avoid discomfort that can cause tight clothes in the cabin with high temperature and humidity.

What to Wear in the Sauna?

Can I bring my phone in a sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

Should you shower during sauna?

Everyone knows you must shower before entering the sauna for hygiene reasons. But it is also important that you dry off thoroughly, as entering the sauna when you are too wet delays the desired sweating process.

What to do in a sauna for beginners?

Shower thoroughly prior to entering the sauna. Sit fully undressed on a large sauna towel. Only stay as long as you feel comfortable in the heat, but for a maximum of 12 minutes. Remain still in the sauna.

What is the etiquette for saunas?

Shower Before Entering Sauna: if you plan on going into the sauna after working out, please shower and change into clean clothes first. Respect Personal Space and Privacy: choose a spot that provides all occupants with the most personal space and avoid staring. Refrain from Having Conversations.

Do you sit in a sauna with clothes on?

Do You Sit in a Sauna with Clothes On? Yes, you should wear clean cotton or other natural fibres in a public sauna. If you can wear cotton, that is recommended. If you can, avoid synthetic materials and opt for natural materials to allow your skin to breathe properly.

What should you not do in a sauna?

Nicotine and alcohol should be taboo during the sauna bath. No sporting activities between sauna sessions. This would put unnecessary strain on the heart and circulatory system. In order to positively support the detoxification of your body, you should give your body enough liquid after the last sauna session.

What do you wear on your head in a sauna?

Wool Sauna Hat: Before entering the Sauna, put on the sauna hat to help shield your head from the intense heat of the sauna. This will keep your head cool and enable you to remain in the sauna longer, so you can enjoy the therapeutic effects of the sauna for a longer period of time.

What to wear in gym sauna for females?

Dresses like linen clothing, towel wrap, cotton shorts and t-shirts are good options for both men and women. Also, it would help if you learned about your gym sauna etiquette prior to the session.

Why sit on a towel in a sauna?

Should I Bring a Towel With Me to the Sauna? Yes, sitting on a towel creates a barrier between your bottom and the bench. This not only prevents you from sweating all over the bench, but it also prevents someone's sweat from contaminating your body.

What shoes to wear in a sauna?

Flip-Flops or Shower Sandals. Although some people prefer not to wear footwear when in the sauna, it's not a good idea to do so. That's because saunas' floors are full of germs in most cases. Therefore, wearing a pair of shower sandals or flip-flops in the sauna can provide considerable protection.

What to do in a sauna bath?

The right procedure for using a sauna:
  1. Before the sauna: shower and dry, because dry skin sweats faster than moist.
  2. First sauna session: stay in the sauna for about 8 to 10 minutes. ...
  3. In the sauna: Underlay towel so that your body does not come into contact with the wood. ...
  4. Always take care of your well-being!

Can I take my phone in the sauna?

Heat Damage: Smartphones are sensitive to extreme temperatures. The intense heat of a sauna can damage your phone's battery and internal components, potentially leading to reduced battery life or total malfunction.

Does sauna burn fat?

Saunas themselves do not directly burn fat. The weight loss observed after a sauna session is primarily due to water loss through sweating, which is temporary and regained upon rehydration. With that being said, there are a few ways that saunas can have indirect benefits that may support weight loss or body mass loss.

Do you wash after sauna?

Stepping out of the sauna's warmth calls for a refreshing shower. This step is vital for cooling your body down and promoting skin health. A shower after the sauna works wonders, flushing away sweat and impurities that accumulate during your session. For an invigorating experience, try a cool rinse.

Does sauna help detox the liver?

But, if you're reading online about using an infrared sauna for liver detox, you're probably reading a quite misleading explanation of what is truly happening. A sauna doesn't detox the liver directly - instead, it helps detoxification processes become more optimal by removing toxins from the equation!

Do you wear anything in a sauna?

In general, the best clothing to wear in the sauna (after nothing at all!) is loose, cotton clothing, whether a towel, swimsuit, or t-shirt. Cotton clothing is ideal for allowing your body to sweat properly.

What is a good sauna hat?

Traditional sauna hats are most commonly made of wool felt, which is a well-suited material to be used in the sauna. Wool has antibacterial properties and is more resistant to dirt, moisture and smell in comparison to many other textiles. Alpaca and sheep wool are often used for the felted sauna hats.

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