What is the dress code for a sauna?

Author: Frederique Connelly  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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.

What should I wear to a sauna?

In summary, when it comes to what to wear in a sauna, choose lightweight, breathable, and comfortable clothing. A towel or robe is a popular choice for sauna attire, and it is important to remove any jewelry or accessories before entering the sauna. Remember to bring a towel to sit on for added comfort.

Do you take your clothes off for a sauna?

In a sauna, it is common and generally accepted to be undressed, as the heat can be intense and clothing can trap moisture and heat against the body. However, some people may choose to wear a swimsuit or a towel for modesty or personal comfort.

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 proper sauna etiquette?

Respect Personal Space

Do: Choose a spot that's a comfortable distance from others. If the sauna is particularly crowded, it's okay to sit closer, but always be conscious of personal boundaries. Don't: Engage in prolonged eye contact or stare. A sauna is a shared space, and it's important to respect everyone's privacy.

What Should You Wear In A Sauna?

Do you wear a top in a sauna?

A classic oversized t-shirt, a loose fitting cotton towel and shorts are always a good choice for the sauna. They absorb excess heat and allow your skin to breathe freely. Always wear clean clothes that you put on just before entering the sauna.

What is not allowed 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.

Do you wear bra in sauna?

Instead, opt for a loose-fitting swimsuit made from natural fibres, to allow your skin to sweat naturally. Take care not to wear a swimsuit with metal buckles or parts, as these can get very hot and burn your skin – ouch! Avoid tight-fitting clothing like bras, as these will feel extremely uncomfortable in the heat.

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.

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.

Do you shower again after sauna?

Because you sweat during your session and toxins are released, having a shower after your sauna will help to cleanse the skin and close pores. A cold shower after your sauna can also activate cold shock proteins in the body, which may help assimilate fat for weight loss.

How do I prepare for my first sauna?

Begin with a shorter duration, such as 10-15 minutes, to acclimate to the heat. Entering the Sauna: Before entering, take a quick shower to cleanse your body and remove any lotions or oils. Enter the sauna and find a comfortable seating position, either sitting or reclining on a towel.

Do you wear deodorant in a sauna?

No Fragrances: Refrain from wearing strong fragrances (colognes, perfumes, strong deodorants) and be mindful of your own body odor. Footwear: Socks and sneakers are not allowed in the sauna as they can track dirt and other contaminants in from outside.

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 is a proper sauna attire?

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.

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.

Who should not sit in a sauna?

Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis. Sauna bathing is safe, however, for most people with coronary heart disease with stable angina pectoris or old myocardial infarction.

Are there any negatives to sauna?

While a healthy dose of sauna-sitting is generally great for the heart, it's not a good idea if your heart's already stressed out. In particular, if you have high-risk heart disease, chest pain (angina), or hypertension, according to Harvard Health.

Should you go in a sauna wet or dry?

Before entering the sauna

In fact, the only rule is that you enter the sauna with clean, showered and preferably dry skin. You can go to the swimming pool first, but it is necessary to dry well afterwards, before entering the sauna, so that the sweating effect starts earlier and is stronger.

Why no swimsuit in sauna?

When you wear swimwear in a sauna, your body cannot cool down properly, the sweat cannot leave your body properly. In addition, swimwear stays wet for a long time, which increases the risk of overheating and is therefore not healthy.

Can you bring a phone in a sauna?

So, can you bring your phone into a sauna? It's best to avoid doing this unless you have a special case designed for extreme conditions. You should also consider keeping your phone outside the sauna to prevent potential damage and ensure you enjoy your sauna session without worrying about your device's safety.

How long do you sit in a sauna?

Key Takeaways. Among other benefits, regular sauna use can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and bolster skin health. The recommended length of time to spend in a sauna is 15-20 minutes. First-timers should start with five to 10 minutes.

Where is the hottest place to sit in a sauna?

The higher up you sit in the sauna, the higher the temperature. You may either sit or ly down while you are in the sauna. (It is most effective to sweat briefly but violently on the upper benches. If you don't have sauna experience yet, it's best to start with a middle or lower bench.)

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