Lightweight shorts and a tee-shirt are ok. Swimsuits are better. 'Birthday Suit' is best (we provide complimentary towel service). We recommend bringing clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable to put back on after your session—think 'athleisure'.
This causes the body to sweat which eliminates toxins. If you choose to wear heavy clothing or coat your body in lotion or oil, that covers the pores of your skin which makes it harder for the body to sweat. The less you wear, the more effective your sauna experience is going to be.
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.
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.
1. Shower Before and After Using Your Sauna. Some sauna enthusiasts find that showering before stepping into a sauna makes them sweat more rapidly and heavily, giving them an extra refreshing, restorative experience.
When you sweat, you lose water weight, which can make it look like you've lost pounds on the scale. However, this weight loss is temporary. Once you drink water to rehydrate, that weight will come back. The key takeaway here is that saunas cause water loss, not fat loss.
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.
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.
Before heading off, think about taking a swimsuit for sauna or hamam. Instead of a 1 piece, favor a loose bikini with minimal coverage to let your skin breathe when wrapped in the steam and heat.
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.
We recommend bringing clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable to put back on after your session—think 'athleisure'. Perspire is a wellness experience where the results are cumulative. This means the more you come in, the better you will feel.
Shower Before You Enter
Not only is this hygienic—rinsing off sweat, body oils, and any cosmetics—it also preconditions your body for the heat. Don't: Use heavy soaps or fragrances before entering. The hot air intensifies smells, and you don't want to overwhelm your fellow sauna-goers with a potent scent.
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.
Dehydration is a major concern when using a sauna daily. You can lose a lot of fluids through sweat, leading to fatigue and poor physical performance. Drink water before, during, and after your sauna session. Watch for signs of severe dehydration like dizziness and dark urine.
Sweat is one way your body tries to cool itself down during a sauna. Wiping off sweat during a sauna means your body will try to produce more sweat. This can be beneficial if you're trying to expel as many toxins as possible, but do make sure you keep yourself hydrated.
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.
Cold showers after sauna sessions enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and support muscle recovery by alternating between hot and cold temperatures.
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.
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.
Wear a sauna hat to reduce the heat exposure to your hair
By keeping your hair in a good quality sauna hat, you can reduce its exposure to the high temperatures. If you don't have a hat available, a towel will do the trick too.
Why is it so important to wear flip-flops in the locker room or sauna at the gym? Locker rooms, saunas, indoor and outdoor pools and any other damp, warm public places are breeding grounds for the fungus that causes Athlete's Foot. This foot infection is not only painful, but it is also highly contagious.
While infrared sauna heat might be lower in temperature it is very effective at inducing deep, detoxifying perspiration. Combined with the comfortable temperature, this means you can relax for extended periods and get maximum benefits from your sweat session.
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.