Saunas are a sanctuary for relaxation, health, and rejuvenation, but knowing what to wear to a sauna (or don’t wear) can significantly affect your sauna experience. Proper attire is essential—not just for personal comfort but also for hygiene and etiquette, particularly in shared settings. Whether you’re visiting a rustic cedar sauna like the ones from Bear Naked Saunas or a luxurious spa sauna, understanding sauna attire helps maximize your enjoyment while adhering to cultural and situational norms.
This guide explores the ins and outs of sauna clothing, offering insights into attire options for various sauna types, including the best sauna practices, clothing dos and don’ts, and essential etiquette tips.
Understanding Sauna Etiquette
When sharing a sauna space, respecting guidelines and the rules of the sauna you’re entering, ensures everyone enjoys the experience. Sauna etiquette varies slightly depending on whether the sauna is public or private, but the basic principles remain constant.
Key Considerations
- Hygiene is vital: Always shower before entering the sauna. It not only keeps the space clean but also preps your skin for sweating.
- Always use a towel: Whether you sit nude or wear clothes to relax in the sauna, having a towel to sit on while using the sauna protects the wood from sweat and maintains hygiene in the sauna room.
- Maintain a serene atmosphere: A sauna is a place of relaxation, so keep noise to a minimum and respect personal space.
Following these best practices fosters a soothing environment while promoting cleanliness and consideration.
Choosing the Right Sauna Attire
Your sauna attire you choose to wear when you visit a sauna, can make or break the experience—it’s all about striking a balance between comfort, functionality, and sauna etiquette.
What Works Best?
The ideal sauna wear should prioritize breathability, heat resistance, and absorbency. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are excellent choices to wear in the sauna because they allow your skin to breathe and absorb moisture. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, should always be avoided—they retain heat, block sweat from evaporating, and may even release harmful toxins when the temperature rises inside the sauna.
Whether you’re visiting a state-of-the-art infrared sauna or relaxing in a traditional cedar sauna, the right attire ensures comfort and safety, which will eventually enhance your sauna experience.
What to Wear in a Sauna
Clothing Options
Most common sauna attire includes the following options, depending on your preference and the sauna’s rules:
- Swimsuits: A common choice for public settings, especially mixed-gender saunas where many decide to wear a swimsuit. Look for non-restrictive swimsuits made from natural fabrics.
- Towels: Wrapping yourself in a towel is often enough, particularly in a private or a traditional sauna environment.
- Loose-fitting clothing: Lightweight, breathable garments such as loose shorts are great for maintaining modesty while keeping cool.
- Going nude: This is common in many European cultures, especially Finland. However, it’s critical to gauge the situation and setting before deciding.
What to Wear in a Public Sauna
Public saunas, such as those in spas or gyms, typically encourage modesty. Swimsuits or towels are usually the go-to attire, though local customs and rules may differ. Always read signage or ask staff if unsure on deciding what to wear when visiting a public sauna.
What to Wear in an Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas, encouraging more flexibility in clothing. Minimal, breathable clothing such as a light cotton shirt and shorts, a bathing suit or simply a towel—is sufficient for staying comfortable.
What Not to Wear in a Sauna
Avoid These Mistakes
- Synthetic fabrics: They trap heat, block sweat evaporation, and may release harmful chemicals under high temperatures.
- Tight clothing: Restrictive garments can hinder blood circulation and make sweating uncomfortable.
- Jewelry and accessories: Metal heats up quickly, posing a burn risk, while other materials may warp or degrade under sauna conditions.
By avoiding these items, you ensure safer and more comfortable sessions while maximizing the benefits of a sauna.
Sauna Attire for Different Types of Saunas
Each sauna type comes with unique attire considerations.
- Traditional Steam Saunas: Stick to breathable fabrics or a towel. Steam saunas tend to be hotter and more humid, so lightweight clothing is best.
- Infrared Saunas: These saunas are less intensive in heat, allowing for lighter layers of clothing—or simply a towel.
- Home Saunas: When at home, attire is entirely a matter of personal preference. A Baby Bear sauna from Bear Naked Saunas, for example, offers a cozy private retreat where wearing a towel or going nude lets you enjoy maximum comfort.
Cultural variations also play a role. For instance, Nordic cultures celebrate nude sauna experiences as a way to connect with their roots. Always consider the cultural backdrop before finalizing your choice for sauna attire.
Additional Sauna Etiquette and Hygiene Practices
Should You Wear Footwear?
Footwear, such as flip-flops or sauna sandals, can be worn in communal locker rooms or during breaks outside the sauna. However, avoid bringing them inside, as bare feet are preferred for hygiene and comfort.
Dressing Before and After Your Sauna Session
Keep in mind that post-sauna attire should be loose and breathable, allowing your skin to cool down naturally. Consider using a sauna robe for comfort when transitioning from the sauna to a rest area.
Helpful Accessories
- Sauna hats prevent overheating by protecting your head from high temperatures.
- Hydration essentials, such as a refillable water bottle, are crucial for replenishing fluids after sweating.
- Sauna pails and dippers offer an authentic experience if you want to generate steam by pouring water over heated rocks.
The Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear Sauna Experience
Bear Naked Saunas offers a range of sauna options—each catering to different relaxation preferences. How you dress for each could vary based on size, heat intensity, and personal preference.
- Papa Bear Sauna: Designed for larger groups, modesty is often key here. Swimsuits, towels, or loose clothing are ideal.
- Mama Bear Sauna: This setup balances group and private use, allowing for flexibility in attire choices.
- Baby Bear Sauna: The compact design makes it perfect for private sessions, where a towel or light clothing works best.
These handcrafted cedar saunas invite you to experiment with attire choices that complement your relaxation style.
Dress Right, Sauna Right
Appropriate sauna wear isn’t just about etiquette or tradition—it’s about enhancing your overall experience. From the choice of breathable fabrics to selecting attire based on sauna type, each decision can elevate how you connect with the heat and steam.
The key takeaway? Always prioritize comfort, hygiene, and respect for others when dressing for your session (or undressing, as the case may be). Want inspiration for your own relaxation retreat? Explore Bear Naked Saunas for eco-friendly sauna craftsmanship that brings wellness and luxury together.
