
There is a rich history of clothing worn in the sauna, going all the way back to ancient Scandinavia and ancient Greece. One could argue that there is just as rich a selection of possible sauna attire today! Choosing the right sauna outfit for a sauna as a beginner can be quite an involved process. Depending on the type of sauna, whether or not you expect to soak with other people, and most importantly where your sauna is located, will likely influence what to wear in a sauna.
Further, wearing the proper attire for a sauna can have a big impact on your overall comfort and experience when using the sauna. So let’s take a closer look at what to wear in a sauna.
What to Wear in a Sauna: Expert Guide for Comfort and Safety

In this section, let’s talk about all of the potential dress codes that you may see in saunas today. There are some key differences between dress codes when it comes to the major sauna types.
What to Wear in a Traditional Sauna
The most traditional sauna attire is, well, nothing at all. Old school Finns have been using the sauna naked for centuries. This, however, only represents a small number of people who use saunas today. But more recently, there is wiggle room about the sauna dress code. Finnish sauna etiquette says that there is a step after spending time in the heat of the sauna that is just as necessary to the process. After spending time in the heat of the sauna, sauna users are then supposed to quickly jump into a lake or a pile of snow to give the body a cold sensory shock. The experience can be quite electrifying.
Many modern Finns or Finnish expats also say that using a pool instead of a lake is fine. At that, die-hard Finns say that the only way to get the most out of a sauna is to use it completely naked. But don’t treat this like a rule. This is based on ancient practices. While the most hardcore sauna users may speak the praises of nude soaks, there are many places and reasons why wearing a sauna towel wrap. A sauna bathing suit may even be required.
Because traditional Finnish wood-burning saunas expect you to probably go swimming afterward, modernly many people wear a sauna bathing suit. But because traditional Finnish saunas are often communal it is perfectly fine to wear even sauna clothing. This is if you aren’t comfortable wearing only a swimsuit in public.
Sauna Dress Codes at Spas and Public Facilities
If you are using a traditional sauna at a spa, you will likely have to directly consult the sauna dress code laid out by the establishment themselves. But there are some further steps you can take to make sure that your spa experience goes smoothly.
First, be certain that you sit on a sauna towel wrap. Your towel should fully cover where your legs would meet the sauna’s bench. Especially in spas where many people may be sitting on the same bench throughout the day. It’s wise to make sure that your skin isn’t directly touching that surface. Wooden benches in saunas are able to hold quite a few germs, and especially unsanitary ones can even develop mould. While spa staff will undoubtedly try to keep their saunas clean, taking personal precautions is also very important.
What to Wear in an Infrared Sauna
This is actually a bit of a more challenging question. Infrared saunas may give off heat quite similar to traditional wood-burning saunas, but the way that the sauna creates that heat is quite different. Infrared saunas radiate heat from a central heater that points directly at the person using the sauna. Because the heat from an infrared sauna comes from radiation, the less fabric in the way of the radiating heat would then lead to a full sauna session.
Here’s one way to look at it. Wearing less clothes in an infrared sauna will likely mean that you’re getting the most out of the radiating heat of the sauna. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get the most out of your experience. Infrared saunas are so efficient that it actually does not matter very much what clothes you choose to wear as long as they are both comfortable and don’t lead to overheating. If you would like to wear a T-shirt and a swimsuit, that should be fine. But keep a close eye on your comfort, as overheating can happen quite quickly in an infrared sauna. This is because infrared saunas are so small and concentrated.
Infrared saunas are not paired with taking a swim quite like traditional saunas, so there is less of an expectation for you to wear a swimsuit. Many people wear just a thin sauna towel wrap while using infrared saunas. But the good news is many infrared saunas are private. There is absolutely no risk of being the odd one out, or being the only one wearing swim trunks..
What to Wear in a Steam Room
Steam rooms usually have very specific dress codes depending on what type of steam room you are using. More involved steam rooms like the Turkish Hammam may actually not give you a choice of dress and instead demand that you wear the Hammam’s smallclothes. This is usually because the Hammam has a several-step detox process that includes a steam room. In general, however, steam rooms have a quite similar dress code to a wood-burning sauna.
Because steam rooms are both incredibly humid and make users sweat quite a bit, wearing less clothes is your best option. Most steam room users wrap a sauna towel wrap around their bodies and enter the room like that. But it is more than understandable why that may make some steam room users anxious. There is nothing wrong with wearing a sauna bathing suit in a steam room, even under a towel. But the more layers and fabric you wear, the more likely you’ll overheat or get uncomfortable from the moisture.
Spas and clubs in many parts of the world will probably expect you to use a steam room nude. So be sure to check club rules before settling on a steam room. When going to a steam room, be certain to bring a swimsuit, change of clothes, and a sauna towel wrap if not supplied by the steam room staff.
Sauna Etiquette and Dress Codes at Spas and Gyms
When using a sauna at a gym or spa, it’s important to follow both general etiquette and the specific dress code of the establishment. In your private sauna, your primary concerns should be your own comfort and cleanliness. While those are still important in public saunas, you need to be more mindful of others. For example, in public saunas at your local gym or spa, it’s best to start with the most modest option for sauna attire and work your way down from there. This likely means packing a swimsuit and a sauna towel wrap in your gym bag, just in case.
When it comes to private saunas, you have more flexibility with your sauna attire, allowing you to experiment with what feels most comfortable for you. Since you are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of your sauna, you are free to sit directly on the bench. However, it’s still essential to keep your sauna clean with regular washing and disinfecting.
Proper Footwear and Accessories for Sauna Use

Proper footwear and accessories are crucial for using public saunas. A key component of the spa sauna dress code is wearing sandals that cover the entire sole of your foot. While it’s acceptable to skip footwear when using your own sauna, in public spas, cleanliness is a concern, especially in the sauna area. Even in the cleanest spas, the floors can get dirty, particularly in the sauna. While in the sauna, you should go barefoot to avoid overheating or discomfort. However, when walking around the spa facilities, use comfortable sandals. But be prepared to take them off before entering the sauna. The heat inside the sauna makes plastic sandals uncomfortable, so it’s best to leave them outside.
What to Avoid Wearing in a Sauna
While saunas are often quite good at laying out exactly what you should wear while using their facilities, there is often a lack of information on the opposite. What you shouldn’t wear. There are more than a few types of clothes you should avoid wearing while using any kind of sauna.
What Not to Wear in a Traditional Sauna
When it comes to what to wear in a traditinal sauna, there are a few items you should avoid for your comfort and safety. The number one thing to steer clear of is a hat. Do not wear hats in wood-burning saunas. A hat can cause overheating quickly, as most of the body’s heat escapes through the head and feet. Just like you wouldn’t wear shoes or socks in a sauna, wearing a hat can feel very uncomfortable and, in severe cases, it may lead to quicker dehydration.
There is, however, one exception to the hat rule: the traditional Finnish lahtiset hat. Made of wool, the lahtiset helps regulate the heat around your head, unlike cotton or polyester hats, which can restrict heat release. If you’re interested in trying a lahtiset hat, there are several weavers online who handcraft them to fit your size. Be sure to ask your spa or sauna facility if wearing a lahtiset hat is permitted in their sauna.
Since traditional saunas are typically much hotter than other types of saunas, it’s essential not to wear anything that traps heat against your skin. This includes items such as long-sleeve shirts or sauna sandals that cover too much of your feet. The goal in a traditional sauna is to expose as much of your skin to the heat as possible for a more effective and comfortable session.
What Not to Wear in an Infrared Sauna
Since infrared saunas are usually private, there are not too many others to worry about when it comes to clothes that aren’t ‘allowed’. But since the heat from an infrared sauna comes from radiation, any piece of clothing that gets in between the radiating heat and your body ought to be highly scrutinised. For example, wearing clothes that are already wet while using an infrared sauna may lead to extreme discomfort! As the sauna heats up the water in your clothes faster than your overall body.
Similar to a traditional sauna, having most of your skin open to the air will likely lead to your best experience in a sauna. Of course, since the heat from a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna come about for wholly different reasons, it’s a coincidence that the advice for both saunas’ dress codes is the same. But if wearing fewer clothes makes you feel uncomfortable, there is nothing wrong with wearing light and flowing clothes while using an infrared sauna.
What Not to Wear in a Steam Room
One of the most significant risks a person could face in a steam room stems from wearing certain items. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals chose to wear masks while using public steam rooms or sauna facilities. However, wearing a mask in a steam room can be extremely dangerous because the moisture in the air can quickly cause the mask to stick to your face, making it difficult to breathe.
If you feel uncomfortable using a steam room without a mask, it’s advisable to speak with the steam room staff to see if any accommodations can be made. Steam rooms also present a risk of spreading germs due to their enclosed nature. Wearing a surgical mask will not only detract from your experience—it may also pose a serious safety hazard.
Additionally, steam rooms cause the body to sweat heavily, and the moisture can lead to slight skin expansion. Though this isn’t typically a major issue for clothing, small accessories like rings or tight bracelets may become uncomfortable or difficult to remove after spending a long time in the steam sauna. It’s best to leave these items outside the steam room to avoid any discomfort.
What Not to Wear in a Public Sauna
When it comes to public sauna dress codes, there are a few key items to avoid. Just like in traditional saunas, wearing hats in a public sauna is generally discouraged because they can trap heat and lead to discomfort. However, more importantly, you should never wear outside shoes or sandals into a public sauna. Even sandals you’ve worn outdoors should not be used inside the sauna. Once footwear comes into contact with surfaces like sidewalks or gym floors, it picks up more germs than you may realise. Bringing those germs into a sauna environment can put everyone, including the staff and other visitors, at risk.
To maintain proper hygiene, invest in a pair of sandals that are exclusively for sauna use. Be sure to wash them regularly after each visit. By following this practice, you’re not only protecting yourself but also showing respect for the public sauna facilities and others who use them. Cleanliness and etiquette are essential when using a public sauna, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
The Risks of Wearing Metal Jewellery in a Sauna
While it’s not strictly related to clothing, wearing sunglasses or metal jewellery in a traditional sauna can cause discomfort. Keeping sunglasses on while in the heat can lead to red marks on your face, where the glasses rested. The same applies to metal jewellery. The heat in the sauna and the increased blood flow can make anything pressed against the skin feel painful. Wearing heavy metal jewellery, a watch, or any other accessory that rests directly on the skin for too long in a sauna may result in marks or irritation.
Public Sauna Expectations in Europe Versus North America
While we know about the traditional sauna practices in Finland, but what should you wear in a sauna across the rest of Europe and North America? There are interesting differences in sauna customs depending on where you plan to enjoy your sauna session. Across much of Europe, traditional saunas follow the Finnish practice, where sauna-goers typically enter the sauna naked. This practice is often enforced for hygiene reasons, as even clean swimsuits can introduce bacteria into the sauna. However, specific dress codes may vary depending on the rules of the sauna facility.
Let’s take Iceland as an example. Reykjavik has several popular sauna and hot spring facilities, such as the Blue Lagoon. Due to its international tourist base, this resort has more relaxed rules about wearing swimsuits in its hot springs and saunas. You can often tell who is local and who is a visitor from America or Western Europe based on their attire in the shower rooms.
However, if you visit a public sauna in Reykjavik frequented by locals, you’ll be expected to follow stricter rules. This may include going nude and showering without a swimsuit. Similarly, in France, saunas in Paris may allow swimsuits. While in Strasbourg, located near the German border, the rules are stricter about nudity for sanitary reasons.
In North America, sauna customs can vary even more. For instance, traditional saunas in cities like New York and Boston may offer separate spaces for those who prefer to go nude and those who choose to wear swimsuits. However, as you move further west, the dress codes tend to become more relaxed, with less emphasis on nudity.
How to Use a Sauna: Preparing for Your Sauna Session
When it comes to how to use a sauna, it’s fairly easy to get it right. But there are a few key points to remember when preparing for your session. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting essential items like your sauna sandals or not bringing appropriate sauna wear, especially when swim trunks are required. However, the most important thing is your personal comfort. If wearing a thin T-shirt or light sauna clothing makes you feel more at ease, you won’t miss out on the benefits of the sauna experience by doing so.
If you’re considering dressing down while using the sauna, it’s always polite to check with others in the sauna to ensure everyone is comfortable with your attire. Different gyms or spas have varying policies, so always follow the sauna etiquette outlined by the facility. Make sure to read and respect these rules, especially when visiting public saunas.
Whether you’re using a sauna in Europe or North America, it’s important to check local guidelines and practices. Knowing what the wear in a sauna can provide a guide for the sauna etiquette of your location. This will ensure that you have a pleasant and respectful experience.
Preparing for your sauna session should focus on your comfort & relaxation, while keeping the facility’s dress code and cleanliness in mind.