What to Wear in a Sauna: A Complete Guide to Comfort & Etiquette

It’s a question we get all the time, and it's a good one. You're ready to embrace the heat, but what exactly is the dress code? Do you go in with a swimsuit? A towel? Or do you embrace the traditional Finnish "au naturel" approach?

The truth is, it depends on where you are and what you're comfortable with. But don't worry, this isn't complicated. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple do's and don'ts of sauna attire, share some essential etiquette, and help you get ready for a perfectly comfortable and relaxing session.

For most sauna sessions, your choice will come down to one of these three options.

• The Towel (The Most Common Choice): A simple, clean cotton towel wrapped around your waist or body is the gold standard in most public and home saunas. It's breathable, comfortable, and provides the perfect balance of modesty and freedom.
• Au Naturel (The Traditional Choice): In many parts of the world, especially Finland, the traditional way to sauna is without any clothes at all. This allows for maximum skin exposure to the heat and unrestricted sweating. This is, of course, most comfortable in a private setting—one of the best perks of owning a home sauna!
• The Swimsuit (The Gym & Spa Choice): In many North American gyms and spas, swimsuits are required for hygiene and modesty. While perfectly acceptable, they aren't ideal (we'll get to why in a second).

The main goal in a sauna is to sweat freely. Your clothing choice can either help or hinder this process.

Let Your Skin Breathe

Your body's air conditioning system—sweating—works best when it can evaporate easily. Loose, natural fibers like cotton or linen are great because they breathe. Tight, synthetic fabrics like spandex or polyester (found in most activewear) are a bad idea. They trap moisture, can become uncomfortably hot against the skin, and may even harbor bacteria in a warm, wet environment.

The Problem with Swimsuits

So why isn't a swimsuit ideal? Besides being made of synthetic material, the chemicals from the pool (like chlorine) can be released from the fabric in the high heat, which isn't great to breathe in. They also stay wet longer, which can feel less comfortable.

The right gear can take your sauna experience from great to perfect. It's less about fashion and more about comfort and function.

• A Good Sauna Towel: Don't just grab that scratchy gym towel. A high-quality, absorbent cotton or linen towel is a must-have for sitting on and drying off.
• A Sauna Hat: It might look a little funny, but a wool sauna hat is a pro move. It keeps your head from getting too hot, which allows you to stay in the sauna longer and enjoy a more balanced heat.
• Slip-Resistant Sandals: For walking to and from the sauna, especially in a public space, a pair of clean flip-flops is essential for hygiene.

These small additions make a huge difference in the quality of your session. We've curated a collection of high-quality gear designed to make every sauna feel like a luxury spa experience.

Shop Our Sauna Accessories Collection

If you're using a shared sauna, a few simple rules of etiquette ensure everyone has a great experience.

• Shower First: A quick rinse before you enter is polite and hygienic.
• Always Sit on a Towel: This is the golden rule. It keeps the wooden benches clean for everyone.
• Keep it Quiet: A sauna is a place for relaxation. Keep conversations low and leave the loud phone calls for outside.
• Be Mindful of Steam: If you're in a traditional sauna, it's polite to ask if others are okay with you adding water to the stones before you create a huge blast of steam.

Should I wear jewelry in a sauna?

It's best to take it off. Metal can get extremely hot and could burn your skin. It's much safer to leave rings, necklaces, and bracelets outside.

What about shoes?

Never wear your street shoes into a sauna. If you're not going barefoot, a pair of clean, slip-resistant sandals is the only appropriate footwear.

What do you wear in an infrared sauna?

The same rules apply! Because an infrared sauna works by directly heating your body, you want as much skin exposed as possible. A towel or "au naturel" is still the best choice.

In the end, the goal is to be comfortable and relaxed. While public spaces have rules, the ultimate sauna experience is one where you have the freedom to choose what works for you. That's the true luxury of having your own sauna at home—it's your space, your rules.

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