Choosing the Right Clothing for Your Sauna Experience

Whether you are a seasoned sauna-goer or a first-time visitor, choosing suitable clothing is crucial to ensuring a comfortable, effective, and enjoyable sauna session. The choice of attire impacts personal comfort and plays a vital role in hygiene, cultural considerations, and the type of sauna you use. Selecting the right clothing will help you respect sauna etiquette and safety guidelines, maximizing your experience.

Sauna Types and Their Clothing Requirements

Before choosing what to wear in a sauna, it is crucial to understand that different saunas have varying clothing requirements. For example, traditional Finnish saunas, often heated by wood or electric stoves, encourage nudity, but wearing a towel is also acceptable. In contrast, the best infrared saunas, which operate at lower temperatures and use infrared light to heat the body, may allow for lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics.

Steam rooms, which rely on high humidity instead of dry heat, necessitate materials that can withstand moisture without becoming uncomfortably heavy or sticky. So, here are tips to help you make an informed choice when selecting clothing for your sauna session. 

Choose Breathable Fabrics

One of the critical factors to consider when selecting sauna clothing is breathability. The intense heat of a sauna causes perspiration. So, wearing materials that do not allow sweat to evaporate can lead to overheating, discomfort, and skin irritation. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are good choices because they are breathable, lightweight, and absorbent.

Cotton, is a popular option because it wicks away moisture while remaining soft against the skin. Linen, known for its quick-drying properties and breathability, is also a great alternative. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, in saunas because they trap heat and moisture, leading to excessive sweating and an uncomfortable, sticky feeling.

Select the Right Swimsuit

If you prefer or are required to wear a swimsuit in a sauna, selecting the right type of swimwear is crucial. Opt for a swimsuit made from natural fibers or high-quality, moisture-wicking materials. A loose-fitting, lightweight swimsuit provides comfort, allows air circulation, and prevents overheating. 

Avoid swimsuits with metal embellishments or thick padding, as these can become uncomfortably hot, irritating the skin. Remember to thoroughly rinse your swimsuit before entering the sauna to remove any residual detergents, chlorine, or lotions that could create unpleasant odors or interfere with the air quality inside the outdoor infrared sauna.

Avoiding Tight or Heavy Clothing

While you may be tempted to wear athletic wear or compression garments in a sauna, it is better to avoid them. Tight-fitting clothing can restrict circulation and trap heat, leading to discomfort and increasing the risk of overheating. Additionally, avoid heavy fabrics, such as denim or thick fleece, since they do not allow sweat to evaporate efficiently. The key to enjoying a sauna session is to allow the body to perspire naturally while ensuring that clothing does not hinder temperature regulation.

Footwear in the Sauna

Footwear is another important consideration when preparing for a sauna experience. In most traditional saunas, participants do not wear shoes because they can introduce dirt and bacteria into the clean environment. However, some people prefer to wear sauna slippers or flip-flops when walking to and from the sauna area, especially in public facilities.

If you must wear footwear inside the sauna, ensure it's made from breathable and heat-resistant materials, such as natural rubber or cotton-based slippers. Avoid wearing plastic-based flip-flops, which can become uncomfortably hot and may emit an unpleasant odor when exposed to high temperatures.

To Wear or Leave Behind Accessories and Jewelry

Wearing jewelry in a sauna is generally discouraged due to the risk of the metal heating up and causing burns. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made from metal can become extremely hot in the sauna, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation. If you wear accessories such as watches, glasses, and fitness trackers, consider leaving them outside the sauna to prevent damage from moisture and heat. If you must bring small personal items into the sauna, place them in a heat-resistant pouch or leave them in a locker to ensure their safety.

Understand Sauna Etiquette

Sauna traditions vary across cultures, and understanding the etiquette surrounding sauna attire is vital for an enjoyable experience. In Finland, where sauna culture is deeply ingrained in daily life, entering a sauna naked is a common practice. Some sauna users often use a towel to sit on for hygiene purposes.

On the contrary, wearing a swimsuit or light clothing in a public sauna is more common in North America and many other regions. Always check the specific rules of the facility you visit to ensure you adhere to local customs. If you are using a private sauna, personal preference will dictate attire. Still, you should always prioritize comfort and breathability.

Use Towels

Towels are an integral part of sauna etiquette and comfort. Even in situations where nudity is acceptable, a towel provides a barrier between the body and the sauna bench. A large, absorbent towel made of cotton or linen is ideal. You can wrap it around the body or lay it out for sitting. Some people prefer to use two towels, one to sit on and another to wipe away sweat. Below are reasons why you should always use towels during sauna bathing. 

·       Hygiene and Cleanliness

Hygiene is one of the core reasons towels are crucial in a sauna. Remember, the sauna is a shared space where people sweat profusely, releasing toxins and impurities from their bodies. Without a towel, sweat will directly transfer onto the wooden benches, creating an unhygienic environment for the next person who sits there.

Wood is porous, so, it absorbs moisture and bacteria over time, leading to unpleasant odor and potential health concerns. A towel absorbs sweat and prevents direct contact with the surfaces, acting as a barrier between the skin and the bench and helping maintain cleanliness. 

·       Comfort and Personal Protection

The benches in the best sauna for home can become extremely hot, especially in high-temperature settings such as traditional Finnish or infrared saunas. Sitting directly on a heated surface is uncomfortable and can lead to minor burns or skin irritation. A towel acts as an insulating layer, reducing the direct heat and making sitting or lying down more pleasant. Additionally, many people prefer to wrap themselves in a towel for modesty and personal comfort, especially in public saunas where nudity is not the norm. The soft texture of a towel also adds a level of relaxation, allowing sauna-goers to fully unwind without the discomfort of sitting on a hard or overly hot bench.

·       Respect for Sauna Etiquette

In many cultures, especially in Nordic countries where sauna use is a deep-rooted tradition, using a towel is a sign of respect for others. Proper sauna etiquette dictates that everyone should be mindful of cleanliness and personal space, and using a towel demonstrates consideration for other sauna users. Many public saunas have strict rules requiring visitors to bring their own towels, reinforcing the importance of this practice. 

Post-Sauna Clothing and Hygiene

After a sauna session, changing into fresh, dry clothing is essential to maintain hygiene and comfort. Sauna use leads to heavy perspiration, and wearing sweaty or damp clothing for an extended period can cause discomfort and contribute to skin irritation or bacterial growth.

Bring an extra set of loose, breathable clothes, such as a cotton robe or soft loungewear, to ensure a pleasant transition from the sauna to daily activities. Additionally, take a shower immediately after a sauna session to cleanse the skin of sweat and toxins and enhance the overall benefits of the experience.

Finally

Choosing the appropriate clothing for a sauna session is essential for maximizing comfort and hygiene. Whether you opt for a towel, a lightweight swimsuit, or breathable cotton garments, ensure they are breathable, comfortable, and culturally appropriate. Always prioritize natural fabrics, avoid heavy or restrictive clothing, and respect the etiquette of the sauna facility to ensure a rejuvenating and fulfilling experience. Use this article as a guide to prepare and make every sauna session a deeply enjoyable and restorative ritual.