Short answer: Wear as little as facility rules and personal comfort allow. A clean towel, loose natural-fiber clothing, or a simple swimsuit without metal hardware are common choices. Remove jewelry and electronics, and follow the sauna maker’s and facility’s instructions.
Key Takeaways
Check facility rules before deciding between a towel, swimsuit, or loose clothing.
Choose light, comfortable clothing and leave if you feel overheated or unwell.
Sit on a clean towel to protect the bench and improve comfort.
Remove metal jewelry, watches, and electronics before entering.
Afterward, change out of damp clothing and shower when convenient.
Sauna attire is mainly a question of comfort, hygiene, local custom, facility rules, and the instructions for the specific sauna. The guidance below compares practical options without treating clothing choice as a medical or therapeutic intervention.
How Do Clothing Requirements Differ Between Sauna Types?
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 (for home or commercial use), 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.
|
Material Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Cotton / Linen |
Highly breathable; absorbs sweat; stays cool |
Can become heavy when fully saturated |
|
Lightweight Swimsuit |
Convenient; culturally accepted in public |
Synthetic blends may feel less breathable; metal parts can become hot |
|
Towels |
Maximum breathability; hygienic barrier |
Requires manual adjustment; less modest |
|
Synthetic / Spandex |
Moisture-wicking in gyms |
May feel less comfortable in high heat |
What Are The Best Fabrics For Sauna Attire?
Comfort and breathability are practical considerations in sauna clothing. Because people perspire in a sauna, heavy or restrictive garments may feel uncomfortable. Leave the sauna if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, or unusually hot.
Loose cotton or linen garments are common comfort-first choices because they are light and absorbent. A clean towel may be all that is needed where facility rules permit.
Cotton and linen are common choices; any fabric can become wet during a session. Avoid heavy, tight, or heat-sensitive clothing, and follow the garment label and sauna instructions rather than assuming a fabric is heat-safe.
Select the Right Swimsuit
If facility rules require swimwear, choose a simple, comfortable suit without metal hardware. If the material or fit becomes uncomfortable in the heat, end the session.
Use clean swimwear and follow the facility’s hygiene rules. Avoid applying fragranced products immediately before a shared sauna when the facility asks guests not to do so.
Avoiding Tight or Heavy Clothing
Heavy or tight-fitting garments may feel uncomfortable as temperature and perspiration rise. Choose light clothing that does not restrict movement, and leave the sauna if you feel unwell.
Tip: Choose light, loose fabrics for sessions in your indoor or outdoor infrared sauna to enhance airflow and reduce heat stress. For tips on sauna use as beginner, read: Beginners tips on how to use a sauna
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.
Follow facility rules for footwear. Leave ordinary footwear outside the heated room unless the facility specifically allows clean sauna sandals or slippers.
What Are The Rules For Sauna Etiquette And Accessories?
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.
Tip: Sauna accessories like the infrared sauna blanket are welcome. For information, read: Best Sauna Accessories: Benefits of Infrared Sauna Blanket
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
In a shared sauna, perspiration can transfer to the bench. Sitting on a clean towel helps keep the shared surface drier and more comfortable for the next person.
Wood can absorb moisture over time. A towel reduces direct skin contact with the bench and supports routine cleaning, maintenance, and shared-space etiquette.
Comfort and Personal Protection
Sauna benches can feel very hot. A dry towel provides a more comfortable sitting surface; if any surface feels too hot, do not sit or lie on it.
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.
Tip: Respect local etiquette when scheduling sessions in a sauna, adjusting clothing choices for privacy, comfort, and tradition.
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.
After a session, change out of damp clothing and shower when convenient to remove perspiration and feel comfortable.
Quick Facts About Clothing to Wear in the Sauna
Metal: Jewelry and metal hardware can become uncomfortably hot; leave them outside.
Towel: A clean towel creates a practical barrier between skin and a shared bench.
Fit: Loose, lightweight clothing is usually more comfortable than heavy or restrictive clothing.
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.
Use this guide as a practical starting point, then follow the specific sauna manufacturer’s instructions and the rules of the facility you visit.
Explore Sun Home infrared saunas and choose a model based on space, installation requirements, and the current product specifications.
For product-selection questions, contact Sun Home support.
References
-
Baker L. B. (2019). Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 6(3), 211–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2019.1632145
-
Do infrared saunas have any health benefits? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/infrared-sauna/faq-20057954
-
Hayashi, C., & Tokura, H. (1999). The effects of different materials of protective gloves on thermoregulatory responses. International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health, 12(3), 253–261.
-
Material Analysis of Home Slippers: The Unique Advantages of Pure Cotton. (2025). Homstick.com. https://www.homstick.com/news/material-analysis-of-home-slippers-the-unique-advantages-of-pure-cotton.html