Stepping into a steam sauna is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind, detoxify and relax tired muscles. But if you’ve ever stood in the locker room holding onto your towel causing your face to pale, wondering what the unwritten rules are, you aren’t alone.
The question of what to wear in a steam sauna is one of the most common dilemmas for gym-goers and spa enthusiasts alike. The short answer is: less is more, but etiquette is important.
Generally, you will wear a clean loose-fitting cotton towel, a swimsuit made of breathable material or nothing at all if the facility allows it. The goal is to let your skin breathe and sweat freely and stay hygienic and comfortable.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Sauna and steam room use involves high heat, which may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with heart conditions, low blood pressure, or who are pregnant. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness routine, and adhere strictly to the specific rules and safety guidelines of the facility you are visiting.
Key Takeaways
- Material Matters: Always choose natural fabrics such as cotton or linen or special sauna suits. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester or Lycra that can trap heat and chemicals against your skin.
- Hygiene First: Always shower before getting inside and sit on a towel to protect the wood and your skin.
- Footwear: Never wear street shoes in. Flip-flops or shower shoes are the best bet in order to avoid slipping and fungal infections.
- Gender & Location Specifics: Etiquette is very different for a local YMCA, high-end spa or gym sauna. When in doubt, ask the staff.
- Safety: Remove all jewelry and metal accessories to avoid burns.
Understanding the Environment: Are Sauna and Steam Room the Same?
Before getting into the specifics of your outfit, it is very important to comprehend what environment you are getting into. People say these two words interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference.
A traditional sauna utilizes dry heat, usually in the form of hot rocks or a stove, and a temperature from 150degF – 195degF. The humidity is low, usually below 20%. On the other hand, a steam room (often called a Turkish bath) works at lower degrees, usually around 110degF to 120degF, but with almost 100% humidity.
So, is a sauna and steam room the same thing? No. The high moisture in a steam room means your sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily and the heat can be more intense to some.
This difference is crucial when selecting your clothes. Synthetic swimwear that is comfortable in a dry sauna may not be comfortable in a steam room with swirls of water.
On the other hand, does the sauna have steam? Only if you pour water over the rocks (a common practice), but it is still much drier than a steam room. Knowing this makes you decide what to wear in a steam room or sauna effectively.
The Golden Rules of Sauna Dress
Regardless of gender and location, there are a few universal rules to follow when considering what to wear in a steam sauna.
- Avoid Metal and Plastic: Metal rivets on jeans or zippers on jackets can get hot quickly and burn your skin. Plastic accessories may melt.
- Cleanliness is Non-Negotiable: Never wear street clothes or dirty gym gear inside. This exposes bacteria to a shared space.
- Breathability: Your skin requires breathability to excrete toxins. Tight clothing that is not breathable prevents this and can result in overheating.
What to Wear to a Steam Sauna as a Woman
For women such choices may be very diverse, but comfort and modesty (depending on the place) are important.
Swimwear
If you are in a public or co-ed environment, the most frequent choice is the swimsuit. However, all swimsuits are not created equal.
- What to Avoid: Avoid heavy padded bras or tight elastic bands that can dig into your skin as your body expands due to the heat. Thick fabrics take longer to dry and may be clammy to feel in a steam room.
- Best Choice: Simple, loose-fitting bathing suit made of breathable material.
Cotton Wraps and Sarongs
If you’re searching on what to wear in a steam sauna female options aside from swimwear, try a cotton wrap.
- Why it works: Cotton absorbs the sweat/moisture without trapping the heat. It can allow maximum air flow. A plain cotton sarong worn around the chest or waist is simple and functional.
The “Bare” Truth
In women’s sections of spas or even in some European traditions nudity is the norm. If you are comfortable with it, wearing nothing means the most effective sweating will take place. However always sit on a clean towel for hygiene.
What To Wear To A Steam Room As A Woman: Special Considerations
When thinking specifically about what to wear in a steam room as a woman, keep the humidity factor in mind. A steam room is wet.
- Hair: Tie up your hair if it’s long. Damp, hot hair on your neck can be uncomfortable.
- Face: Go makeup-free. Makeup can plug the pores that are trying to open and clean up.
What to Wear to a Steam Room – Men’s Guide
For men, the dress is usually more simple, but social context is very important.
The Gym or YMCA Standard
If you were wondering what to wear in a steam room men style in your local gym, swim trunks or board shorts are the norm.
- Swim Trunks: Quick drying synthetic trunks are fine but can be hot.
- Towels: A plain cotton towel around the waist is the most hygienic and comfortable for men in saunas.
Are Steam Saunas Healthy for Men?
Absolutely. Regular sauna use has been associated with better circulation, muscle recovery and even possible hormonal benefits. However, the effects of heat on sperm count are short-term, so if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to keep exposure to a minimum and keep the temperature moderate.
This is the health aspect many men ask the question are steam saunas healthy, and the answer is yes but you have to stay hydrated and listen to your body.
What to Wear in the Sauna at the Gym
Gyms are high-traffic areas. Etiquette here is stringent in the matter of hygiene.
- The Rule: You must wear a swim suit or a towel. Nudity is excepted almost no time in co-ed gym saunas.
- Tip: Use a separate towel that you can use to sit on. Don’t wear the towel you used to wipe down gym equipment, it’s unsanitary.
What to wear in a Sauna at YMCA
YMCAs facilities are often family-friendly or community-oriented.
- Policy: Review the specific YMCA policy. Some have gender-segregated steam rooms where towels are preferred while others require swimwear at all times. When in doubt as to what to wear in a sauna in the ymca always assume you are expected to wear swimwear until you are told otherwise.
Footwear: Shoes in Steam Room?
One of the greatest errors that beginners make is to wear street shoes or even to go barefoot.
- Going Barefoot: While some might say this is a natural thing – with public steam rooms being a happy breeding ground for fungus such as athlete’s foot.
- Street Shoes: Never wear them. They track in dirt and debris.
- The Solution: Wear shower shoes, flip flops or slides. This is the right answer in regard to shoes in steam room etiquette. They keep you safe from the hot floor, and they protect you from infection.
Weight Loss and Sauna Suits
A popular question is what to wear in the sauna to lose weight.
The Myth of Sweating Suits
You may find people sitting around wearing heavy vinyl “sauna suits” or trash bags to sweat more.
- The Reality: This is what makes you lose water weight, not fat. It is extremely dangerous and it can cause serious dehydration and overheating.
- Recommendation: If weight loss is your goal, wear light breathable clothing. The sauna helps your heart rate ( mimics a light cardio work out) which helps your metabolism, but suffocating your skin in plastic is not the answer.
What Do You Wear To A Steam Room? (And What Not To)
Let’s summarize the “Do’s and Don’ts” just to be clear.
| Do Wear | Don’t Wear | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Towel | Street Clothes | Street clothes are dirty and trap heat. |
| Clean Swimsuit | Jewelry | Metal heats up quickly and causes burns. |
| Flip-Flops | Rubber/Plastic Shoes | Rubber can melt or off-gas toxic fumes. |
| Loose Cotton Robe | Tight Spandex/Lycra | Synthetics restrict airflow and can release chemicals when hot. |
| Hair Tie | Heavy Makeup | Makeup blocks pores and creates a mess. |
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FAQs
Can I wear my normal clothes in a sauna?
No. You are not supposed to wear street clothes in a sauna. They trap heat and bacteria next to your skin and zippers or metal buttons can burn you. Always change into a swim suit or cover yourself up with a clean towel.
So what is the difference between a steam room and a sauna?
By comparison, a sauna utilizes dry heat (low humidity) and temperatures. A steam room absorbs wet heat (100% humidity) and the temperature is lower. This affects what you wear; it is better to wear breathable cotton often for steam rooms to deal with the moisture.
Do I need to take a shower after going to the steam room?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Showering helps to wash off the sweat and toxin released during your session and cools down slowly and gradually.
Why can’t I wear jewellery in a steam sauna?
Conductivity of Conductor Heat is conducted by metals very well. In a sauna, metal jewelry (rings, necklaces, piercings) can get very hot and burn your skin.
Is it better to go in sauna naked?
From the point of view of health, yes. It lets your skin breath and sweat freely without trapping the heat. However, this is completely at the mercy of the rules of the facility and your own comfort level when it comes to nudity in front of other people. If nudity is not an option, a loose cotton towel is the next best thing.
Final Thoughts
Deciding what to wear in a steam sauna doesn’t have to be a stressful task. The golden rule is to prioritize natural fibers such as cotton, be strict with hygiene and common sense such as respecting the specific rules of the facility – be it a gym, a spa or the YMCA. By wearing the appropriate clothing, you can be assured of a safe, comfortable, and healthy experience that will result in being revived instead of being held back. Remember stay hydrated, wear your flip flops and let the heat work for you.
