Quick Answer
Most people wear a swimsuit, towel, or light breathable clothing in a sauna. The key is choosing materials that are comfortable in heat and avoiding anything that traps moisture or contains metal.
What to Wear in a Sauna
If you are visiting a sauna for the first time, one of the most common questions is what to wear.
The good news is that sauna attire is simple. The goal is to stay comfortable in the heat while allowing your body to cool itself naturally.
Common sauna clothing options include:
• a swimsuit
• a towel wrapped around the body
• light cotton clothing
• athletic shorts and a breathable top
In many traditional Nordic saunas, people sit on a towel to keep the benches clean and comfortable.
The Most Comfortable Sauna Clothing
The best sauna clothing is lightweight and breathable.
Natural fabrics like cotton tend to feel the most comfortable because they allow heat and moisture to move through the fabric more easily.
Loose-fitting clothing is also helpful because tight clothing can trap heat.
Many sauna guests simply wear a swimsuit or wrap themselves in a towel during the session.
What NOT to Wear in a Sauna
Certain items are best avoided in a sauna environment.
Try not to wear:
• heavy clothing
• synthetic fabrics that trap heat
• jewelry or metal accessories
• shoes inside the sauna
Metal can become very hot in a sauna, which is why most people remove watches, necklaces, and rings before entering.
Should You Wear Shoes in a Sauna?
Most saunas are designed to be used barefoot or with sandals outside the sauna room.
Inside the sauna, guests usually sit barefoot on the benches with a towel underneath them.
This keeps the sauna clean and comfortable for everyone.
Sauna Etiquette: Sitting on a Towel
One common sauna custom is sitting or lying on a towel.
This serves two purposes:
• comfort on the wooden benches
• keeping the sauna clean for other guests
Even in private sauna sessions, many guests prefer to bring a towel for this reason.
People Also Ask
Do you wear clothes in a sauna?
Yes. In many public saunas people wear swimsuits, towels, or light clothing. Private saunas sometimes allow more flexibility depending on the setting.
Can you wear gym clothes in a sauna?
It is usually better to avoid heavy gym clothing. Lightweight breathable fabrics or a swimsuit are typically more comfortable in sauna heat.
Can you wear a towel in a sauna?
Yes. Many people wrap themselves in a towel or sit on a towel while using a sauna.
Should you remove jewelry in a sauna?
Yes. Jewelry and metal accessories can become very hot in a sauna and are usually removed before entering.
Sauna Comfort Tips for First-Time Guests
If you are new to sauna, keeping things simple helps.
• Wear light clothing or a swimsuit
• Bring a towel to sit on
• Remove jewelry and metal items
• Stay hydrated before and after your session
Most guests quickly find a routine that feels comfortable.
Experiencing Sauna in Northeast Wisconsin
Traditional sauna experiences are becoming increasingly popular across the United States, especially wood-fired saunas that offer a natural and relaxing environment.
At 920 Sauna Co, guests enjoy a private wood-fired sauna experience designed to be welcoming for both beginners and experienced sauna users. Sessions are relaxed, and guests are encouraged to enjoy the heat at their own pace.
If you’re interested in trying a wood-fired sauna experience, you can check availability for upcoming sessions on our website.