What You Should Wear in an Infrared Sauna
- Modern Mindbody Massage
- Jul 14
- 2 min read

You’ve just booked your first sauna session. “But what do you wear in an infrared sauna? The question of what to wear is not only a matter of personal comfort but also impacts the effectiveness of your sauna session.
Unlike traditional steam saunas, infrared saunas use light to create heat, directly warming your body without significantly heating the surrounding air. This unique heating method affects clothing choices for optimal comfort and sauna benefits.
Key Takeaways:
Choosing what to wear in an infrared sauna can significantly affect your comfort and the effectiveness of your session.
Light, breathable, and minimal clothing such as swimwear, towels, loose-fitting shorts and t-shirts is generally the best choice to maximize the benefits of the infrared heat.
Table of Contents
What to Wear in Infrared Sauna
Here’s a guide to help you decide what to wear in an infrared sauna visit.
1. Lightweight Clothing
Opting for lightweight, breathable clothing can enhance your comfort in an infrared sauna. Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for better heat penetration and sweat absorption. Loose-fitting cotton t-shirts and shorts are excellent choices because they cover the body comfortably without restricting movement or heat transfer.
2. Swimwear
Swimwear is another popular choice for both men and women in infrared saunas. Bikinis, swimsuits, or swim trunks are appropriate and comfortable. The minimal coverage allows maximum exposure to infrared heat, which can increase the effectiveness of your sauna session.
3. Towels
Regardless of what you decide to wear, having a towel is essential. You can sit on the towel or wrap it around your body if you prefer some coverage. It also helps absorb sweat and maintain hygiene, protecting the sauna's surfaces. Some people choose to wear a towel as their primary sauna attire, wrapped around the body sarong-style.
4. Avoid Heavy Fabrics
Heavy and non-breathable fabrics such as denim, thick cotton, or synthetic materials that don’t allow your skin to breathe are unsuitable for infrared saunas. These materials can hinder sweat evaporation and make the sauna experience uncomfortably hot and less beneficial.
5. Footwear Considerations
Generally, it's best to go barefoot in an infrared sauna to fully experience the heat’s grounding effect. If you're uncomfortable being barefoot, wear clean cotton socks or special sauna slippers that withstand heat and maintain hygiene.
6. Accessories
It’s advisable to remove all metal jewelry and accessories before entering an infrared sauna. Metals can heat up during the session and potentially cause burns or discomfort.
7. Hair Protection
If you have long hair, consider tying it up to prevent it from sticking to your sweaty back. You can also wear a headband to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes and to protect your hair from excessive dryness caused by the heat.
Schedule Your Sauna Session With Modern Mindbody Massage
Experience the full healing and rejuvenating benefits of an infrared sauna at Modern Mindbody Massage. When you schedule a session with us, we help you prepare, offering friendly advice on what to wear to guarantee your comfort. Contact us to book your session today.
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