Exactly What to Wear in a Sauna to Lose Weight

Saunas are a great way to relax, detox naturally, and even lose weight, but it can be intimidating if you’ve never tried it before. Below is exactly what to wear in a sauna and what to avoid wearing.

Keep in mind that many factors play into what to wear in a sauna. If you’re in a public setting like a gym, they may have a dress code. What you wear will also depend on your personal preference in a public setting. If you have your own sauna, you may prefer being naked or just private parts being covered.

Traditional, Steam or Infrared?

 Your clothing may also be different depending on what type of sauna you’re using. Steam room saunas are still popular, but you could try an infrared sauna or traditional sauna with dry heat.

Traditional saunas – whether it be dry or steam – heat the air to cause you to sweat, but infrared saunas use light waves to heat the area. 

What is the best choice to wear in an infrared sauna?

If you’re opting for an infrared sauna, the best option is to go with as little clothing as possible. Of course, naked may only be an option with a private sauna.

If you’re in a public sauna room, a cotton towel is a great option for modesty, as well as, to cover the sauna benches.

Private home saunas are also getting a little cheaper thanks to brands like Higher Dose.

Does an infrared sauna penetrate clothing?

No, infrared wavelengths can’t penetrate through clothing. They need direct contact to the skin to get the benefits.

If you’d like an at home option that allows you to wear clothing, you may consider Mito Red Light Therapy instead. It uses different wavelengths and consequently can penetrate up to 6 inches. Red light therapy does not have a heat element though – so you won’t sweat!

No matter what type of sauna you’re in, choosing what’s right to you will depend on your comfort, safety, and hygiene.

That being said, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to decide what’s right for you. Keep these factors in mind as you pick your clothing for your next sauna session.

Exactly What to Wear in a Sauna

Nude is best

The best way to enjoy a sauna in safety and comfort is to go without clothing. This is because bare skin will be able to breathe and sweat better.

But if you’re planning on using a public sauna, this may not be the best option for you. You should see what a public sauna’s rules are before going in with minimal clothing or nothing at all. 

Avoid tight or heavy clothing

Any clothing that is restrictive could cause safety issues while you enjoy your sauna. That’s because the average temperature of most saunas is 110 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

This high temperature will cause your body temperature to raise and sweat to form on your skin.

Tight or heavy clothing can prevent the evaporation of sweat and keep heat from dissipating off your skin. This, in turn, will keep your body from being able to cool itself, causing you to overheat – which could result in cramps, headaches, or even a stroke.

Stay away from synthetic fabrics

Another factor to consider when choosing clothing for the sauna is the fabric type. 

Synthetic materials like polyester tend to stick and cling to your skin, which could cause overheating. These types of fabric are also known for holding in excess moisture, which can lead to bacteria growth causing rashes or an infection.

Choose breathable fabrics

Unlike synthetic fabrics, naturally materials and breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen are great choices for the sauna.

They help promote better air circulation around your skin, and their moisture wicking properties help keep things clean and sanitary.

Watch out for metal

Before you step into the sauna it’s a good idea to check your clothing for metal pieces, clasps, or decorations.

Metal can quickly get hot in the warm environment, which could cause burns if the metal pieces touch your skin.

Wear clean clothes

While you might be hitting the sauna right after your workout, you shouldn’t step into the steam room in your sweaty gym clothes.

In fact, it’s best to remove those dirty clothes, shower, and place on clean items before using the sauna to help keep the space (and yourself) clean and sanitary.

You’ll also want to skip wearing:

• metal jewelry
• makeup
• Physio tape
• lotions
• clothing with buttons or zippers

Hygiene and Safety Tips

Along with skipping heavy, tight, or synthetic fabrics, you’ll also want to remember to bring a towel to two.

A cotton towel not only lets you soak up your sweat when you sit on it, but it can protect your skin from the direct heat of sauna benches.

You may also want an additional towel to dry off your sweat from your face and upper body.

Should you wear shoes in the sauna?

It may surprise you, but flip flops, shoes, and shower sandals are not required in most saunas, and in many cases, there are rules that you have to go barefoot. This is to keep the area clean.

If you do wear footwear, you may want to reconsider flip flops because they are easy to slide on slippery flours.

What to Wear in a Sauna after Your Workout

Enjoying a warm sauna after a hard workout can be a great way to relax and unwind. But there’s nothing worse than sweating it out in the gym only to be uncomfortable in the hot sauna afterward.

Luckily, it’s easy to make your sauna experience a pleasant one by picking the right clothing before you step inside.

These items are great options for enjoying a sauna after your next workout:

• Cotton or moisture wicking underwear
• A clean swimsuit or swim trunks
• Breathable gym shorts
• A light t-shirt or breathable tank top
• A towel or sarong
• Loose-fitting dress made of breathable fabric
• Cotton robe or kimono
• Linen spa gown or robe

Can You Wear Gym Leggings in Sauna?

You should skip wearing leggings in a sauna. Typically leggings are tight and can prevent the sweat from escaping, and they also may increase your body temperature to an unhealthy level. 

Can I Wear Gym Clothes in a Sauna?

You can wear gym clothes in a sauna, but we don’t recommend leggings or tight-fitting clothes. you may be better off with a swimsuit.

Should I Wear a Bra in the Sauna?

A loose-fitting swimsuit top without underwire, a loose cotton tshirt, or a towel are better choices in a sauna. If you chose to wear a traditional bra though, you’ll want to avoid bras with underwire or metal parts.

What to Wear in a Sauna to Lose Weight

Working out in the gym is just one way to use the facility to help you lose weight. You can also take advantage of the detoxifying qualities of the gym’s sauna to aid in your weight loss journey. 

Wearing any of the items listed above is a great option if you’re hoping to rid your body of toxins after a workout.

Should you try a sauna suit?

No, sauna suits should not be worn in any sauna. They can lead you to overheat or get dehydrated. 

If you’re looking for an outfit to lose weight in sauna, you’re better off with a loose fitting long-sleeve cotton shirt and pants or a cotton robe.

Can I wear a hoodie in the sauna to lose weight?

Wearing a hoodie isn’t recommended in sauna. It can lead you to get too hot, cause you to be dehydrated, or open yourself up to other health concerns.

Other Items You May Like in a Sauna

Now that you know what you’re going to wear, you may also like these accessories in the sauna:

• Sauna Hat to keep your head cool
• An Extra Towel
• Essential Oils that are sauna safe (if allowed)
• Loofah (if you’re in a private sauna) to exfoliate your skin

Tips for Your First Sauna Session

• Drink Water
• Take a lukewarm shower & dry off before the sauna
• Make sure you wear appropriate clothing
• Don’t forget your towel(s)
• Start with a short session and gradually increase if you need to
• When inside the sauna remember to breathe and relax!

One final note: If you have skin redness or rosacea, high temperatures like those in a sauna may make your redness worse.

We recommend talking to a dermatologist before hopping in a dry sauna or steam room. You may also benefit from a LED Right Light Mask or Right Light Panel instead of a sauna.

They both can help with the skin’s appearance, as well as, inflammation.

Love these tips? Also check out:

• My CurrentBody LED Mask Review, Results & Promo Code
• Weight Loss Biohacks! 11 Tips to Biohacking Your Body
• The Best Workouts for Weight Loss