Sauna Etiquette: What to Wear in a Sauna?
Posted by Luxo Living on 27/9/2024
Saunas are the perfect place to go to relax. Soaking up the heat and breathing in the steam can rejuvenate our skin and reduce tension build-up. But if you don’t have your own, you’ll likely have to share.
Sharing a sauna is a common practice, but if you’ve never done it before you might not know how. Should you wear robes? Bathing suits? Or your birthday suit? In this article, we’ll explain the etiquette you should follow in saunas and what you should wear.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Luxo Living today.
Standard Sauna Ettiquette
As a public and shared area, it is important to respect the space properly so that you can get the most out of it. While some saunas may have their own rules, many will follow these etiquette standards.
Hygiene
Much like using a swimming pool, a sauna is exposed to a lot of different people. This is why it is so important to shower before entering. Showering before going into the sauna keeps it clean for you and other guests. It’s a great rule of thumb to follow and show your respect for others.
Likewise, entering a sauna while covered in grime will likely be a much less enjoyable experience. Anything on your body will spread or soak into your skin along with the sweat. For the best experience, showering first is recommended.
Respect the Personal Bubble
One of the best tips to take into a sauna is to treat people the way you want to be treated. Try to avoid encroaching on their personal space or taking up too much for yourself. This does not mean you have to sit stiffly in a corner.
While saunas are generally on the small side, there’s usually plenty of room to relax without invading other people’s space.
Speak Softly
Saunas are designed to help people relax. If you’re sharing a sauna, speaking loudly or excessively could make this difficult for other people. Many people enjoy the calming quiet that saunas offer.
However, this does not mean all talking is out. If you would like to, quiet conversations can be a great way to unwind and connect with other people. Speaking softly should not be an issue.
Pay Attention to Your Session Time
Not everyone can fit into a sauna at once. If you’ve stayed inside the sauna for your set session time, it may be time to exit. Likewise, when exiting it's important to try and stay quiet so as not to disturb others. A good tip is to shut the door carefully, to avoid slamming.
Similarly, while saunas are relaxing it’s a good idea not to stay in one for longer than an hour. If you haven’t had enough water, you could risk becoming dehydrated. If left untreated this could be dangerous.
What to Wear
If you’ve never been to a sauna, you might be wondering what you should wear. Soma saunas may have their own rules. However, in traditional saunas, it’s normal for people not to wear anything.
In these instances, guests will be provided with a towel to cover themselves. You can also use your towel to cover the seats. This can help maintain the cleanliness of the area.
While this is traditional, many public saunas will also let you wear clothing. Before entering a sauna, it’s a good idea to check their specific rules.
Clothes for Men
Freshly washed clothes are the standard when it comes to enjoying a sauna session. Loose cotton clothing is the best option to soak up the heat. With breathable material, you don’t have to worry about sweat and clinging fabric.
It’s common for men to wear cotton shorts and shirts. Likewise, many men wear swim trunks or boxer briefs if they prefer. Cotton wraps are also a popular choice, as they are similar to towels.
Clothes for Women
Women can also wear cotton shirts and shorts. Likewise, it’s common for women to wear breathable one-piece or two-piece swimsuits.
Linen wraps or robes are also an ideal choice for many women. So they can make sure they are not too tight or uncomfortable. Whatever you choose it's important to remember to select breathable and simple outfits.
What to Avoid
If you’re not sure where to start, knowing what to avoid is a great first step. Synthetic materials are likely to constrict as you sweat and should be avoided. Tight bathing suits could cause discomfort, making it difficult to enjoy the sauna.
Likewise, anything with decorative or metal pieces could be dangerous to wear. As they heat they could burn your skin. While workout clothes may be comfortable they will likely start to smell in the heat, no matter how freshly washed.
Relax in Your Sauna of Choice
Shared saunas have a long history. They are a great way of reducing stress and enjoying warmth. But as communal areas, it is important to use proper etiquette so that everyone can enjoy them.
At Luxo Living, we have a range of saunas you can use at home. With your very own sauna, you can relax without worry. Dress in the way that makes you most comfortable and spread out the way you prefer.
