It is very common for first-time massage clients to feel a degree of anxiety about the process of disrobing. The question of how much clothing to remove is one of the most frequently asked, and it is a perfectly normal concern to have before a therapeutic session. Understanding the professional environment and protocols can greatly reduce any initial discomfort, helping you to feel more relaxed and prepared for your treatment.
The Standard Protocol for Disrobing
For modalities such as deep tissue, Swedish, and therapeutic massages, the general professional expectation is that a client removes all clothing, including underwear, underneath the sheet. This practice is primarily designed to grant the massage therapist unimpeded access to large muscle groups. Full access is often needed to properly treat common areas of tension like the hips, glutes, and lower back, as these regions are interconnected with core muscle function.
The direct application of oil or lotion is necessary for the long, gliding strokes used in many techniques. Clothing creates a barrier that prevents the therapist from achieving the necessary skin-to-skin contact for effective muscle manipulation. Removing all clothing ensures the therapist can work seamlessly across the entire targeted area without restriction.
Understanding Professional Draping Techniques
To alleviate any concern about modesty, professional draping techniques are used throughout every session. Draping involves the careful use of sheets, blankets, and sometimes towels to cover every area of the body that is not actively being massaged. The therapist will only uncover the specific body section they are working on, such as one leg or the back, before immediately re-covering it.
Private or sensitive areas are always securely covered and remain untouched. This technique ensures the client’s modesty is respected, maintains a professional environment, and keeps the client warm and comfortable. With skilled draping, the client remains almost entirely under cover for the duration of the massage, with only a small segment of the body exposed at any given time.
The therapist is trained to never work under the sheet, instead manipulating the drape to expose a working area and then folding it back when finished. Before the session begins, the therapist will leave the room, allowing you to undress privately and get onto the table underneath the top sheet. When the session is complete, the therapist will again leave the room so you can redress at your leisure.
Client Choice and Alternatives to Full Undressing
The client is always in complete control of their experience, and you have the right to undress only to the level of your comfort. If you prefer, you can keep your underwear on during the massage session. Some clients also choose to wear loose-fitting athletic shorts or a sports bra if they are primarily focused on an upper back or shoulder treatment.
Keeping clothing on may limit the therapist’s ability to perform certain techniques effectively. For example, if you keep full-coverage briefs on, the therapist may not be able to perform detailed work on the gluteal muscles or achieve the full range of motion needed for hip joint mobilization. If you choose to keep underwear on, selecting minimal or small-cut garments is helpful for maximizing access to surrounding muscle tissue.
Specific Massage Styles and Exceptions
While oil-based massages typically involve undressing, several distinct styles require the client to remain fully clothed. In modalities like Thai massage and Shiatsu, the client wears loose, flexible attire. These techniques rely on stretching, compression, and rhythmic pressure, which are applied effectively through fabric without the need for oils or lotions.
Chair massages are always performed with the client fully clothed. If you are only seeking work on a very specific area, such as the neck or shoulders, full undressing may not be necessary. If you have any reservations, communicating with your therapist before the session is the best way to determine the appropriate level of undress for your selected treatment.