The high-heat environment of a sauna requires specific considerations for what you wear to ensure a safe, hygienic, and comfortable experience. The intense temperatures, which can range from 150°F to 195°F, cause the body to sweat heavily, making material choice and coverage regulations important. Selecting the right attire directly affects the body’s ability to cool itself and maintain an optimal internal temperature. Understanding the correct protocol helps maximize the benefits of the heat session while maintaining respect for the space and other users.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The material that touches your skin in a sauna should be breathable and absorbent, which is why natural fibers are strongly recommended. Loose-fitting garments made from cotton, linen, or bamboo are ideal because their structure allows for unrestricted airflow and efficient sweat evaporation. Cotton, in particular, is an excellent choice as it readily absorbs moisture and does not trap heat against the skin.
It is crucial to avoid clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which are often found in standard athletic wear. These fabrics do not breathe well in high heat, which can trap perspiration and lead to uncomfortable clamminess. Furthermore, synthetic materials can become dangerously hot, potentially irritating the skin or releasing volatile compounds under prolonged exposure to the sauna’s elevated temperatures.
Guidelines for Public and Private Settings
The acceptable level of coverage depends heavily on the cultural norms and the specific setting of the sauna you are visiting. In many traditional European and Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Germany, the customary practice is to enter the sauna nude to allow the skin to breathe freely and achieve the full therapeutic effect. If nudity is the custom, a large towel or wrap is typically carried in for sitting on the bench and for modest movement outside the hot room.
Public saunas in North America generally require a degree of modesty, making a swimsuit or lightweight clothing the standard attire. For these co-ed environments, a clean, light-colored swimsuit without excessive metallic or plastic hardware is commonly worn. An alternative is to use a large towel or a simple cotton wrap, such as a sarong or kilt, which provides coverage while still promoting air circulation. Always check the specific facility’s posted rules, as violating the dress code can be considered a breach of etiquette.
Items to Remove Before Entering
For safety, several common personal items must be removed before entering the high-heat environment of a sauna. Any metal jewelry, including rings, necklaces, watches, and body piercings, should be taken off because metal conducts heat rapidly and can become hot enough to cause severe contact burns to the skin. This rapid temperature increase is a direct result of the metal’s high thermal conductivity.
Certain plastic and rubber items, such as spectacle frames, hair ties, or fitness trackers, should also be left outside the sauna. These materials can become brittle, warp, or degrade when exposed to prolonged high heat, and some low-quality plastics may release unpleasant odors. Leaving electronic devices like cell phones or music players outside is also necessary, as the extreme heat and humidity can permanently damage internal components.
Essential Non-Clothing Items
Beyond what you wear, certain non-clothing accessories are integral to a safe and hygienic sauna experience. A large, clean towel is absolutely mandatory, serving as a barrier between your body and the wooden bench; this is often referred to as a “pefletti” in Finnish sauna culture. Using a towel prevents sweat from soaking into the wood, maintaining cleanliness for all users and protecting you from the warmth of the bench.
It is also highly recommended to bring a second, smaller towel for wiping off sweat during the session, which further aids hygiene and comfort. Footwear should consist of slip-resistant sandals or flip-flops. These are used in the changing areas, showers, and on the way to the sauna. These items protect your feet from the warm, potentially slippery floor and reduce the risk of contracting common foot infections in public spaces.