First-time clients often wonder about the appropriate attire for a massage. The question of what to wear, or how much to undress, is one that licensed massage therapists encounter regularly. The entire session is centered on client comfort and therapeutic goals. Your personal choice regarding clothing during the session is always the guiding factor.
Attire for Arrival and Departure
Selecting clothing for your journey should prioritize comfort and convenience. Loose-fitting garments are recommended because they are simple to remove before the session and easy to slip back into afterward.
This is especially true if the session involved the use of oils or lotions, which can sometimes leave a slight residue on the skin. Tight-fitting clothing or garments made of delicate fabric might feel abrasive or become stained. Consider removing any bulky jewelry, such as long necklaces or large earrings, before you arrive to streamline preparation and prevent potential damage.
Understanding Undressing Expectations
The degree to which you undress for a massage is completely at your discretion, and a professional therapist will always respect your personal boundary. For many common massage styles, such as Swedish or deep tissue, the therapist needs direct access to the muscles to apply effective techniques and lubricants. The standard practice involves the client removing clothing to their level of comfort, which can range from remaining fully clothed to being completely nude underneath the sheet. Many clients choose to remove all clothing except their underwear, or sometimes just the bottom undergarment, while others prefer to be entirely unclothed for full range of motion.
Regardless of your choice, the therapist will step out of the treatment room entirely before the session begins to allow you complete privacy while you undress and position yourself under the sheet. Once you are situated comfortably, the therapist will knock and wait for your verbal confirmation before re-entering the room. This procedure maintains a respectful environment. Your therapist will also leave the room again at the end of the session, providing privacy to fully redress at your own pace.
Draping and Professional Modesty
Professional draping techniques are the primary method used by therapists to ensure client modesty and comfort throughout the massage session. Draping involves the systematic use of linens, typically a top sheet, to cover every part of the body not actively being massaged. This means your entire body will not be exposed simultaneously.
As the therapist moves to a new area of the body, such as a leg or arm, they will skillfully fold the sheet to reveal only that specific section. For example, when working on a single leg, the rest of the body remains securely covered. This focused approach ensures the client feels safe while allowing the therapist necessary access to muscle tissue.
Sensitive areas are always kept covered under the sheet, regardless of the client’s undressing choice. This includes the breasts, chest area, and the entire genital region. The sheet is tucked or held firmly to maintain a secure boundary as the therapist works near them. The therapist’s hands remain in contact with the uncovered part of the body, ensuring the sheet never accidentally slips. You should always feel empowered to communicate immediately if the draping feels inadequate or if you become uncomfortable at any point.
Attire for Specific Massage Techniques
While the majority of Western massage styles require some level of undressing, several popular modalities are specifically designed to be performed while the client remains fully clothed. These alternative approaches focus on pressure application, stretching, and manipulation through the clothing rather than direct skin contact with oil.
Thai massage and Shiatsu, for instance, both rely on deep compression, joint mobilization, and assisted stretching that require the client to be completely covered. For these techniques, it is beneficial to wear thin, flexible, and loose-fitting apparel that allows for a full range of motion. Clothing similar to yoga wear, athletic shorts, or sweatpants and a t-shirt are the most appropriate choices for these sessions.
Chair massage is another common modality where clients remain fully clothed, as the work is primarily concentrated on the back, shoulders, neck, and arms. Even if the therapist works directly on the skin for brief moments, the general expectation is to stay dressed in your street clothes. The material of your clothing should be soft and flexible enough to allow the therapist to access the muscle contours easily without causing the fabric to bind or bunch up uncomfortably.