What should a woman wear in a sauna? This is the most common yet obvious question asked by women when they are planning to visit a sauna for the first time. Though what to wear in sauna significantly depends on the comfort level, visiting nude should be avoided.
When you are inexperienced with sauna, you need to keep a few things in mind especially when you are visiting a public sauna. Also, you have to follow a certain etiquette when hitting a public sauna as we will discuss in this article.
What is the Concept of Sauna?
Sauna or sauna bathing is a type of heat therapy to relax by sitting in a room where the temperature is customized to a certain level. The size of the sauna varies as per the intended people; it can be for an individual, for families, or more people. Generally considered as Japanese culture, it dates back to 3,000 years though it now goes through various changes except the core concept.
It is generally heated from 1500 Fahrenheit to 2200 with the help of electric lamps, infrared lamps, or in a traditional way. Relaxation, detoxification, skin health, heart health, reducing stress levels, etc are a few benefits of sauna.
There are several types of saunas based on your location and country-specific cultures – Traditional, Infrared, Steamy, and Smoky are the most common types of saunas. However, the traditional sauna is considered the best due to its more social environment.
Keep the following points in mind before entering the sauna –
- Keep your thoughts outside, just relax
- Don’t wear heavy clothes inside sauna; style a towel
- Take off your jewelry to get the utmost comfort level
- Take a shower before entering the sauna for a more relaxing feel
- If you are planning a regular sauna sessions, start small – Around 10 – 15 minutes daily and then increase the timing gradually
What to Wear in Sauna
Though minimal clothes are recommended to style in a sauna, it ultimately depends on your comfort level. There are various dressing options for women to wear in a sauna. We are listing some of the common dresses, so you can choose accordingly.
A Towel or Bathrobe
This is a highly recommended piece of cloth to wear in a sauna even a few public saunas make it a “requirement” for attending the sauna. Towels make it not only comfortable but also reflect your modesty and cover you properly. However, you should make sure that the towel or bathrobe is clean and breathable enough to wear in sauna.
Breathable Swimsuits
Swimsuits are women’s top choice, so when you are looking for what to wear in sauna, swimsuits are highly recommended especially breathable ones. The light and breathable swimsuit allows you to dissipate heat easily and you can comfortably enjoy the session. It should be noted that the temperature of an enclosed sauna could be up to 2000 to let attendees sweat. So, only lightweight and breathable outfits can efficiently dissipate heat and provide you with the best results.
Adopt Linen Clothes
Linen clothes are known for their comfort and lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking properties that make them an ideal choice for sauna. Also, linen is organically anti-allergenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and gentle to the skin. Overall, these amazing features make it highly comfortable for sauna and in general lifestyle.
Cotton T-Shirt and Shorts
If you are not comfortable with towel wraps and swimsuits, you can go with casual dresses like Cotton T-Shirt and Shorts. It could be the best answer to the question – what should a woman wear in a sauna? However, it is better to consult with the sauna operator if these types of outfits are allowed there (when you are attending the public sauna). Cotton outfits are breathable and lightweight to wear and offer the utmost comfort, unlike other options.
What Not to Wear in Sauna
As important as it is to know what to wear in a sauna, what not to wear is equally important especially if you are attending it the first time.
Say No to Heavy Clothing
Don’t even think about wearing heavy clothes in the sauna, it will destroy the whole concept of it. As I already discussed, saunas are small rooms with elevated temperatures and controlled humidities that make sweating. It is done to make the overall experience relaxing but with heavy clothing, the heat will be unable to dissipate which may result in heat stroke.
No Jewelry and Accessories
There is no point in wearing jewelry and accessories inside the sauna. First of all, it could be uncomfortable to wear pieces of jewelry. Second, due to the elevated temperature of the sauna room, the metal jewelry tends to heat up and may result in skin burns that would be uncomfortable and painful as well.
No Room for Makeup
I know makeup is the ornament of ladies but it doesn’t make any sense when you are attending the sauna. As I said, a sauna is a place with elevated temperatures that trap makeup into the pores. Also, wearing makeup can block the natural detoxification process and don’t let go of toxins from the skin that result in disregarded skin appearance.
Sauna Etiquettes Tips to Follow
Everyone has to follow the common Sauna etiquette tips to maintain the dignity of the place. Though, there are no hard rules, you can follow these tips –
- Depending on the country and culture, every sauna may have a separate dress code. Always respect the dress code and wear it accordingly.
- Avoid taking your phone inside the sauna as it can distract other sauna members. Also, if you are allowed to take the phone inside, don’t play the songs and videos. The sauna is considered a peaceful location, don’t irritate others due to your activities.
- Respect other members of the sauna; it is more important than the question of what to wear in sauna. Offer them sufficient space to sit there comfortably.
- To make a clean and comfortable entry into the sauna, make sure to take a shower before entering the sauna.
- Do not bring food or drinks into the sauna whether you are attending a public sauna or the private one. The sauna should be as clean as possible to detoxify properly without any contamination and food items may fail these establishments.
Also read: What to Wear for Niagara Falls? A Guide for All Seasons
Conclusion
Saunas have been there for thousands of years when Mayans used sweathouses 3,000 years ago. They are still a part of our society however now with a modern touch to improve cardiovascular health and relaxation. They are typically 1500 Fahrenheit to 2200 heated rooms that offer various benefits. However, it is a must to understand what should a woman wear in a sauna or what to wear inside a sauna. This is a dedicated guide to sauna, hope it will help you to better understand the concept of sauna.
