Sauna attire - what to wear for comfort and safety?

Different countries have different rules regarding sauna attire. The sauna has a particularly long tradition in Finland, where it is deeply rooted in the national culture. When visiting Finland, you should be prepared to enter the sauna naked. This rule applies to both adults and children. Such practice is recommended for reasons of hygiene, comfort, and even heating of the body. In other countries, such as Poland, the approach may differ, and entering a sauna without clothing can feel uncomfortable for some people. In such cases, you may wear a special sauna suit-preferably made of cotton-or wrap yourself in a towel. The appropriate attire also depends on the type of sauna. How should you dress for an infrared sauna?

The infrared sauna-also known as an infrared cabin-is the mildest type of sauna, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60°C and humidity levels of approximately 10–20%. What should you wear in this type of sauna? You may remain unclothed or wear breathable, natural materials. A towel, a lightweight cotton sauna suit, cotton shorts and a sports bra (for women), or a light pareo are all suitable options.

A steam sauna provides completely different conditions: temperatures typically range from 40 to 50°C, while humidity can reach up to 100%. Can you use a towel in such an environment? Due to the high moisture levels, a towel quickly becomes wet and heavy, reducing comfort. For this reason, it is generally recommended to leave the towel outside and enter the steam sauna undressed, unless facility regulations state otherwise.

While a sauna suit is not recommended for a steam sauna, a dry sauna requires a different approach. In a Finnish sauna, temperatures can reach up to 100°C, with very low humidity. How to dress for a Finnish sauna? As in other types of saunas, it is best to enter undressed. Alternatively, you may use a cotton sauna suit or wrap yourself in a towel made from natural fibres. It is also advisable to wear a sauna hat, which improves comfort, protects the head from overheating, and prevents the hair from drying out.

Although cotton sauna underwear is available in shops, and dry and infrared saunas allow the use of a towel, it is generally most beneficial to enter the cabin naked. But why do people go to the sauna without clothes? The absence of clothing promotes better thermoregulation and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. Fabrics-especially synthetic ones-can restrict airflow and lead to overheating. Therefore, when choosing a towel for the sauna, it is advisable to opt for one made from natural materials such as cotton or linen. In addition, clothing may cause irritation and allergic reactions under high temperatures. Understanding proper sauna etiquette and knowing how to dress appropriately also helps answer another common question: what is the difference between textile and non-textile saunas?

In a textile zone, wearing clothing is permitted, allowing you to use a sauna suit or wrap yourself in a towel. A non-textile zone, on the other hand, is an area where clothing is prohibited for all users. This ensures hygiene, comfort, and adherence to traditional sauna practices. Before visiting a sauna, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the facility’s dress code and regulations.

Some people consider wearing a swimsuit in a sauna, particularly in public facilities. However, this is not recommended. Swimsuits are typically made from synthetic materials that do not breathe well. Under high temperatures, they may release harmful substances and contribute to overheating.

Among specialised garments, you may encounter a “sauna suit”. However, this is not intended for use in a traditional sauna. Instead, it is designed for physical exercise to increase perspiration and support weight-loss efforts. By intensifying workouts, it promotes sweating and calorie burning.