A day at the spa is one of the best ways to calm your mind and get in touch with your body. The healing properties of massage, extreme temperature rooms and other spa amenities work wonders to help you unwind and recharge, especially after a period of stress.
But if it’s your first time visiting a spa, you may have questions about etiquette, like “What clothes should I wear to a spa?”
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about appropriate clothing for your spa visit, ensuring an even more relaxing experience.
Start With Comfortable, Easy-to-Change Clothing
Once you arrive at the spa, you’ll most likely change into lighter swimwear or undergarments. Most spas even provide robes and slippers to wear on-premise.
This means that it’s best to go to the spa in soft, comfy clothes that you can easily slip in and out of. Choose whatever fabrics feel best on your skin, ideally without any complicated fasteners.
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Some examples to consider for your spa day getaway include:
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Loose lounge pants or joggers
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A soft T-shirt or tank top
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A lightweight cardigan
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Slip-on shoes or sandals
Most spas have a comfortable locker room or changing room area where you can lock away your normal clothes—and any stresses from the outside world—to prepare for ultimate relaxation.
What to Wear for Massages and Body Treatments
Bodywork services like massage and related treatments are popular at spas. For these treatments, guests are usually encouraged to wear whatever clothing they are most comfortable in. Most wear undergarments or nothing at all under their robes, as therapists will use appropriate draping to ensure privacy.
In fact, top spa professionals see draping as an art form, not just an essential skill. There are techniques they study to ensure comfort and confidence for all people, including special considerations for different body parts (e.g., abdomen, groin) and conditions (pregnancy).
So, rest assured: Massage therapists and other professionals are there to make you feel safe.
As with your outfit for the day overall, we recommend choosing comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of. If you’re unsure, you can always consult with a rep from your spa to see if there are rules or expectations regarding clothing for bodywork services.
What to Wear in Wet Areas (Saunas, Pools and Steam Rooms)
Another major draw of spas are the wet areas. Spas often feature multiple options for pools and temperature-control rooms offering extreme heat (or cold!) in drier or wetter varieties. In most cases, these areas require guests to wear a swimsuit or other bathing attire and bring a towel.
Here are some recommendations for making use of a spa’s wet areas:
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Wear a classic one-piece swimsuit
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Opt for comfortable swim trunks
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Wear your own or spa-provided slides
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Bring some hair ties or gentle hair clips
Some saunas, steam rooms or other wet areas may require a towel. In these cases, towels are usually provided by the spa itself. Relatedly, robes may be optional, required or prohibited in certain rooms depending on the specific experience inside. Make sure to consult with staff at your preferred spa to see what needs to be worn (or taken off) in each of their wet areas.
If Your Spa Visit Includes Movement or Wellness Classes
Some spas offer yoga, stretching sessions and other movement-focused experiences. These tend to be less intense than fitness classes on offer at more traditional gyms, but they still require more energy than sitting in a heated pool or ice bath. As such, you should dress accordingly.
If you plan to take advantage of any of these experiences, we recommend bringing:
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Lightweight activewear
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Breathable tops
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Soft, flexible leggings
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An extra set of clothes
Movement and wellness classes provide a great opportunity to try out relaxing loungewear trends. Because they don’t warrant the type of performance garments you’d need for a demanding spin or Pilates class, they can be the perfect place to luxuriate in (and show off) your new athleisure set.
What to Avoid Wearing to the Spa
Another way of thinking about what you should wear to a spa is to think about the things you probably shouldn’t wear.
Spas often provide etiquette guides that clarify any hard-and-fast dress codes. There are also important considerations for your own personal comfort.
To that end, we recommend avoiding any of the following:
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Tight denim or structured clothing
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Intense, time-consuming makeup
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Heavy and/or layered jewelry
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Strong perfumes or fragrances
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Complicated, hard-to-take-off pieces
Packing a Small Spa Essentials Bag
Many spa visitors also like to pack a small “essentials” bag. Whether it stays with you or goes into the locker room, it’s there if you need it.
Some items to consider packing in your spa day bag include:
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A soft change of clothes
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Minimal skincare
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Daily medications
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A reusable water bottle
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A hairbrush or comb
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A book or journal
While your spa essentials bag is mostly about function, there’s no reason not to treat it like a fashion statement. Classic patterns like polka dots can add a chic touch, while colors like pastels or neons can complement a subdued look or stand out as a splash of fun.
Your Spa Day Starts and Ends with Softies
A spa day is always something to look forward to, and you should take advantage of the rest and relaxation that comes with it. When preparing, try not to worry too much about the outfit you wear and the items you bring. As long as you’re comfortable and following the spa’s rules and expectations, you should feel free to wear whatever brings you the most joy.
At the end of the day, spas are all about peace, so anything you can do to maximize that is a good call. Wear your favorite loungewear or athleisure set, bring a book and get ready for a wonderful break from the world.
If you need help finding your next spa day outfit, Softies’ loungewear is ideal for before, during and after a spa visit. Explore our collection today to discover comfy and stylish wardrobe staples.
