When preparing for a massage appointment, one of the most common questions is, “What do you wear to a massage?” It’s essential to feel comfortable and relaxed to make the most of your massage therapy experience, whether it’s a body, sports, or soothing Swedish massage. The right clothing can contribute significantly to your overall comfort and ability to enjoy the session fully. In this blog, we will guide you through the best choices for what to wear to a massage and offer tips on ensuring a seamless, comfortable experience with your massage therapist.

The Basics: What to Expect During Your Massage

Before discussing what to wear, it’s important to understand the typical process during a massage session. Whether visiting a spa or wellness center or receiving therapeutic massage from a certified massage therapist, the experience often follows a similar routine.

1. Massage Table and Draping

Most massages are performed on a massage table with a face cradle for comfort. When you arrive, the massage therapist will usually leave the room to allow you to undress to a level that makes you feel comfortable. You’ll often be asked to undress to your comfort level—this could mean being completely undressed, wearing underwear, or keeping on some clothing.

2. Draping for Privacy

During the massage, draping covers private areas and ensures that only the massaged area is exposed at any given time. The therapist will cover your body with a towel or sheet, pulling it back as needed to expose only the particular area being worked on. This practice maintains privacy and comfort throughout your massage therapy session.

3. Relaxation and Comfort

The overall goal of any massage is relaxation. Being comfortable in your clothing (or lack thereof) allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and let go of any tension or discomfort. Wearing the right clothes is crucial to this experience, ensuring you can feel comfortable and enjoy the session without distraction.

Key Considerations: What to Wear to a Massage

Here are the main considerations for what to wear to a massage to ensure comfort and relaxation.

1. Comfort is Key

The primary factor in choosing what to wear is comfort. Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to feel comfortable and move easily. For example, loose-fitting clothes such as a t-shirt and comfortable pants are ideal for wearing during the massage. Avoid tight-fitting clothes or those that could be restrictive during your session.

2. Avoid Jewelry and Accessories

Removing jewelry, watches, and accessories before your massage appointment is best. These items can become uncomfortable lying on the massage table or get in the way of the massage therapist. Additionally, removing jewelry ensures that your massage therapist can work more effectively on areas like your neck, shoulders, and upper back without obstructions.

3. Underwear: To Wear or Not to Wear

The decision to wear underwear during your massage depends on your preference and the type of massage you’re getting. If you’re receiving a full body massage, you may choose to undress completely, leaving only your underwear on, or you may prefer to remain fully clothed depending on your comfort level. Massage therapists are trained to respect your privacy and will ensure you feel at ease. You can also ask your therapist to cover areas, and they will adjust the draping accordingly.

4. Lighter Clothing for Sports Massage

For those attending a sports massage, especially if you’re getting a massage to target specific muscle groups or injuries, consider wearing clothing that allows easy movement, such as loose-fitting clothing. A sports massage often focuses on specific areas, so comfortable clothing that provides easy access to those muscle groups (like athletic wear) is a good choice.

5. Body Hair Considerations

If you have body hair in the area being massaged, it’s generally not a problem. Massage therapists are trained to work with all skin and hair; any dental discomfort caused by hair won’t affect the overall massage experience. However, if you are sensitive about body hair in specific areas, you may want to trim or remove it before your massage appointment.

6. What to Wear for a First Massage

For your first massage, it’s understandable that you might be unsure about what to wear. In general, loose fitting clothing is a safe bet, as you can easily adjust and undress if needed. Wearing something comfortable like a t-shirt and loose pants is important for those getting a full body massage. If you’re unsure how to sleep with a toothache or have any other concerns, just let your massage therapist know, and they’ll guide you.

What to Expect in Terms of Clothing: Specific Massage Types

Different types of massage therapy might require different levels of undressing, depending on the areas of the body being targeted. Let’s examine what to wear for specific massage types.

1. Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is a full-body, relaxing technique that targets muscles and soft tissues. Many clients prefer to undress to their comfort level for this type of massage. Some may wear underwear or loose-fitting clothing that allows the massage therapist to work on the back, neck, and shoulders.

2. Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage often focuses on specific body areas to address muscle tension or discomfort. If you’re receiving a therapeutic massage for a specific injury or pain relief, wear clothes that allow the therapist easy access to the affected area. In some cases, if you’re dealing with issues like back pain or jaw pain, the therapist may suggest that you undress to your comfort level to ensure access to the necessary areas.

3. Sports Massage

A sports massage focuses on the muscles and soft tissues to help recover from physical activity. If you’re visiting a massage therapist for a sports massage, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the muscles is important. This will help the therapist target the specific areas of discomfort effectively.

4. Hot Stone Massage

For a hot stone massage, loose fitting clothing is again recommended. During this treatment, smooth, heated stones are placed on the body to promote relaxation and reduce tension. Since this treatment targets the whole body, wearing clothing that allows easy undressing to a comfortable level is key.

5. Pregnancy Massage

A pregnancy massage is specifically designed for the comfort and safety of pregnant individuals. The therapist will use pillows to support your body and focus on relaxation and pain relief. For this type of massage, comfortable clothing such as loose-fitting tops and pants is ideal. You may be asked to undress to your comfort level, and the therapist will ensure that you feel safe and supported throughout the session.

Additional Tips for a Comfortable Massage Experience

Feeling at ease and relaxed when preparing for a massage appointment is key to ensuring a positive and beneficial experience. Most massage therapists strive to create a welcoming, comfortable environment that allows clients to unwind, but you can take a few additional steps to enhance the overall experience. Here, we’ll explore helpful tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for your first massage and any follow-up sessions so you can fully enjoy the benefits of your massage therapy.

1. Arrive Early and Communicate Your Preferences

Arriving at least 10–15 minutes early allows you to settle in, fill out any necessary forms, and communicate specific concerns or preferences with your massage therapist. This is especially important during your first massage, as you may not be familiar with the process and will want to ensure the therapist knows about any areas you’d like to focus on, such as muscle tension or painful spots. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to discuss personal hygiene and ensure you’re comfortable with the room temperature, pressure, and techniques.

Let the therapist know if there are any specific areas of discomfort or pain. For example, if you’re dealing with chronic neck pain or lower back tension, you can ask the therapist to pay extra attention to those areas. Being open about your preferences will help guide the massage therapist in providing a more tailored experience.

2. Keep Private Areas Covered

One key component of a comfortable massage experience is maintaining privacy. Most massage therapists are highly trained to respect their clients’ boundaries, and the private areas covered will always be ensured. In general, draping techniques are used, where a sheet or towel is placed over you, covering the parts of your body that are not being massaged. The massage therapist will only uncover the area being worked on, and you can expect your private areas to remain discreetly covered throughout the session.

You should communicate with your therapist if you ever feel uncomfortable or exposed. They will always adjust the draping to ensure your comfort and privacy. Depending on your comfort level, you are also welcome to request that certain areas be kept covered.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing

If you’re not planning to undress for your massage, it’s essential to wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and relaxation. Loose-fitting clothes, such as a t-shirt and comfortable pants, are ideal. For example, suppose you’re getting a sports massage or therapeutic massage. In that case, it’s helpful to wear attire that makes it easier for the therapist to access the areas of your body that need attention, like your back, legs, or shoulders. This is particularly important for a training session or targeted work on specific muscle groups.

Keep in mind that the clothing you wear should also allow you to relax. Tight-fitting or restrictive clothes could prevent you from getting the most out of your massage therapy experience. The goal is to feel comfortable and release tension; clothing restricting your movement could work against that.

4. Maintain Personal Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is essential before your massage appointment for comfort and to show respect for the massage therapist. While massage therapists are used to working with all types of clients, ensuring that you’re freshly showered or cleaned up helps you feel more comfortable and confident during the session. Additionally, brushing your teeth, wearing deodorant, and avoiding strong perfumes is a good idea, as these can sometimes interfere with the relaxing environment.

If you have body hair in the areas being massaged, it’s fine to keep it, but keeping things clean helps the therapist work more efficiently and reduces any potential discomfort. Sometimes, individuals may shave or trim their body hair before a massage, though this is unnecessary unless you’re self-conscious.

5. Speak Up If You Feel Uncomfortable

Massage is meant to be a relaxing experience, and most massage therapists want to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the session. If at any point you begin to feel uncomfortable—whether it’s the pressure, the temperature of the room, or the type of massage technique being used—speak up. Your massage therapist is there to help you relax, and they will gladly adjust the pressure or technique to suit your preferences.

You might be unsure what to expect during your first massage, but expressing your feelings is always good. If the pressure feels too intense or a certain movement feels uncomfortable, let your massage therapist know so they can modify the treatment accordingly. Remember, this is your

Conclusion

Knowing what to wear to a massage makes you comfortable and relaxed during your appointment. Whether you choose to wear loose-fitting clothing or undress to your comfort level, the goal is to ensure that the massage therapist can work effectively and that you can fully enjoy the benefits of the session. From Swedish massages to sports massages, each type of therapy may require different clothing options, but comfort should always be your top priority.

Following these guidelines and tips ensures your massage therapy experience is enjoyable and effective.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-massage

https://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits

https://www.wikihow.com/What-to-Wear-to-a-Massage