What to Wear to a Massage

A massage is the ultimate form of relaxation and self-care. Whether it's your first appointment or your hundredth, a common question always lingers: What should you wear to a massage? Surprisingly, your choice of clothing plays a big role in how comfortable and effective your session will be. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dressing for a massage—covering different types of massages, what to expect, and tips to maximize your comfort. Plus, we’ll share a helpful table to quickly reference what to wear for different massage types.

Before you even step into the massage room, your clothing decisions can set the tone for your entire experience. Wearing the wrong clothes could leave you feeling restricted, embarrassed, or less relaxed. The main goals when choosing massage attire are comfort, flexibility, ease of access for the therapist, and enhancing relaxation. Some massages involve a lot of movement, stretches, or pressure points, so choosing the right outfit helps the therapist do their job effectively—and helps you get the most from your session.

General Guidelines: What to Wear Before, During, and After a Massage

Your comfort begins even before you step into the massage room. Before your massage, opt for loose, comfortable clothing such as yoga pants, sweatpants, or a simple T-shirt. Avoid tight jeans or formal wear. These types of clothes can restrict movement and make it harder to relax. When you arrive, you’ll usually be asked to change into more appropriate attire based on the type of massage you’ve chosen.

During the massage, your therapist will ensure your modesty is maintained with appropriate draping. In most cases, you can undress to your comfort level, leaving on underwear or completely removing your clothing, depending on what you feel comfortable with. After the massage, it’s best to wear easy-to-wear, cozy clothing. Your body may feel loose and sensitive post-session, so breathable fabrics are your best option.

Massage Phase	What to Wear	Key Considerations
Arrival/Waiting Room	Loose, comfortable clothing	Avoid tight jeans or formal wear. Think yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirts, or gym shorts.
During the Massage	Varies based on massage type (covered below)	Communicate with your therapist about your comfort level.
After the Massage	Easy-to-wear, cozy clothing	Post-massage, your body may feel loose and sensitive. Opt for breathable fabrics.

What to Wear for Different Types of Massages

Each type of massage calls for slightly different attire. Let’s break it down:

Swedish Massage

For a Swedish massage, you’ll typically be asked to undress to your comfort level. Most clients remove all clothing except underwear, and the therapist will professionally drape you with a sheet, uncovering only the part of your body being worked on. If you’re feeling hesitant, know that your therapist is trained to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed. Choose easy-to-remove clothing and minimal accessories for your session.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but involves more intense pressure. You’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level, but you might want to wear briefs or minimal clothing. Your therapist will apply deeper pressure to help relieve tension in your muscles, so removing excess clothing allows for better access to the body. Again, communication is key—if you feel uncomfortable at any time, speak up.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a fully clothed experience. You’ll need to wear loose-fitting clothing, like yoga pants and a T-shirt. No oils are used, and the therapist will guide you through stretches and positions that may feel unfamiliar but are designed to improve flexibility and release muscle tension. Avoid restrictive clothing like jeans or belts, as you’ll need to be able to move freely.

Sports Massage

For a sports massage, especially if it’s focusing on a specific area like hamstrings or shoulders, wearing athletic wear is your best bet. Gym shorts and a sports bra (for women) are ideal because they provide flexibility and ease of movement. Sports massages often focus on specific muscle groups that may need more direct access, so be sure to wear something that allows the therapist to work in those areas without restriction.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massages are specifically designed for pregnant women. During the massage, you’ll remain clothed in comfortable maternity wear or underwear, depending on your personal preference and the stage of pregnancy. Specialized bolsters or pillows are used to support the body, and the therapist will ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Comfort is key—so prioritize clothing that doesn’t put pressure on your belly, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages are similar to Swedish massages in terms of draping and undressing. The only difference is that heated stones will be placed directly on your skin to help relax muscles and improve circulation. You’ll typically be asked to undress to your comfort level, and the therapist will use the stones as part of the overall treatment. Avoid wearing jewelry, as it could interfere with the stones’ heat.

Special Notes for First-Timers

If this is your first massage, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about what to expect. Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” amount of clothing—only what makes you feel comfortable. You will always be appropriately draped to maintain your modesty. And if at any point you feel uncomfortable with your attire or how the session is proceeding, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your therapist is there to help you relax and ensure the best experience possible.

Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Comfort

• Arrive early: Give yourself a few minutes to relax before your appointment.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water before and after your session to flush out toxins.

• Communicate: Don't hesitate to express any concerns, preferences, or pain points with your therapist.

• Avoid heavy meals: A full stomach might make lying on the table uncomfortable.

• Take your time afterward: Don’t rush back into a hectic schedule immediately post-massage.

Final Thoughts

The key to enjoying a massage lies in feeling completely at ease, and your choice of clothing plays an essential role in that. Whether you’re experiencing a relaxing Swedish massage or an invigorating Thai session, selecting the right attire helps you get the most out of your treatment. Remember, comfort and communication are paramount, so never hesitate to speak up if anything feels off during your session.

Ready to unwind and experience the ultimate relaxation? Let Massage for Serenity guide you on a journey of stress relief and rejuvenation.