What to Wear in Infrared Sauna?

Spending time in an infrared sauna is becoming as popular as tanning in a tanning bed or visiting a salt room. People use this new type of sauna for a variety of reasons, including improving their health, losing weight, or for pure pleasure. However, the question of what to wear in an infrared sauna requires some thought. There are several options available, some of which are better for your health and sauna exposure. Some materials provide better comfort as you sweat, while others enhance the benefits of the infrared sauna. It is important to choose wisely. In addition, reading our list will also inform you about what not to wear for your own safety and hygiene in the sauna.

What Should I Wear During An Infrared Sauna Session?

For beginners, visiting a sauna can be an intimidating experience, especially when it comes to proper etiquette around clothing. The question arises, what should you wear? 

Choosing what to wear in an infrared sauna depends largely on your specific situation. Your decision should take into account factors such as who you are with, whether you are in a private or public booth, and what makes you feel most comfortable.

If you are in a public sauna or have guests who may share your infrared sauna at home, it is necessary to wear clothes. In this case, we recommend draping a towel or sheet made of natural materials that absorb moisture easily over your body and wearing a lightweight cap.

Dida Healthy offers an infrared portable wooden sauna for one person. You can put it in your bathroom for private use and enjoy the infrared sauna without clothes.

Do You Wear Clothes In An Infrared Sauna?

Doctors discourage wearing clothes in the sauna. The benefits of treatment are most effective when the body is naked. It can be a liberating experience, allowing your bare skin to feel the full effects of the infrared sauna.

Staying in the sauna without clothes is medically recommended. High temperatures in the infrared sauna cause intense sweating, which removes excess fluids and protects the skin from overheating. Without clothing, sweat will quickly evaporate and cool the skin. With clothing, sweat can be absorbed and cannot cool the skin, leading to possible overheating. Young, healthy individuals may not face any consequences, but people with excess weight or hypertension are at risk.

The Correct Attire for Relaxing in an Infrared Sauna

When it comes to choosing what to wear in the infrared sauna, comfort is key. The sauna experience is meant to be relaxing and purifying, and wearing something you feel comfortable in is essential to achieving that.

A practical option is a swimsuit, which covers what needs to be covered while exposing as much skin as possible to the direct heat of the infrared sauna. However, wearing a bathing suit or bathing trunks is only necessary if there is a communal pool. In the main sauna, it is not recommended.

Always bring a towel with you to the sauna, whether you plan to go nude or not. Wrap it around your chest or waist for modesty and convenience. For the healthiest and most comfortable option, choose clothing made of pure cotton. Cotton is the ideal fabric for sauna wear because it absorbs excess heat, allows the skin to breathe, and does not interfere with infrared rays or sweating ability. Choose loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows good ventilation.

Consider wearing a sauna hat, which creates a physical barrier between your head and the intense heat, allowing you to stay in the infrared sauna for longer periods. However, if only a half sauna is being used and the head is outside, a sauna cap is unnecessary.

In terms of footwear, go barefoot or wear shower sandals. If using a public sauna, wearing clean shower slippers is recommended to keep the sauna sanitary and protect against bacteria such as foot fungus. For a home sauna, wear whatever feels most comfortable. Some prefer to go completely barefoot.

What Should I Not Wear in the Infrared Sauna?

Now that we've got the lowdown on what to wear for an amazing infrared sauna experience, let's take a look at what to steer clear of.

First and foremost, ditch clothing made of PVC or spandex. These fabrics won't let your skin breathe, causing your body to retain too much heat and leading to dehydration or discomfort. Moreover, PVC fabrics can soften or even melt at high temperatures, which could burn your skin and emit toxic fumes into the air.

Here's the golden rule: don't wear anything with metal parts in the infrared sauna. It may seem cool, but these bits can scorch your skin once they get heated up.

Skip the comfy clothes as well. You'll want to go for something comfy, loose, and with plenty of breathing room. Trust us – you'll regret it if you choose anything too tight once you start sweating up a storm.

And last but not least, leave the blisters at home. Jewelry, especially metal, can get seriously hot in the infrared sauna, causing a whole lot of discomfort and even burns if not careful.