Booking a massage is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental well-being. Whether you are dealing with chronic muscle pain, recovering from a workout, or simply need to escape the stress of daily life, a massage offers a sanctuary of peace.
However, for many people especially first-timers the excitement of a spa day is often accompanied by a bit of anxiety. One of the most common questions people ask is: “What do I wear to a massage?”
It might seem like a small detail, but what you choose to wear can significantly impact how relaxed you feel.
Why It’s Important to Wear the Right Clothes for a Massage
You might think that since you spend most of a massage under a sheet or towel, your outfit doesn’t matter. However, the experience starts the moment you leave your house.
Choosing the right attire is important for several reasons:
- Ease of Transition: You want clothes that are easy to take off and put back on. Fiddling with thirty tiny buttons or tight skinny jeans when you are in a “post-massage haze” can be frustrating.
- Comfort and Circulation: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow. Since massage is designed to improve circulation, wearing loose clothing helps maintain that “flow” before and after the session.
- Oil and Lotion Management: Most massages involve oils or creams. Even though therapists do their best to wipe you down, there is always a chance a little residue might get on your clothes. You don’t want to wear your favorite dry-clean-only silk blouse.
- Mental Preparation: Dressing comfortably signals to your brain that it is time to relax. It’s the start of your self-care ritual.
What to Wear to a Relaxation Massage
A relaxation massage (often called a Swedish massage) is the most common type of treatment. It involves long, gliding strokes and gentle kneading. For this type of session, you will typically undress to your level of comfort and lie under a sheet.
The Best Outfit: Go for something loose and breathable. A soft T-shirt, a sundress, or a pair of lounge pants are perfect. Think “Sunday morning at home” vibes. If you are visiting a spa for a full body massage, you’ll want clothes that won’t irritate your skin afterward. Cotton is always a great choice because it is breathable and absorbs any excess oil that might remain on your skin.
If you are treating yourself to the best massage in Waikiki or booking a standard relaxation massage in Honolulu, remember that the humid island weather plays a role in what you should wear.
What to Wear to a Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that is quite different from Western massage. Unlike a Swedish massage, Shiatsu massage for relaxation is traditionally performed while you are fully clothed, and often on a mat on the floor rather than a table.
Because Shiatsu involves stretching, joint manipulation, and pressure point work, you need maximum mobility.
What to wear for Shiatsu massage:
- Loose-fitting trousers: Think yoga pants, joggers, or linen trousers. Avoid jeans as they are too stiff.
- A long-sleeved T-shirt: Some practitioners prefer you have your skin covered to allow their hands to slide easily over the fabric during stretches.
- Socks: Since your feet will be handled, wearing a clean pair of socks is a courtesy, though many practitioners are fine with bare feet.
Dressing for a Deep Tissue or Sports Massage
Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It’s highly effective for chronic aches and pains. Similarly, a sports massage is geared toward athletes looking to improve performance or recover from injury.
For these treatments, the therapist needs to access specific muscle groups. Usually, you will undress as you would for a relaxation massage, but sometimes the therapist might ask you to perform certain movements or stretches.
Recommended Attire: If you prefer not to undress completely, you can wear athletic shorts and a sports bra (for women). This allows the therapist to work on your legs, glutes, and back while you remain covered. Just ensure the sports bra doesn’t have too many crisscrossing straps on the back, as this can get in the way of the therapist’s work on your spine.
Comfortable Clothing Choices for Your Massage Appointment
When deciding what to wear for a massage, keep simplicity at the forefront. Here is a quick “Yes” and “No” list to help you pack your bag or dress for the day:
The “Yes” List:
- Slip-on shoes or flip-flops: Easy to get on and off.
- Elastic waistbands: Yoga pants, leggings, or sweatpants.
- Loose tops: Oversized T-shirts or hoodies.
- Cotton underwear: Breathable and easy to move.
The “No” List:
- Complex Jewelry: Necklaces and dangling earrings get in the way of neck massages.
- Tight Jeans: They are a struggle to put back on if your skin is slightly tacky from oil.
- Expensive Silks: Oil stains can be permanent.
- Work Suits: Unless you have a change of clothes, try to avoid formal wear.
Should You Wear Underwear to a Massage?
This is the number one question most people have! The short answer is: It is entirely up to you.
Massage therapists are professionals who are trained in “draping.” This means they use sheets or towels to ensure that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed. Your private areas are always covered.
- Leaving it on: Most people choose to leave their underwear on. If you do, choose a pair that isn’t too bulky. Briefs or thongs are usually better than boxers, as they allow the therapist to work on the hip and lower back area more easily.
- Taking it off: Some people prefer to remove everything to ensure the therapist can work on the lower back and glutes without any fabric barriers. This is also perfectly normal.
The golden rule? Do what makes you feel most comfortable. If you are worried about your underwear, you won’t be able to achieve pure relaxation massage benefits.
What to Expect with Towels and Sheets During Your Massage
Understanding “draping” can help ease your mind. When you enter the massage room, the therapist will give you privacy to undress and get onto the table. You will always be under a top sheet or a large towel.
During the massage:
- The therapist will only uncover the specific limb or area they are working on (e.g., one leg at a time).
- Once they finish that area, they tuck the sheet back in and move to the next part.
- The goal is to keep you warm and feel secure at all times.
Conclusion: Focus on Your Mental Health and Body Relaxation
At the end of the day, massage for body relaxation is about your comfort. The therapist isn’t judging your outfit, your body, or whether you chose to wear socks. They are there to help you find relief from pain and stress.
By choosing loose, simple clothing and understanding what to expect, you remove the “logistical stress” of the appointment. Whether you’re getting a deep tissue massage for pain relief or a shiatsu massage for relaxation, being prepared allows you to sink deeper into the experience.
Massage is a powerful tool for massage for mental health. It lowers cortisol, boosts serotonin, and gives you a much-needed break from the digital world. So, grab your comfiest pair of leggings, head to your favorite spa, and enjoy the healing power of touch.
FAQs
1. Do I have to take off all my clothes for a massage?
No. You should only undress to your level of comfort. Many people leave their underwear on, and some prefer to stay fully clothed (especially for Shiatsu or Chair massages). Your therapist can work around whatever you choose to wear.
2. Should I wear underwear during my massage?
It is a personal preference. Most clients keep their underwear on. If you’re concerned about oil getting on them, opt for an older pair or a pair made of cotton.
3. What is the difference in attire for a Shiatsu massage vs a Deep Tissue massage?
For a Shiatsu massage, you typically stay fully clothed in loose, flexible clothing (like gym wear). For a Deep Tissue massage, you usually undress and lie under a sheet, similar to a Swedish massage, so the therapist can apply oils directly to the skin.
4. Is it okay to wear leggings, gym clothes, or yoga pants?
Yes! In fact, these are among the best clothes for a massage. They are easy to change out of and comfortable to put back on afterward.
5. What should I do with my jewelry, watch, and long hair?
It’s best to leave jewelry and watches at home. If you wear them to the spa, you will likely be asked to remove them so they don’t get in the way of the therapist’s hands. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie to keep it off your neck so the therapist can work on your shoulders and cervical spine.
6. Will my clothes get oily after the massage is over?
While therapists use towels to wipe away excess oil or lotion, a small amount may remain on your skin. This is why we recommend wearing breathable cotton clothes rather than delicate fabrics like silk or polyester, which can be damaged by oils.
