What to Wear in an Infrared Sauna

For most infrared sauna sessions, wear light, breathable clothing such as a swimsuit, athletic shorts and a cotton t-shirt, or wear nothing but a towel if you are in a private home sauna and prefer it. Sit on a clean towel, take off jewelry and glasses, and avoid heavy or synthetic layers that trap heat. The right choice is whatever keeps you comfortable and dry.

This guide is for general relaxation and wellness, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, talk to your doctor about sauna use before you begin.

The short answer: light, breathable and easy to remove

Infrared saunas warm your body directly instead of heating the air as much as a traditional sauna does. That is why many people feel comfortable in less clothing than they expect. You are looking for fabrics that let sweat evaporate and do not cling.

Good options include a cotton t-shirt and shorts, a swimsuit, a lightweight tank or a loose wrap. If you plan to sit in the cabin for a while, pick something you would be happy to sweat in. Our first infrared sauna session guide covers what the full session feels like from start to finish.

Swimsuit, clothes or bare skin?

All three are common, and each has trade-offs.

Swimsuit. A swimsuit is the simplest choice in a shared household or if you are new to infrared. It dries quickly and goes straight in the wash.

Light clothing. Cotton shorts and a t-shirt absorb sweat and feel familiar. They can feel damp after a while, so bring a dry change.

Bare skin on a towel. Many people in a private home sauna prefer minimal clothing because sweat can evaporate freely. If you do this, sit on a large towel and keep the bench clean. Use common sense about privacy, and never in shared or commercial settings where it is not allowed.

Fabrics to choose and fabrics to skip

Pick natural, loose fibers like cotton or linen, or a light moisture wicking athletic fabric. Skip anything thick, tight or heavily insulated, such as fleece, denim, wool or rubberized fabrics. They hold heat against your skin and can make a session uncomfortable.

Avoid clothes with metal zippers, snaps or decorative studs that could touch your skin as they warm up. Check the tags and the heat guidance on the clothing, too, since some synthetic items are not meant for high heat.

Towels: what to bring and why

Bring at least two towels. Put one under you on the bench so you are not sitting on bare wood, and keep one nearby for wiping sweat and drying off. A third towel for your feet is handy if the floor gets damp.

Fresh towels also help keep the cabin clean. Our guide on how to clean an infrared sauna and our sauna maintenance guide explain how to wipe down benches and keep the interior in good shape.

Jewelry, glasses and other things to take off

Take off rings, necklaces, watches, earrings and anything else metal. Metal can get hot against the skin in a warm cabin. Remove glasses too, and leave phones and smart watches outside unless the manufacturer says otherwise, since heat can affect electronics and sweat can damage them.

If you use contact lenses, ask your eye care professional for their advice. Many people simply take them out or choose shorter sessions. Tie long hair up and off your neck so you stay comfortable.

Footwear: sandals, socks or barefoot

Many people go barefoot on a clean towel or mat inside the cabin. Flip flops or sauna sandals are useful for the walk to and from the sauna, especially on a deck or cool floor. Leave thick socks and boots outside.

If your cabin has a glass door or a low floor, make sure nothing trips you on the way out. Rubber soled shoes can be slippery when wet, so choose a pair with good grip.

Skin care before and after a session

Start with clean skin. Skip heavy lotions, oils, sunscreen and strong perfume before a session, because they can feel sticky and may mix with sweat. Removing makeup can also help your skin feel more comfortable.

Afterward, towel off, sip water and cool down at your own pace. Many people rinse off in a lukewarm shower. Use our sauna hydration calculator for a rough idea of fluids, and see how long to sit in an infrared sauna for session timing.

What if your sauna is a portable or tent style?

Portable infrared saunas are often used while seated in a chair inside a fabric cabin, with your head out of the top. Loose clothing or a swimsuit and a towel for the chair work well. Check the manual for what is safe to sit on and how to protect the interior. Browse our portable infrared saunas if you are still shopping.

Safety basics that matter more than the outfit

Clothing is the small part of a safe session. Drink water before and after, exit if you feel dizzy, and never use a sauna after alcohol. Read our sauna safety guidelines and our post on whether infrared saunas are safe. Our sauna contraindications page lists situations where you should ask a doctor first.

Harvard Health offers a helpful overview of sauna use and health, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes general product safety information. Follow your own manufacturer's instructions first.

Shopping for an infrared sauna you will enjoy

Comfort starts with the cabin. Our infrared saunas collection and far infrared saunas list the models we carry, and our infrared sauna buying guide helps with size and layout. Accessories like towels, mats and backrests are covered in our sauna accessories guide.

A quick packing list

• Wear: a swimsuit, or cotton shorts and a light top.
• Bring: two or three clean towels and a water bottle.
• Take off: jewelry, watches, glasses and metal accessories.
• Skip: heavy lotions, thick fabrics and anything tight.
• Afterward: towel off, drink water and rest.

Related reading: What Comes With a Sauna?

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear in an infrared sauna?

Light, breathable clothing such as a swimsuit, cotton shorts and a t-shirt, or a towel if you are alone in a private home sauna. Skip heavy or tight fabrics.

Can you wear a swimsuit in an infrared sauna?

Yes. A swimsuit is a common, comfortable choice because it dries quickly and is easy to wash.

Do you have to be naked in an infrared sauna?

No. Clothing is a personal choice. Many people wear a swimsuit or light clothes, and some prefer minimal clothing in a private home sauna, sitting on a towel.

Should you wear jewelry in an infrared sauna?

It is best to take it off. Metal can get hot against the skin in a warm cabin.

Can you wear socks or shoes in an infrared sauna?

Most people go barefoot on a towel or mat. Leave thick socks and boots outside, and use sandals for the walk to the cabin.

Can you bring your phone into an infrared sauna?

Check your manufacturer's guidance. Heat and sweat can damage electronics, so many people leave phones outside.