What to wear in an infrared sauna - Notes

Stepping into an infrared sauna can be an invigorating experience, but choosing the right attire is crucial for maximizing its benefits. With the rising popularity of infrared saunas, many people are left wondering what to wear—or if they should wear anything at all. Understanding how clothing interacts with infrared light can help you tailor your sauna experience to be both comfortable and effective.

Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas by using infrared light to heat the body directly, rather than warming the air around you. This unique heating method offers a wide range of health benefits, including relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. However, your choice of clothing can either enhance or diminish these effects depending on its material and fit.

In this article, we will explore the best practices for dressing in an infrared sauna, including what to wear, what to avoid, and tips for creating an optimal sauna experience. With a variety of options available, you'll find guidance on selecting clothing that works harmoniously with the sauna's warmth and your personal comfort.

Do You Wear Clothes In An Infrared Sauna?

Deciding what to wear during an infrared sauna session is an important aspect of the experience, as it can affect the session's comfort and effectiveness. Here's a concise guide to help you make the best attire choice:

Clothing Options for Infrared Saunas:

Minimal Clothing: A swimsuit, shorts, or sports bra is ideal for allowing direct exposure to infrared light, thus maximizing the health benefits.
Natural Materials: Breathable fabrics such as cotton wraps or clothing made from natural fibers enhance the infrared therapy by not impeding the body's ability to sweat.
Go Au Naturel: In private saunas, you may opt to sauna naked for the most direct exposure and to maintain the highest level of comfort.

Hygiene and Comfort Tips:

Bring a Towel: Always sit on a clean towel to absorb sweat and protect the sauna's wooden surfaces. This maintains hygiene and comfort.
Public Sauna Etiquette: Wear at least minimal clothing like swimsuits in public or shared saunas for modesty and sanitary reasons.

Note: Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, as they can hinder sweat release and are less breathable. After your sauna session, ensure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

By keeping these simple guidelines in mind, you can ensure a pleasant and hygienic infrared sauna experience.

Infrared Light vs. Clothing

Understanding the relationship between infrared light and clothing is crucial for maximizing the efficacy of your infrared sauna experience. Since infrared saunas operate by emitting infrared heat that directly raises your core body temperature, the use of clothing can be a barrier to fully experiencing its benefits.

Infrared Light vs. Clothing:

Skin Exposure: Infrared light is most effective when it has direct contact with the skin. Wearing too much clothing or certain types of fabrics can hinder the penetration of infrared light and diminish the health advantages of the session.
Appropriate Attire: To promote optimal exposure, minimal clothing is recommended. A bathing suit, sports bra, or just a cotton wrap are suitable options. These allow the majority of your skin to absorb the infrared heat, thereby boosting blood flow and the overall sauna benefits.
Sauna Suits and Regular Clothing: Sauna suits and regular clothes are not ideal for infrared saunas. These outfits are typically made from synthetic materials that block the infrared rays. This prevents the intended interaction with your skin and can lessen the therapeutic effects.
Personal Sauna Use: If using a personal sauna, the best practice is to sauna naked. This ensures every part of your body directly receives the infrared therapy, helping to amplify the health benefits and improve the sauna experience.

When planning an infrared sauna session, it is essential to consider these points to ensure you are attired effectively to reap all potential health benefits. Always remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your sauna time.

What to Avoid Wearing in an Infrared Sauna

When preparing for an infrared sauna session, what you wear is as crucial as the session itself, since certain types of clothing can significantly impact the benefits you receive from the infrared therapy. Sauna suits are an absolute no-go; they block the essential infrared heat from reaching your skin. To experience the full health benefits, you want the maximum amount of skin exposed, as everyday clothing creates a barrier for the infrared light.

Jewelry is another item to leave outside the sauna. Not only can metal accessories become uncomfortably hot, but they may also interfere with the overall sauna experience. Likewise, makeup and skin applications are best removed as they tend to mix with sweat, potentially clogging pores and hindering the skin-enhancing effects of the infrared heat.

As far as clothing goes, minimalism is key. Thin, breathable fabrics such as cotton are preferable — think a sports bra and shorts, or a cotton wrap for modesty, if required. This way, your core body temperature can increase effectively without the discomfort caused by synthetic materials and excessive layers. Remember, the goal is to allow your body to experience the therapeutic warmth, enhance blood flow, and encourage sweating without impediments, which is why less is certainly more in an infrared sauna.

Recommended Attire for an Infrared Sauna:

Cotton Clothing: Allows skin to breathe
Sports Bra/Shorts: For minimal coverage
Sauna Wraps: Light cotton or natural materials
Loose Clothing: For comfort and heat penetration

Remember to maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water before and after your infrared sauna session.

Tips For An Effective Infrared Sauna Experience

To make the most out of your infrared sauna experience, dressing appropriately is as important as the session itself. Going with minimal clothing, such as a bathing suit or opting to sauna naked, is often recommended because it provides the largest surface area of skin exposure to the infrared light, crucial for receiving the optimum health benefits. Loose-fitting clothes are essential, as they can help prevent skin irritation and allow air to circulate, promoting the sweating process, which is a key component of the infrared sauna benefits.

When choosing sauna attire, natural materials like cotton or linen are the best options because they allow the skin to breathe. Although some breathable synthetic fabrics can be acceptable, it's important to avoid any that don't wick moisture effectively or that can hinder the natural sweating process. Before entering the sauna, it is also wise to remove all jewelry and metal accessories. These can become heated and not only cause discomfort but also leave behind markings as they react with sweat.

It is crucial while using an infrared sauna to be attuned to your body. If you begin to feel any discomfort, dizziness, or excessive tiredness, it is necessary to leave the sauna. Building up your tolerance can come with time, so there's value in progressively increasing the length of your sessions at a comfortable pace.

Swimwear

Swimwear for an infrared sauna session should focus on functionality and comfort. Materials like nylon or polyester that are breathable and offer effective moisture-wicking capabilities are ideal. These ensure freedom of movement and help to keep your skin relatively dry, assisting in thermoregulation during the sauna session.

It is best to avoid swimsuits with metal embellishments or zippers because they can heat up and cause discomfort. The ideal swimwear for an infrared sauna should be simple, lightweight, and designed to maximize skin exposure. This simplicity will facilitate air flow and help your body regulate its temperature effectively. Remember, swimsuits that are too tight may hinder airflow and breathability, resulting in discomfort from heat retention. Furthermore, synthetic materials such as PVC and spandex ought to be avoided as they might not only impede sweating but also potentially release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.

Light and Loose Clothes

For those who prefer a bit more coverage during their infrared sauna session, light and loose clothing is the way to go. Sporting a cotton t-shirt and shorts can provide comfort while keeping the body fairly exposed to the therapeutic infrared rays. Breathable fabrics are particularly advantageous in a sauna environment; cotton and linen are exemplary as they are both lightweight and conducive to airflow.

Athletic wear made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex is another suitable option. These synthetic fabrics are designed to draw perspiration away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout your sauna session. However, it is advisable to ensure any athletic wear you choose is lightweight and does not fit too snugly.

To maintain hygiene within the sauna, always position a clean, dry towel on the seating area. This not only enhances personal hygiene but also lets your skin breathe beneath your clothing. Whether you go for the simplicity of swimwear or the modesty of lightweight cotton shorts and a t-shirt, ensuring your clothing choices are in line with promoting the natural sweating process and comfort will significantly enhance your infrared sauna experience.

What Not to Wear

When preparing for an infrared sauna session, it's important to consider what not to wear to maximize health benefits. Given that the therapeutic effects of infrared saunas rely on the penetration of infrared heat into the body, sauna suits are not recommended. These suits can create a barrier against the infrared light, diminishing the benefits of the sauna experience.

Similarly, dressing in multiple layers or wearing too much clothing can limit your body's ability to absorb the infrared heat. This can reduce the effectiveness of the sauna session when it comes to increasing your core body temperature and promoting blood flow. Moreover, non-breathable synthetic materials should be avoided, as they may cause discomfort or skin irritation once you begin to sweat.

The table below outlines what not to wear in an infrared sauna for optimal benefits:

Inadvisable Attire

Reason for Avoidance

Sauna suits

Blocks infrared light, hindering health benefits

Excessive clothing

Limits infrared heat absorption

Synthetic fabrics

Can cause discomfort and irritation when sweating

Non-breathable materials

Retains moisture, reduces comfort, and heat effectiveness

For hygiene and comfort during your infrared sauna experience, always sit on a clean, dry towel to avoid direct contact with potentially sweaty surfaces. By wearing minimal and appropriate attire, you can ensure a beneficial and enjoyable infrared sauna session.

What is the Best Thing to Wear in an Infrared Sauna?

When entering the comforting warmth of an infrared sauna, the ideal attire is often minimal to ensure the body receives the full infrared therapy benefits. Lightweight, breathable swimsuits or a simple towel wrapped around the body are go-to choices. These options enhance skin exposure to the infrared light, which is vital for reaping the sauna's health-promoting properties.

For those preferring a bit more coverage, exercise clothing made from moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester is an excellent choice. These fabrics are designed to efficiently manage sweat, allowing the body to regulate its temperature effectively during the infrared sauna session. While seeking comfort and breathability, it's best to avoid materials like cotton, which can become heavy and clammy once wet, leading to an uncomfortable experience.

Furthermore, always remember to sit on a clean, dry towel. This not only helps to maintain personal hygiene by reducing direct contact with the sauna surfaces but also serves as a layer of comfort during your time in the warmth of the infrared heat.

Clothing Guide for an Infrared Sauna Session:

Swimsuits: Nylon or polyester for maximum breathability
Sports bra: Moisture-wicking material for comfort
Shorts: Loose-fitting, breathable fabrics
Workout clothes: Only if made from moisture-wicking fabric; avoid heavy cotton
Towels: A large, absorbent towel for seating

By following these recommendations, you'll ensure a comfortable and effective infrared sauna experience.

Does Infrared Sauna Penetrate Clothing?

During an infrared sauna session, clothing can significantly impact the effectiveness of the infrared therapy. The concept behind an infrared sauna is the deep penetration of infrared light into the skin, which promotes various health benefits. However, clothing can serve as a barrier, reducing the amount of infrared heat that reaches the body.

Infrared light is designed to penetrate the skin, and for optimal results, minimal clothing is suggested. Sauna suits, made to trap heat, work counterintuitively in an infrared sauna by blocking the light and minimizing the therapeutic effects. Instead, wearing minimal attire such as a swimsuit, shorts, or loose-fitting cotton clothing ensures more skin is exposed to the infrared heat.

In choosing the right fabrics, opt for breathable materials like cotton or bamboo, which allow the skin to breathe and facilitate better infrared light absorption. Clothes with metal embellishments or zippers should be avoided, as they can heat up and cause discomfort during your session, potentially disrupting the soothing infrared sauna experience.

What Not to Wear in an Infrared Sauna?

To enjoy the optimum benefits of an infrared sauna session, certain items should definitely be left outside the sauna door. Sauna suits are atop the no-no list as they hinder the penetration of infrared light, essentially robbing you of the infrared sauna benefits intended for your health.

Jewelry is another item to avoid when preparing for an infrared session. Infrared light can induce these metallic objects to heat up rapidly, potentially leading to discomfort or even skin burns. Similarly, it's advisable to forego wearing makeup or other skin coverings. As sweat production increases, these can run or smear and moreover, obstruct the skin's interaction with the infrared wavelengths, which are critical to the health benefits of your sauna experience.

Additionally, heavy and non-breathable clothing should be avoided. These materials absorb the heat and limit the efficiency of the infrared light. To achieve the best outcomes from your infrared sauna time, embracing minimalistic attire or opting to enter the sauna without any clothing is ideal, as it allows unfettered exposure to the infrared heat, enhancing the session's positive effects on your body.

Items to leave out of your Infrared Sauna Session:

Sauna suits: Prevents infrared light penetration
Heavy or non-breathable clothing: Hampers sweating and comfort
Jewelry: Metal items heat up and may cause discomfort
Makeup: Can smudge and occlude pores, limiting skincare benefits
Too many layers: Limits infrared light access to the skin

Remember to drink plenty of water before and after your session to stay hydrated. When choosing your outfit for your next infrared sauna session, think minimal and breathable to maximize the therapeutic experience.

Should You Wear Clothes in a Sauna?

When it comes to infrared sauna sessions, the main objective is to allow the body to absorb the infrared heat directly. Wearing clean, breathable clothing, such as lightweight cotton or appropriate swimwear, is generally recommended; however, the ultimate decision depends on your comfort level and the guidelines of the sauna facility you are using. Minimal clothing, like a swimsuit, shorts, or a bikini, is encouraged to maximize skin exposure to the infrared light and enhance the health benefits derived from the session. It's essential to seek a balance that keeps you comfortable while also maximizing the benefits of infrared therapy.

Do You Sit in a Sauna with Clothes On?

Wearing minimal clothing within an infrared sauna is typically recommended to allow your skin maximum exposure to the infrared heat. Some patrons choose to wear swimsuits, shorts, or bikinis to feel comfortable while ensuring direct skin contact, which is necessary for optimal infrared therapy benefits. Regardless of what you wear, sitting on a clean, dry towel is a standard practice to maintain hygiene and absorb sweat. Loose-fitting cotton attire provides comfort, breathability, and helps with effective moisture wicking, which further assists in heat dissipation during your sauna experience. A pre-session shower and clean clothing are advisable for both personal hygiene and to respect shared sauna spaces.

Do You Wear a Towel in a Sauna?

Using a towel in an infrared sauna is not only a matter of personal comfort but also one of hygiene. A towel functions as a barrier between you and the seating area, creating a cleaner environment by absorbing sweat. Wrapping a towel around your waist is both hygienic and an acceptable way to cover the body, promoting an airy and comfortable sauna visit. For those who feel uneasy with the idea of minimal clothing in a public sauna setting, a towel offers a solution that still allows the skin to interact effectively with the infrared rays. Regardless of attire, including a towel for seat covering helps to prevent potential skin irritation and maintains personal comfort.

Can You Wear a Robe in a Sauna?

Robes in a sauna, especially infrared ones, are a choice for those prioritizing comfort during their relaxation time. A lightweight robe made from breathable fabrics can accommodate a sense of comfort and ease while refraining from being too obstructive to the transfer of infrared heat to the body. While permissible, going with minimal clothing underneath might promise a more efficient sauna session, allowing for maximum exposure to the infrared rays which promotes better sweating and detoxification. Always consider the role of materials in your robe selection, with breathable ones greatly enhancing your infrared sauna benefits and overall experience.

Should I Wear a Bra in the Sauna?

Choosing whether or not to wear a bra during a sauna session depends on your comfort and whether it acts as your main top. Bras, when worn, should be loose, free of underwires, and made from breathable fabrics to avoid discomfort from tightness and heat retention. In many cases, if you have sufficient coverage from a t-shirt or towel, a bra may not be necessary. Your focus should be on comfort, as feeling at ease is crucial to enjoying the full relaxation and health benefits of an infrared sauna experience.

Do You Have to Wear a Bathing Suit in a Sauna?

While you don't have to wear a bathing suit in an infrared sauna, many sauna users opt for swimsuits made of breathable and quick-drying materials like nylon or polyester for comfort. It's important to avoid bathing suits with metal parts, as the heat can cause these elements to heat up to uncomfortable temperatures. Alternatively, loose, cotton clothing can provide comfort and effectively absorb sweat. Due to infrared saunas encouraging direct heat contact, minimal clothing is preferred for maximum benefit. However, this should be balanced with the dress codes of sauna facilities and personal preference for undress in a public or private setting. When embarking on an infrared sauna session, your clothing choice should prioritize maximizing skin exposure to absorb the infrared heat effectively. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas heat your body directly, making minimal clothing such as a swimsuit, shorts, or a bikini ideal. These options help with the absorption of infrared light, increasing your core body temperature efficiently, which is crucial for reaping the full array of infrared sauna benefits.

Additionally, consider sitting on a clean, dry towel to maintain hygiene and to absorb sweat, enhancing your comfort as temperatures rise. The fabrics that touch your skin should be lightweight and breathable to encourage ventilation and help your body regulate temperature, preventing the discomfort of overheating.

Given the more moderate temperatures within infrared saunas compared to their traditional counterparts, users may enjoy extended sessions. Therefore, choosing the right attire isn't just a matter of tradition, but of practicality and comfort for an altogether pleasant sauna experience.

Ultimately, what you wear—or don't wear—is a matter of personal preference, as long as it adheres to the sauna's rules.

Sauna Dress Code And Etiquette

Sauna etiquette is not only about courtesy but also about hygiene and safety. It's imperative to wear clean clothes and shower before a sauna session. Traditional sauna goers often recommend minimal clothing to facilitate sweating, a central aspect of the sauna experience. Breathable fabrics such as cotton excel in promoting heat dissipation and maximizing comfort.

Refrain from tight clothing and synthetic fibers which can restrict the skin's ability to breathe and limit the sauna's effects. Accessories, particularly jewelry and any metal objects, should be removed to prevent burns from heat exposure. Maintaining a respectful and hygienic environment is key to an enjoyable and effective sauna session for all participants.

Choosing The Perfect Sauna Outfit

The guiding principle for selecting sauna attire is to permit the most direct infrared light exposure while maintaining personal comfort. This often means minimal clothing, and when selecting swimwear, select options composed of breathable, moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester. This ensures comfort and hygiene are maintained throughout your session.

It's also wise to place a clean, dry towel on the bench beneath you, which serves as a barrier and helps manage sweat. Be cautious with swimsuits that might have metal elements; they can heat up and become uncomfortable. The etiquette of your particular sauna facility might include specific rules or recommendations regarding clothing; this can range from allowing to encouraging the wearing of just a towel or swimsuit.

A Little Effort For The Best Experience

The principle of minimal clothing, recommending swimsuits, shorts, or bikinis, allows for optimal engagement with infrared therapy. Having a clean, dry towel on hand ensures your comfort and cleanliness throughout the session. Fabrics that wick away sweat like nylon or polyester, and avoiding heavy materials like wet cotton, contribute to your overall comfort.

Keep away from metal zippers and buttons to stay comfortable, and beware of swimsuits made from PVC or spandex; these materials can impede skin breathing and lead to discomfort. Choosing the right materials not only facilitates a more pleasant sauna experience but also prevents the potential for overheating and helps with dehydration prevention.

Items Best Left Outside

To maximize the therapeutic benefits of an infrared sauna, certain items are best kept outside the session. Jewelry can become uncomfortably hot, so leaving these accessories out is advisable. Sauna sessions require clean attire to prevent bacteria that can cause skin irritations or infections from thriving in the warm environment.

Before entering the sauna, it's best to forgo any lotions, oils, or perfumes. These can clog pores, hindering the body’s natural detoxification process. Shoes introduce outside contaminants and can hinder the effectiveness of the infrared heat, so go barefoot or wear sauna-specific footwear. By limiting what you bring in, you ensure the hygiene and effectiveness of your infrared sauna experience.

Which Materials Should You Wear in a Sauna?

Natural fibers are highly favored for wearing during a sauna session for several good reasons. Cotton, linen, and bamboo are especially suitable due to their breathability, absorbency, and comfort. Here's a quick rundown:

Cotton: Soft, durable, good for sweat absorption, and comfortable in loose-fitting forms.
Linen: Lightweight, cooling and an excellent heat regulator in hot and humid conditions.
Bamboo: Soft and with some natural antimicrobial properties, bamboo is another excellent choice for sauna wear.

Athletic wear should include lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you as comfortable as possible. Synthetic fabrics like PVC and spandex, however, are less desirable as they can trap heat and limit breathability, which can detract from your sauna experience.

Cotton

When selecting what to wear for your sauna session, cotton emerges as a top contender for material choice. This fabric is well-regarded for its breathable and lightweight nature, which is particularly advantageous during infrared sauna use.

A loose cotton t-shirt or baggy shorts can greatly enhance comfort levels, enabling complete freedom of movement and facilitating air circulation against the skin—a key factor in regulating body temperature and comfort. Moreover, the absorbency of cotton comes into play effectively during sweating, helping to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your session.

Opting for clothing items with a high cotton content is also recommended. Unlike some synthetic materials, cotton does not interfere with the penetration of infrared rays. It ensures that the desired effect of the sauna—direct contact of the skin with infrared light—is achieved, all the while allowing the skin to breathe without restriction.

Lastly, and importantly, personal hygiene plays a pivotal role in the sauna experience. Given that sweat and impurities can be caught in the fibers of dirty clothing and released into the air, wearing clean cotton garments each time you enter the sauna is a mandatory practice. By doing so, you contribute not only to your own wellness but also to maintaining a pristine sauna environment.

Bamboo

A rising star in sauna-appropriate materials, bamboo fabric offers several qualities that make it an excellent choice for sauna users. Its moisture-wicking properties work to keep sweat away from the skin, ensuring greater comfort during intense sessions under infrared light. As bamboo clothing is usually soft, antibacterial, and exceedingly comfortable, it enhances the overall relaxation potential of the sauna experience. In addition, the breathability and absorbency inherent to bamboo garments ensure that the skin remains at ease, which is essential during prolonged exposure to infrared heat. Embracing bamboo wear also serves as a nod to environmentally conscious behaviors, for those who prefer sustainable options without sacrificing quality or experience.

Linen

Linen's renowned durability and breathability make it another top contender for sauna wear. Specific varieties such as lawn and handkerchief linen offer a delicate, airy touch with rapid drying capabilities, giving sauna goers a combination of comfort and practicality. Thanks to its sheer and soft nature, handkerchief linen provides a truly superior sensation, elevating the sauna experience with every use. Additionally, the fabric's ability to absort moisture while remaining refreshingly lightweight helps ensure that users stay cool despite the sauna's humidity. Linen clothing supports a comfortable environment that complements the warmth experienced during an infrared therapy session.

Clothing You Can Wear in a Sauna

When selecting your attire for an infrared sauna, focus on comfort and material. Lightweight and loose clothing, such as t-shirts and shorts made from high-quality cotton, facilitate optimal heat distribution and ease of movement. The gentleness of natural fibers on your skin, coupled with their absorbent characteristics, contributes to a pleasant and dry sauna experience. Alternatively, if opting for sportier attire, choose athletic wear that is lightweight and made out of moisture-wicking fabric to enjoy similar benefits. Another sensible option is a simple towel wrap, which not only provides minimal coverage for modesty but also permits the skin to efficiently transpire and reap the reward of the infrared heat.

Clothing to Avoid in a Sauna

A Few materials and items are less suitable when it comes to infrared sauna attire. Swimsuits with metallic elements or closures can heat up, leading to discomfort or even minor burns. Bulky cotton clothing is a no-go as it may inhibit the flow of heat and impede proper sweating. Tight activewear, common in sports bras and compression leggings, might not be ideal in the sauna due to their restrictive nature when drenched in perspiration. Jewelry, which may conduct heat and potentially cause skin burns, should be set aside before entering the sauna. Also, avoid lotions and oils which can clog pores and stymie the sweating mechanism that facilitates detoxification and relaxation.

5. Sauna Hats

Sauna hats have emerged as a functional accessory in the sauna experience, especially in infrared saunas. These hats serve a practical purpose; they're not just a fashion statement. By insulating the head, which is especially sensitive to heat change, sauna hats help regulate core body temperature. This slower heating effect can prevent discomfort such as dizziness and alleviate the intensity of the infrared heat on both the head and ears.

Why Use Sauna Hats in Infrared Saunas

Insulation: Slows down body heating for prolonged sessions.
Comfort: Reduces the risk of dizziness and heat discomfort.
Material: Made from heat-resistant materials like wool or felt.
Breathability: Designed to allow airflow, keeping you cooler.
Duration: Longer, more comfortable sauna sessions achievable.
Scalp Protection: Guards against overheating and hair damage.

It's important to note that the natural materials like wool or felt used in sauna hats are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand significant heat without degrading. The benefits extend to not just comfort, but also enabling sauna users to maximize their session time safely, optimizing the health benefits of infrared therapy. Remember to stay hydrated and to pair your sauna hat with other appropriate attire, such as loose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, when using an infrared sauna.