How to Dress for an Infrared Sauna Session
Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
Most people wear as little as they feel comfortable in, and a towel or loose, lightweight breathable clothing works for almost everyone in an infrared sauna. Avoid tight, synthetic, or non-breathable fabrics, since they trap heat and sweat against your skin. A swimsuit is also a common and suitable choice.
Options include nothing in a private room, a bath towel, loose cotton, a sports bra and shorts, or a swimsuit.
Cotton breathes well but holds sweat once it soaks through, so bring a dry set for after.
Avoid tight, synthetic, or non-breathable clothing because it traps heat and moisture.
Remove jewelry and metal accessories, since metal can become hot against your skin.
Bring a dry change of clothes and a water bottle for longer sessions.
Table of Contents
The short answer is that most people wear as little as they feel comfortable in, and a towel or loose, lightweight clothing works for almost everyone. New guests often ask this question before a first visit, so this guide explains how to dress for your session with confidence. Wearing the right thing makes a real difference in how comfortable you feel while you sweat. (Source: studies on the potential benefits of infrared therapy)
The basic options fall into a few simple groups. You can go with nothing on, wrap yourself in a bath towel, or wear light clothing made from breathable fabric. Many guests also choose a swimsuit, and that works well too.
Nothing at all, if you are comfortable and in a private room
A bath towel, wrapped or sat on
Loose cotton shorts and a T-shirt
A sports bra and shorts
A swimsuit
Each option has trade-offs. Going without clothes gives your skin the most direct exposure to the heat, but it may not feel comfortable for everyone. A towel is easy to use and keeps you covered, yet it can get damp fast. Cotton clothing breathes well, but it holds sweat once it soaks through, so many people bring a dry set for after the session.
Watch out: Avoid tight, synthetic, or non-breathable clothing. These fabrics trap heat and sweat against your skin, which can make the session feel harder than it needs to be.
Start with the option that feels most comfortable to you. You can always adjust on your next visit once you know how your body responds to the heat.
Can You Wear a Swimsuit in an Infrared Sauna?
Yes, a swimsuit is a common choice in an infrared sauna because it stays covered and dries quickly once you leave the room.
Choose a swimsuit made from a fabric that handles heat well. Many swimsuits are made from synthetic blends, and these can feel warm and close to the skin during a longer session. Pick a suit that fits snugly but not tightly, so you are not restricted while you sit or lie down.
Best for: guests who want to stay covered without bringing extra layers. Skip if: your suit is wet or heavily lined, since it may feel uncomfortable once you start to sweat.
Bring a second, dry suit if you plan to stay for multiple sessions in one visit.
Towels, Cotton, and Breathable Fabrics: Choosing the Right Material
Material matters more than many people expect. Breathable fabrics let sweat move away from the skin, which helps you stay more comfortable through the session.
Cotton is a popular choice because it is soft, absorbs sweat, and breathes well. A cotton T-shirt paired with loose shorts is a simple, comfortable set. A bath towel works just as well, and you can sit on it to protect the bench.
Here is a quick guide to common materials:
Material | Breathability | Best For |
Cotton | High | Comfort and everyday wear |
Bath towel | High | Covering and sitting |
Synthetic blends | Low to moderate | Athletic use, quick drying |
Tight or non-breathable fabric | Low | Not recommended |
Cotton does hold moisture once it soaks through, so keep a dry layer ready for after your session. Synthetic fabrics often dry faster, which many active guests prefer.
What Not to Wear in an Infrared Sauna
Most clothing problems in an infrared sauna come down to two things: fabric that traps heat and moisture against your skin, and items that get uncomfortably hot to the touch.
Tight, non-breathable synthetics for longer sessions. Fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex blends do not move moisture away from the skin the way cotton does. In an infrared sauna, where you are sweating steadily at a moderate temperature, that trapped moisture can make you feel clammy and overheated faster than you would in a dry heat sauna.
Damp workout clothes from earlier in the day. Wet fabric holds heat against the skin and can feel cold and heavy once you start sweating. If you are coming from the gym, bring a dry change rather than wearing the same set into the sauna.
Heavy, thick fabrics. Denim, fleece, and heavy knits are designed to retain warmth. In an infrared sauna they work against you, holding heat in rather than letting your body regulate.
Jewelry and metal accessories. Metal heats up quickly and can become hot to the touch against your skin. Remove rings, necklaces, watches, and piercings before you go in, and leave them in your locker.
Wet swimsuits or heavily lined suits. A suit that is already damp or has thick lining will stay wet and heavy through the session. Bring a dry suit if you plan multiple rounds.
Shoes and socks. Most facilities ask guests to leave shoes outside the sauna room. Socks can trap moisture and make your feet feel slippery on the bench, so bare feet or flip-flops for the walk to the room are the usual choice. (Source: the growing popularity of wellness practices)
Watch Out If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are sensitive to heat, talk to your healthcare provider before your session and ask the facility about their recommendations. Clothing choice is only one part of staying comfortable and safe in the heat.
A simple rule: if a fabric is designed to keep you warm or to wick sweat during high-intensity exercise, it is probably not the best choice for a long infrared session. Light, loose, and dry beats tight, technical, and damp.
Infrared Sauna Session Length and How Clothing Affects Comfort
Session length can affect how much your clothing choice matters. A shorter session may feel fine in almost anything light and loose, while a longer session makes fabric and fit more important. Instead of treating one outfit as best for everyone, use the length of your session and your own comfort as a decision guide.
Short sessions (roughly 15-20 minutes). Light cotton shorts and a T-shirt, a towel wrap, or a swimsuit all work well. You will not sweat long enough for damp fabric to become a problem, so comfort and coverage are the main considerations.
Standard sessions (roughly 30-40 minutes). This is where fabric choice starts to show. Cotton breathes well but holds moisture once it soaks through, so many guests switch to a dry towel partway through or wear a light cotton set and sit on a towel. A swimsuit can work, but a synthetic suit that does not breathe may feel warm and close to the skin by the end. Loose fits matter more than material here, because tight clothing restricts airflow and traps heat.
Longer or multiple sessions (45 minutes or more, or back-to-back rounds). Plan for moisture management. Bring a dry towel to sit on and a dry change of clothes for after. Some guests prefer to wear nothing or a towel wrap for longer sessions to avoid damp fabric altogether. If you wear clothing, choose loose cotton or a breathable blend and expect to change between rounds.
Temperature and personal comfort. Facilities set their infrared saunas at different temperatures, and your own heat tolerance varies from day to day. If you run warm or are new to infrared heat, start with less clothing and a shorter session, then add coverage or time as you learn how your body responds. If you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable, leave the room and cool down, clothing is adjustable, but heat stress is not something to push through.
Pro Tip A practical approach for a first visit: wear loose cotton shorts and a T-shirt or bring a towel wrap, book a shorter session, and bring a dry change of clothes. You can always adjust on your next visit once you know how the heat affects you.
Your comfort is the best guide, but session length gives you a starting point. Ask your provider about recommended session lengths for your situation, especially if you have a health condition or are sensitive to heat.
What to Bring to an Infrared Sauna and Hygiene Etiquette
Packing a few simple items makes your visit easier and more pleasant.
A clean bath towel to sit on and wrap yourself in
A dry set of clothes for after your session
A water bottle to rehydrate before and after
Loose cotton shorts or a swimsuit, if you plan to wear clothing
Flip-flops or sandals for walking to and from the room
Shared spaces call for basic courtesy. Wipe down the bench with a towel after you finish, keep your items off the floor, and leave the room as you found it.
Booking Your First Session at FloatWell
Ready to try it yourself? FloatWell offers infrared sauna sessions as part of our wellness services, and you can learn what a session involves before you book.
For current options and pricing, visit our memberships and purchase options page or contact FloatWell directly. When you are ready, book your first appointment and bring the clothing that feels most comfortable to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take clothes off in an infrared sauna?
Many people sit in an infrared sauna in a swimsuit or in loose, lightweight clothing, while others prefer to undress and sit on a towel. Either choice is common. The right option depends on your comfort, modesty and the facility's rules. Some public and gym saunas require swimwear, so check the policy before you arrive. In a private sauna, you can wear as little as you feel comfortable in. Whatever you choose, sit on a towel to protect the bench and keep your skin in contact with a clean, dry surface.
Can you wear a swimsuit in an infrared sauna?
Yes, a swimsuit is one of the most common choices for an infrared sauna session. Many people prefer it for modesty, especially in shared or gym saunas. Choose a suit made from a breathable material, and avoid one that is wet from a pool or shower, since damp fabric can feel uncomfortable at higher temperatures. Rinse and dry the suit after each session. Remove any metal jewelry or accessories before entering, and check the facility's guidelines before you book.
How long should you stay in an infrared sauna?
Session length depends on your experience, your health and the facility's guidance. Many beginners start with shorter sessions and build up gradually while paying attention to how they feel. Drink water before and after your session, and leave right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or unwell. People who are pregnant, have heart conditions, take medications that affect heat tolerance, or have other health concerns should talk with a qualified healthcare provider before using a sauna.
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