What to Wear for a Massage: A Practical Guide for Comfort and Etiquette

Whether you’re booking your first massage or are a seasoned spa-goer, one common question arises: What should I wear for a massage? The answer depends on your comfort level, the setting, and a few practical considerations. This guide will help you feel confident and at ease before stepping into your next appointment.

General Tips for Dressing Before a Massage

Preparing for your massage appointment starts with what you wear to the session. A few thoughtful choices can make your experience smoother and more comfortable.

Avoid jewelry or accessories, as you’ll need to remove them before your massage begins. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches can interfere with the treatment and risk getting lost or damaged. Leave them at home or be prepared to store them safely.

Skip heavy makeup and false eyelashes. You’ll be face down in a face cradle for a portion of the massage, and cosmetics can smudge or feel uncomfortable against your skin. Embracing a fresh, natural face will make the experience more enjoyable.

Wear comfortable clothes to and from your appointment. After a massage, your body will be deeply relaxed, and tight or restrictive clothing can diminish that peaceful feeling. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics that allow you to float home in comfort.

Bring a hair tie if you have long hair. Keeping your hair tied back ensures it doesn’t interfere with your massage, particularly when you’re face down on the table.

What About Undressing?

One of the most common concerns for first-time massage clients is how much clothing to remove. Here’s what you need to know to feel at ease.

You are in control. You should only undress to your level of comfort. Some clients undress fully, while others prefer to keep their underwear on. There is no right or wrong choice, and professional therapists are trained to work with whatever you decide.

Professional therapists use proper draping techniques. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, ensuring your modesty and privacy at all times. You will remain under a sheet or blanket throughout the entire session, with only the specific body part being massaged exposed.

If you’re unsure, ask. It’s completely acceptable to ask your therapist what to expect or how much clothing is appropriate for the type of massage you’ve booked. Clear communication helps ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible.

Stress Reduction and Mental Health Support

In our high-stress modern world, the mental health benefits of massage therapy are perhaps more important than ever. Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it manifests physically through muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, and weakened immune function. Massage therapy addresses both the psychological and physical symptoms of stress simultaneously.

Clinical studies demonstrate that massage therapy significantly reduces cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with emotional well-being. This biochemical shift helps alleviate anxiety and depression, improves mood, and enhances mental clarity. Many therapists report that clients experience improved sleep quality, better emotional regulation, and increased resilience to daily stressors after regular massage sessions.

The dedicated quiet time during a massage also provides a rare opportunity for mindfulness and disconnection from constant stimulation, allowing your nervous system to shift from fight-or-flight mode into rest-and-digest mode.

After the Massage: What to Wear Home

Once your massage is complete, your body may still feel slightly oily from massage oil or lotion, and you’ll likely be in a deeply relaxed state. Choosing the right clothing to wear home helps you extend that sense of calm and comfort.

Ideal post-massage clothing includes loose-fitting pants or sweatpants that won’t cling to your skin, a cotton t-shirt or hoodie that feels soft and breathable, and slip-on shoes or sandals that require minimal effort to put on.

The goal is to extend the feeling of relaxation well beyond your appointment. Avoid anything tight, structured, or restrictive that might snap you out of your peaceful state too quickly.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to wear for a massage removes one more layer of uncertainty and allows you to fully embrace the therapeutic benefits of your session. When you arrive prepared and comfortable, you can focus entirely on the experience itself: releasing tension, restoring balance, and giving your body the care it deserves.

Ready to book your next massage? Come as you are, and leave feeling renewed.