What to Wear to a Spa: A Simple Guide

One of the most common worries before a first spa visit is simply not knowing what to wear. The good news is that spas are set up to make you comfortable, and the rules are easy once you know them. Here's a straightforward guide to dressing for a spa, sauna, or bathhouse.

What to Wear When You Arrive

Comfort is the whole point, so keep it easy:

Loose, comfortable clothes you can change out of quickly.
Slip-on shoes or sandals, since you'll be swapping into spa footwear.
Minimal jewelry — better to leave valuables at home, as you'll remove them for treatments and heat.
Light or no makeup, especially if you're having a facial or using steam rooms.

Most spas provide a robe, slippers, and often a locker, so you won't be wandering around in your street clothes.

During Treatments

For hands-on services like massages and facials, the spa has you covered — literally:

You'll typically undress to your comfort level in private and lie under a sheet or towel. Therapists are trained to keep you draped and covered at all times, only uncovering the area they're working on.
Underwear is your call. Many people keep theirs on; the therapist will work around it. Do whatever feels comfortable.
For a facial or scalp treatment, you usually stay mostly dressed or in a robe.

Saunas, Pools, and Thermal Areas

This is where customs vary most, so it's worth checking ahead:

Bring a swimsuit for shared pools, hydrotherapy areas, and mixed-gender saunas — many facilities require it.
Traditional bathhouses and Korean spas often have separate men's and women's areas where bathing without a suit is customary, plus co-ed zones where you wear provided clothing.
A towel or provided wrap is standard for moving between areas and sitting in saunas.
When in doubt, ask the front desk — they answer this question all day and won't blink.

What to Bring

A small kit covers most situations:

A swimsuit and a spare set of clothes
Flip-flops or sandals for wet areas
A hair tie and a comb
A water bottle to stay hydrated
A bag for wet items

Towels, robes, and toiletries are usually provided, but it never hurts to confirm.

Arrive Relaxed and Prepared

Knowing what to wear takes away the last bit of pre-visit nervousness. Dress comfortably, pack a swimsuit and sandals, and let the spa handle the rest. Once you're in a robe with your phone tucked away, the relaxation starts on its own.

If you're planning a first visit, finding a legitimate, well-reviewed spa or bathhouse near you — and calling ahead about their dress customs — is a simple way to arrive knowing exactly what to expect.