When venturing into the world of saunas, one must not overlook the importance of sauna clothing. Knowing what to wear in a sauna is essential for ensuring your comfort, maintaining proper hygiene, and following sauna etiquette. If you don’t know what to wear in a sauna, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will explore the best sauna clothes wear and what to avoid so you can feel your best and follow proper etiquette.
Sauna Etiquette
Before we dive into the specifics of what to wear, it's important to know what sauna etiquette entails. Saunas are safe spaces made for relaxation, tranquility, and a harmonious experience.
That’s why we adhere to certain guidelines, such as maintaining personal hygiene before and during sauna use. By being mindful of sauna etiquette, you can create an enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
What to Wear in a Sauna
Swimsuits
For most people, swimwear is the go-to choice for a sauna session. Swimsuits, bikinis, and bathing suits are all suitable options. They provide coverage while allowing for direct exposure to the sauna heat. We suggest you opt for loose-fitting swimwear that offers comfort and free range of motion.
Towels
Using a towel in the sauna is essential, regardless of whether you choose to wear swimwear or go au naturel. A towel serves multiple purposes: protecting your privacy, soaking up sweat, and maintaining hygiene.
When using a public sauna, it’s courteous to bring a towel to sit on, ensuring cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs. Additionally, a smaller towel can be handy for wiping away excess sweat during the session.
Cotton Clothes
If swimwear is not your preference, loose-fitting cotton clothing is an excellent alternative. Cotton is a breathable material that allows heat to pass through, keeping you comfortable in the sauna.
Opt for lightweight and loose garments that don’t restrict movement or cause discomfort when exposed to heat. Breathable materials like linen and bamboo are great choices.
Sauna Suit
While sauna suits made from waterproof materials are available, we don’t encourage you to use them. Sauna suits are primarily used by professional athletes to induce sweating for temporary weight loss.
However, wearing a sauna suit can be potentially dangerous due to the risk of dehydration. The weight loss is only temporary, mainly due to water loss, which must be replenished right afterwards. Therefore, we suggest you avoid sauna suits for ELU sauna sessions.
Shower Shoes
When it comes to footwear in the sauna, there are two options: go barefoot or wear shower shoes. If you’re using a public sauna, always check the rules regarding footwear.
Opt for lightweight shower sandals, sliders, or flip-flops that are easy to clean. These provide protection against potential germs on the sauna floor. Outdoor shoes should never be worn in a sauna to maintain cleanliness.
What to Not Wear in a Sauna
Dirty or Tight Clothes
Avoid wearing tight clothes in the sauna, as they can become uncomfortable once you start to sweat. Additionally, wearing dirty clothes can contribute to an unclean sauna environment. Always choose clean and loose-fitting clothes to enhance your ELU experience.
PVC or Spandex
Materials like PVC or spandex should be avoided for sauna wear, as they trap heat and can cause discomfort. These materials hinder proper airflow and can leave you feeling sweaty and overheated.
Choose natural, breathable fabrics that allow the heat to dissipate and keep you comfortable throughout your sauna session.
Jewellry and Piercings
Always make sure to remove any metal jewelry, including earrings, rings, and piercings before entering the sauna. Metal can heat up rapidly and cause discomfort or even burn your skin when exposed to high temperatures.
Lotions and Makeup
Before entering the sauna, remove any lotions, creams, or makeup from your body. These products can mix with sweat and clog your pores, leading to potential skin irritations. Keep your skin clean and free from products to allow for a more comfortable and enjoyable sauna experience.
Sports Watch
Electronic devices, including sports watches, should not be worn in the sauna. High temperatures can damage these devices, and they may not function properly or become uncomfortable to wear. It's best to leave them outside the sauna in a safe, designated area.
Nudity
In some cultures and saunas, nudity is practiced. However, it's essential to be aware of the specific norms and practices of the sauna you are visiting.
At ELU, we kindly ask you to bring a bathing suit, two towels, a non-glass water vessel, and indoor sandals. These items will contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable sauna experience while also promoting good hygiene practices.
ELU Hygiene and Safety
At ELU Saunas & Cold Tubs, we prioritize the health and safety of our clients. Please note that if you have any health concerns or pre-existing conditions, we strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare professional before using our facilities. These conditions include a cardiac condition, high or low blood pressure, or a history of fainting.
To ensure the cleanliness of our facilities, we adhere to strict sanitization protocols. Our pools are regularly cleaned and maintained on a daily basis. Additionally, we employ an extensive filtration system and chlorination system that complies with Health Canada's regulations. The water quality is manually tested at regular intervals, guaranteeing a safe and sanitary environment for our clients.
By prioritizing hygiene and following our safety guidelines, we strive to create an environment where you can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy your sauna experience to the fullest!
Conclusion: Visit ELU Today
Now that you have a better understanding of what to wear in a sauna, you can prepare yourself for a relaxing and enjoyable experience at ELU. Remember to consider comfort, hygiene, and sauna etiquette when selecting your sauna attire.
Visit ELU today to discover the perfect sauna experience tailored to your needs.