How to dress for the sauna? We answer!

The number of heat bath enthusiasts is growing in Poland, but many still have doubts about what the appropriate sauna attire is. Should you enter the sauna naked, in a swimsuit, or maybe in another way? We check what tradition says about this and answer a question bothering many: how to dress for the sauna so that the session is comfortable, conducive to relaxation, and brings the most benefits.

Should you always enter the sauna naked?

Sauna sessions are an excellent way to relax and regenerate. Whether it's a traditional Finnish sauna, an infrared sauna, or a steam bath, each option brings numerous health and skin benefits. Heat baths strengthen immunity, help remove toxins from the body, reduce stress and tension, and improve skin condition. It's a fantastic form of relaxation that supports both body and mind.

Are you planning a stay at a resort with a sauna, regeneration in a SPA complex, or relaxation at a water park? Before your trip, check not only how to dress for the SPA but also how to prepare for a sauna visit. It is worth remembering that sauna use involves following certain rules, including those related to appropriate clothing—or rather, the lack thereof. According to tradition, you should enter the sauna naked, foregoing a swimsuit, which aims to ensure full comfort and hygiene during the session.

However, for some people, entering the sauna naked can be a challenge. In such a situation, you can take a cotton towel with you and gently cover your body with it. It should be noted, though, that swimsuits are usually unwelcome in saunas. An exception is the steam sauna session, from which you use it naked, without covering yourself with a towel, which ensures maximum effects from the session.

Why is a swimsuit a poor choice for the sauna?

The rules regarding appropriate attire in the sauna stem not only from sauna culture but also from health concerns. The high temperature and low air humidity (except for steam baths) cause intense sweating and an increase in body temperature, promoting body detoxification. A swimsuit can disrupt these natural processes, so it is recommended to use the sauna without a costume. This makes the session more effective, which means more benefits for both health and skin appearance.

Why is nudity in the sauna so important? Thanks to nudity, the body sweats evenly over the entire surface, and the skin can breathe freely, which is key for the health aspects of the session. High temperatures increase blood flow, and enlarged pores help naturally cleanse the body of toxins. Thus, not wearing a costume provides greater comfort and enhances the benefits of sauna use. The result can be softer, more elastic, and firmer skin, and you may notice positive changes after just one visit.

This may also interest you: Benefits of a jacuzzi – what benefits do regular baths bring?

How to dress for the sauna? Caring for more than just well-being

Entering a dry sauna or steam bath without a swimsuit not only aims to increase the benefits of the session. This recommendation is also related to the materials from which swimsuits are made. Swimsuits are usually sewn from synthetic fabrics that hinder the skin's ability to breathe. Moreover, synthetic materials at high temperatures can release harmful substances.

Wearing a close-fitting swimsuit made of synthetic materials in the sauna can lead to allergic reactions. Redness, bumps, or chafing may appear on the skin, and in extreme cases, there is a risk of burns. In addition, low-quality fabric swimsuits can emit an unpleasant odor and even stain the skin under high temperatures, which may be harmful to health.

In summary, the best sauna attire is... none. However, if you feel excessively uncomfortable, you can take two towels with you. One will serve to cover your body, and the other place under you, including under your feet. This way, your body can freely regulate the natural processes occurring in it, and you can fully relax, unwind, and enjoy the benefits of the sauna. Also, remember that we enter the sauna barefoot—so leave your slippers outside the cabin.