Why Knowing What to Wear in a Sauna Matters
Understanding what to wear in a sauna is more than a style choice. The right sauna attire impacts your comfort, health, and the quality of your overall sauna session. Whether you’re entering a Finnish sauna for the first time or setting up your Kyfe Sauna in the backyard, wearing the right clothes, or not wearing clothes at all, can significantly enhance your sauna experience.
When your body is exposed to extreme heat, what you wear affects everything from how you sweat to how well you regulate body temperature. Wearing synthetic fabrics or heavy clothing can trap heat, reduce air circulation, and even cause irritation or overheating. On the flip side, wearing breathable clothing made from natural fibers allows you to sweat freely, cool down properly between rounds, and maintain hygiene on shared sauna benches and flooring. Choosing the right sauna clothes is essential for a comfortable and safe sauna session.
Choosing the Right Sauna Attire

What to Wear in a Private Sauna Session
When it comes to private use, simplicity reigns. Many people choose to wear just a towel or go completely nude inside their sauna room. This approach is rooted in Finnish sauna tradition, where the focus is on deep relaxation and detoxification without distractions. Going completely nude or wrapping yourself in a clean towel allows your body to fully embrace the heat, absorb sweat efficiently, and enjoy better air circulation.
If nudity is not your preference, wear loose fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Cotton absorbs sweat without trapping heat against your skin, and natural fabrics ensure that your body can respond naturally to high temperatures.
In your Kyfe Sauna, where wood-fired heat reaches over 200°F, the importance of appropriate sauna attire increases. Extreme heat requires that all clothing options support heat dissipation. Avoid wearing synthetic materials and choose cotton wraps, oversized t shirts, or nothing at all for maximum comfort and safety.
What to Wear in a Public Sauna
If you’re visiting a public sauna or spa, modesty and etiquette take priority. Understanding sauna etiquette means respecting the space and fellow sauna goers. Many saunas, particularly in the U.S., recommend wearing a bathing suit or towel wrapped around the body. However, always check the posted rules in the locker room or entrance, as sauna use guidelines may differ by facility.
In coed sauna environments, wear clothing that is breathable and respectful. A cotton bathing suit, loose-fitting gym clothes made from natural materials, or a cotton towel are ideal choices. Avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for breathable materials that won’t trap heat or trap sweat.
Kyfe recommends bringing your own clean towel and robe when using our sauna during public or hosted events. It's a simple way to maintain cleanliness, ensure proper etiquette, and feel comfortable during your sauna session.
Clothing Options Based on Sauna Type

Traditional Wood-Fired Sauna (Like Kyfe)
In a traditional wood-fired sauna, also known as a Finnish sauna, heat is intense. You should wear as little as possible to let your body adjust. A towel wrapped around your waist or chest is appropriate sauna attire for both private and public use. Avoid synthetic materials completely, as they can overheat or melt under extreme conditions.
Infrared Sauna
Infrared sauna use involves lower temperatures, generally between 110°F and 140°F. Because the heat source works differently, some people choose to wear gym clothes or bamboo loungewear. Even here, it's best to avoid synthetic fabrics and focus on breathable clothing. Bamboo and cotton allow for sweat release while helping regulate body temperature.
If you wear gym clothes to an infrared sauna, make sure they’re loose and made from natural fibers. Tight, synthetic activewear can trap heat and make your session uncomfortable.
Steam Room vs. Dry Sauna
In a steam room, humidity is higher than in a dry sauna. Because of the wet environment, cotton may become heavy and uncomfortable. However, cotton still remains preferable to synthetic clothing. The same basic rule applies: wear lightweight, breathable fabrics or just a towel.
Dry saunas, including Kyfe’s wood-burning units, demand careful sauna wear. Choose breathable fabrics, avoid synthetic materials, and bring a clean towel to sit on and wipe sweat. Proper sauna attire will help your body cool and sweat efficiently in a hot environment.
What NOT to Wear in a Sauna
Synthetic Fabrics and Tight Clothing
Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, and nylon. These materials trap heat and can cause skin irritation or worse. Some synthetic materials can even melt when exposed to extreme heat. This is especially important in wood-fired or high-temperature settings where your sauna room may exceed 200°F.
Heavy clothing or layered garments are also inappropriate. These trap sweat, limit body cooling, and create unnecessary discomfort. Stick to loose fitting clothing and natural fibers that allow you to sweat freely.
Metal Jewelry and Accessories
Metal jewelry becomes dangerously hot in a sauna. Rings, earrings, and necklaces can cause burns when exposed to high temperatures. Remove all jewelry before entering the sauna room to avoid injury and maintain proper etiquette.
Fragrances, Makeup, and Lotions
Avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or scented lotions in the sauna. These products not only interfere with your body’s natural detox process but may also irritate fellow sauna goers. Makeup can clog your pores and run into your eyes, making your session unpleasant. Keep your skin clean for a safer and more refreshing sauna experience.
Electronics and Smart Devices
Never bring your phone, earbuds, or smartwatches into the sauna. The heat can permanently damage electronics, and they distract from the mental clarity and presence a sauna session offers. Leave them in your locker room or personal bag.
Enhancing Your Sauna Experience with the Right Gear

Towels and Seat Covers
Using a clean towel to sit on the sauna bench is a sign of proper etiquette and helps maintain hygiene. In public sauna settings, this is not optional. It also creates a barrier between your skin and the hot wood of the sauna benches, making the experience more comfortable.
Sauna Hat
A sauna hat, often made of wool, is a powerful but overlooked sauna accessory. It helps regulate your body temperature and protects your scalp from overheating. This is particularly useful during longer sauna sessions or when using an outdoor sauna like Kyfe in colder weather.
Flip Flops or Spa Slippers
To prevent slipping or infection in communal areas, always wear flip flops in the locker room and while walking to and from the sauna. Remove them before entering the sauna floor to keep the area clean. Choose sandals made from heat-safe materials that won’t retain heat or leave marks on the sauna floor.
Optional Accessories
Other helpful sauna accessories include a water bottle for hydration, a dry brush for pre-sauna exfoliation, or a sauna whisk for traditional Finnish rituals. These add to your sauna experience and support your wellness goals.
What to Wear in a Kyfe Sauna
Kyfe Sauna is designed for real heat. This is not a pod or infrared unit, but a full-sized wood-burning furnace that delivers the intensity of a traditional Finnish sauna anywhere you go. That means sauna wear must prioritize function, safety, and comfort.
Wear breathable clothing or opt for just a towel. In private use, feel free to go completely nude, following cultural norms and personal preference. In public or group sessions, a cotton bathing suit or towel wrap is ideal. Always use the included gloves when operating the furnace, and never wear shoes inside the sauna.
We recommend avoiding gym clothes, synthetic fabrics, and anything that might trap heat or moisture. Bring a clean towel to sit on, a wool sauna hat if you’re sensitive to heat, and remove all metal jewelry before stepping inside.
If you’re planning to relax afterward in a hot tub, remember that the clothing you wear in the sauna might not be ideal for the hot tub environment, so having appropriate swimwear ready is a good idea.
Sauna Etiquette 101
Respect the Space and the People
Always maintain cleanliness by showering before entering the sauna. Sit on a clean towel and avoid spraying water too aggressively on the rocks. Speak quietly, if at all, and avoid using fragrances or oils unless permitted.
Stay Aware of Time and Temperature
A sauna session should last 10 to 20 minutes, followed by a cooling period. Do not try to push through discomfort, especially in high temperatures. Regulate your body temperature with water breaks and cooldowns outside the tent or sauna room.
Be Mindful of Cultural Norms
In some places, like Finland, nudity is standard in same-gender saunas. In American or mixed-gender saunas, more modesty is often expected. Always follow posted guidelines and adapt your sauna attire accordingly.
Frequently Asked What to Wear in a Sauna Questions
Can I wear a sauna suit?
Sauna suits are designed for workouts, not relaxation. They trap heat and can dangerously raise blood pressure in a sauna setting. Avoid using sauna suits unless under medical supervision.
Can I wear swimwear in a sauna?
Yes, but only if the material is breathable and not synthetic. A cotton or natural-fiber bathing suit is best. Avoid lined or compression suits that trap sweat.
Should I wear underwear?
Underwear is optional, but not recommended unless made of breathable materials. Cotton briefs are acceptable, but many prefer going without to sweat freely.
Is a towel enough?
Yes, a towel wrapped around your body is often all you need. It allows for better air circulation and avoids overheating. Make sure it's clean and thick enough to absorb sweat.
What if I wear gym clothes?
Only wear gym clothes in a sauna if they are made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Most synthetic gym gear is unsuitable for extreme heat.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to wear in a sauna transforms your session from simply hot to truly healing. From breathable clothing and cotton wraps to ditching synthetic materials and heavy clothing, each choice supports your body in responding to the heat with ease. Whether you’re enjoying a private Kyfe Sauna session in the forest or relaxing at a public spa, let your sauna attire reflect respect, presence, and performance.