What to Wear to a Massage: How to Prepare to Get Bare (Or Not) and Other Useful Tips

What to Wear for a Massage — **Wondering what to wear for your massage? Read on for some of our tips from** **Sevati Massage and Wellness.**

You’re excited about your massage appointment — and also a little anxious.

What are you supposed to wear? Is there a massage-wear etiquette you need to abide by?

The short answer is that you can wear — or not wear — whatever you feel comfortable with. But there are some considerations you may want to keep in mind.

Keep reading to learn more about what to wear to a massage appointment.

Massage-Wear Etiquette: What Do I Wear to a Massage?

If you’re wondering what you should wear to your massage therapy appointment, don’t overthink it.

At Sevati Massage and Wellness, most of our clients come in for a massage on their lunch break, after work, or while they are out and about doing daily activities.

Generally, everyday-wear is fine. That being said, here are some tips and types of clothing you may want to avoid.

Dress for Comfort and Ease of Redressing

When it comes to what to wear to a massage appointment, comfort is typically the priority. Plan on wearing clothing that is easy to take off and put back on by yourself.

Since massage therapists use oil during massages, loose-fitting clothing is often a good choice to avoid getting oils on your clothes.

Avoid Wearing Clothing That Requires Dry-Cleaning

Lotions and body oils can damage dry-clean-only clothing, so it is best to avoid wearing clothing with “dry-clean-only” tags to your appointment.

You can also bring an extra change of clothes that doesn’t require dry-cleaning to change into after your appointment.

What About Jewelry?

Before your massage, your massage therapist may ask you to remove jewelry like:

Necklaces
Bracelets
Watches; and
Earrings

Some people feel uncomfortable with the idea of removing their jewelry for fear they may forget where they placed it or forget to put it back on after their massage. To avoid this worry, we provide a spot to safely put it during your massage, or consider leaving your jewelry in a safe place at home.

Bring a Hair Tie, or Don’t

Depending on your massage therapist, they may ask you to put your hair in a bun or ponytail to keep it out of the way during your massage. Some massage therapists feel that braids, buns, and ponytails create more of an obstacle and prefer you to wear your hair down. Either option usually works just fine, and you can ask your therapist if they have a preference.

It’s never a bad idea to bring a hair tie to your appointment, so you are ready to accommodate your massage therapist either way.

What Should You Wear During a Massage?

So, what should you wear — or not wear — during your massage? The outfit you came in, or only part of it? Your birthday suit?

The answer really boils down to whatever you are most comfortable with. However, what you choose to wear or not wear can impact the massage experience. Let’s go over your options below.

#1: Stay Fully Clothed

You want to get a massage, but you’re anxious about undressing. The idea of taking your clothes off seems like the exact opposite of relaxing to you.

If this is the case, most massage therapists will honor your wish to stay fully clothed during your massage.

However, this can affect the quality of your massage, especially depending on the type of massage you are receiving. Being fully clothed can make it more difficult to work on areas of the body like your back and shoulders, and can limit or prevent the use of lotions and oils.

If you’re anxious about undressing for your massage, we get it. At Sevati Massage and Wellness, our massage therapists make your comfort a priority and always protect your modesty.

During your massage, your massage therapist will ensure your body is covered with a sheet at all times and only areas that are currently being massaged will be exposed.

If you still feel uncomfortable with the idea of dressing down to any level, you are welcome to keep your clothes on during a massage.

#2: Get Partially Bare

If you are uncomfortable with fully undressing but willing to shed some clothing, you can opt to leave your undergarments on.

However, keep in mind that bras can make it difficult to work on the back and shoulder areas for many types of massage.

#3: Take It All Off

As long as you are comfortable enough to enjoy your massage worry-free, removing all of your clothing can provide the best massage experience and allow your massage therapist to fully address and massage the muscles and tissues in your body.

Your therapist is trained to use the sheet to drape your body and only uncover the area that will be worked on. Your modesty will always be taken into account!

Still Feeling Shy or Unsure Even After You’ve Decided What to Wear to a Massage? These 3 Tips Should Help

If you’re searching “what to wear to get a massage,” chances are you likely need some reassurance. You may be preparing for your first massage and unsure what to expect. We promise; your massage therapist isn’t interested in judging your outfit choice or comfort level for removing clothing during your massage.

If reassurance is what you need, here are a few tips to get you massage-ready!

#1: Please Don’t Be Embarrassed

Massage therapists are professionals, and like most professionals that deal with the human body, they focus on your anatomy and releasing tensions in your muscles — not your fat rolls or cellulite or wrinkles.

#2: Body Hair? We Don’t Care

When it comes to massage therapy, there is no need to dress to impress — or undress to impress.

Don’t feel like you need to wax, shave, or trim your body hair before your appointment.

Massage therapists are not concerned with body hair and are highly skilled to work with any body hair without pain, pulling, or tugging.

#3: Hop in the Shower Ahead of Time

Taking a shower before your massage therapy appointment is a good idea. Not because your massage therapist is afraid of sweat; but for your own comfort.

Feeling fresh and clean can make you feel more comfortable and confident with dressing down.

At Sevati Massage and Wellness, We’ve Got You Covered — Literally

At Sevati Massage and Wellness in Portland, OR, we can work with all comfort levels and clothing types. Our main priority is making sure each of our clients is comfortable and relaxed, so they get the best massage experience.

Click here to book your next massage at Sevati Massage and Wellness today.