What should you wear in a sauna?

In your own home sauna, wear whatever is comfortable — most people go nude or wrap a towel, and always sit on a towel. In a public or shared UK sauna, wear swimwear or a towel as the venue requires.

Do you wear clothes in a sauna?

You can, but avoid synthetic gym fabrics that trap heat and sweat. Natural cotton, a towel wrap, or nude in a private sauna are the most comfortable and hygienic options.

Should you wear a sauna hat?

It is optional. A wool or felt sauna hat keeps your head cooler than the rest of your body, so regular users find they can stay in longer and more comfortably in high heat.

What to Wear in a Sauna: The Simple UK Guide

July 9, 2026

Short answer: in your own sauna at home, wear whatever's comfortable — most people go nude or wrap a towel. In a public or mixed sauna, follow the venue's rule, which in the UK usually means swimwear or a towel. The one thing that matters everywhere is sitting on a towel and avoiding synthetic fabrics. Here's the honest detail.

In your own sauna at home

There are no rules in a private garden or home sauna — it's your space. The traditional Finnish way is nude, which is also the most hygienic and comfortable: no fabric trapping sweat against your skin. If you'd rather cover up, a towel wrap is the classic choice. Either way, always sit on a towel — it protects the bench, absorbs sweat and keeps things hygienic.

In a public or shared sauna

UK public saunas, spas and gyms almost always ask for swimwear or a towel — full nudity is far less common here than in Finland or Germany. Check the venue's policy; mixed-gender sessions usually require swimwear, while some single-sex or dedicated sauna venues allow towel-only or nude. When in doubt, a swimsuit plus a towel to sit on covers every situation.

What to avoid

Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, elastane-heavy gym kit) — they trap heat and sweat and can feel clammy; natural cotton or just a towel breathes better.
Jewellery and metal — metal heats up fast and can burn; take off rings, watches and necklaces.
Makeup and heavy moisturiser — you'll sweat it off; go bare-skinned.
Contact lenses — the dry heat can dry them out; glasses or nothing is more comfortable.
Shoes — leave them at the door; bare feet or sauna sandals only.

What about a sauna hat?

A wool or felt sauna hat isn't essential, but regular sauna-goers swear by them: they keep your head and hair cooler than the rest of your body, so you can stay in longer and more comfortably in high heat. Optional, but a nice touch if you sauna often and hot.

The takeaway

At home: nude or a towel, sitting on a towel, natural fabrics only. In public: swimwear or towel per the venue. Keep it simple, keep it breathable, and skip the metal and makeup.

Thinking of your own space to do it your way? A portable sauna gives you a real sauna in the garden with none of the public-changing-room etiquette — or see the full UK sauna buying guide.

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