What to Wear to a Massage: A Comprehensive Guide for Ultimate Relaxation

Getting a massage is a wonderful way to relax, de-stress, and address muscle tension. However, for many first-timers (and even seasoned massage enthusiasts!), the question of what to wear can be a source of pre-massage anxiety. The goal is to feel comfortable and at ease so you can fully enjoy the therapeutic benefits. This guide will walk you through the best clothing choices, providing detailed steps and instructions to ensure your massage experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Understanding the Basics: Comfort and Accessibility

Before diving into specific clothing recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the underlying principles. The ideal massage attire should prioritize two key factors:

1. Comfort: You need to feel comfortable both during and after the massage. Avoid anything too tight, constricting, or itchy that might distract you from relaxation. Think loose, breathable fabrics.
2. Accessibility: The massage therapist needs to access the areas of your body that require treatment. This means choosing clothing that’s easy to remove or adjust, or that allows for the therapist to work around it comfortably.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Massage Attire

Let’s break down your clothing choices step-by-step, starting from the top and working our way down:

Step 1: The Top – What to Wear on Your Upper Body

The upper body is where most people tend to have the most questions. Here’s a breakdown of what works well and what to avoid:

Recommended Options:

• Loose-Fitting T-Shirt or Tank Top: A soft, breathable t-shirt or tank top made from cotton, bamboo, or modal is an excellent choice. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, as they tend to trap heat and moisture. Choose something that’s not too tight around the chest or shoulders to allow the therapist to move your arms and work on your back with ease.
• Sports Bra (for Women): If you’re more comfortable wearing a sports bra, that’s perfectly acceptable. Choose a bra that isn’t too restrictive and can be easily adjusted or removed if needed. Avoid heavily padded sports bras that might be uncomfortable while lying face down. A racerback style might be more comfortable for accessing the upper back.

Things to Avoid:

• Underwire Bras: These can be uncomfortable when lying face down and can interfere with the therapist’s ability to work on your back and shoulders. It’s best to remove underwire bras before the massage, if possible.
• Tight Tops: Avoid anything that’s very fitted, such as a tight-fitting t-shirt, a compression top, or anything with restrictive necklines. These can hinder your comfort and limit the therapist’s access.
• Fancy or Delicate Tops: Don’t wear anything you wouldn’t want to get massage oil on. Choose simpler, machine-washable options. Tops with embellishments like beads or sequins should be avoided as they can also be uncomfortable while lying down.

Step 2: The Bottom – What to Wear on Your Lower Body

The lower body is typically less of a concern during a massage, but comfort and ease of movement are still essential. Here’s what to consider:

Recommended Options:

• Loose-Fitting Shorts or Pants: Similar to your top, opt for loose-fitting bottoms made from breathable materials like cotton, linen, or modal. Comfortable pajama pants, athletic shorts, or yoga pants are excellent choices. Choose bottoms with an elastic waistband if possible, as this allows for the therapist to access your lower back and hips easily.
• Leggings or Yoga Pants: While leggings or yoga pants are acceptable, be aware that some therapists might need to pull them up slightly to access the backs of your legs. Choose a pair that’s not too tight and that can be easily moved. Opt for leggings made of a soft, stretchy material without restrictive waistbands.
• Loose Skirts or Sarongs: If you’re comfortable wearing a loose skirt or sarong, this can be a great option, especially during warmer weather. Just be sure it isn’t too long or cumbersome.

Things to Avoid:

• Tight Jeans or Pants: Avoid wearing anything that’s too tight, restrictive, or made of inflexible material like denim. These can make it difficult for the therapist to access your lower back and legs. They also won’t be comfortable while lying down.
• Pants with Bulky Pockets: Avoid pants with large, bulky pockets that can be uncomfortable while lying down and interfere with the massage process.
• Heavily Embellished Bottoms: Similar to tops, avoid bottoms with embellishments that could be uncomfortable or catch on the massage table or sheets.

Step 3: Underwear – To Wear or Not To Wear

This is a common source of concern for many people. The most important thing to remember is that your comfort is paramount, and you should always do what makes you feel most at ease. Here are some guidelines:

General Guidelines:

• It’s Your Choice: Ultimately, you have the right to wear as much or as little as you are comfortable with. Massage therapists are trained to work professionally and respectfully, regardless of your underwear choices.
• Most Common Approach: Most people opt to keep their underwear on during a massage. If you do choose to wear underwear, select a pair that’s comfortable and that you don’t mind possibly getting massage oil on.
• Thongs or Minimal Underwear: While these are acceptable if you are comfortable, they offer less coverage and you may feel more exposed. If you are receiving a deep tissue massage, particularly on the back or gluteal areas, you might prefer briefs for added comfort and security.

When Removal Might Be Necessary (But Always Optional):

• Certain Types of Massage: If you are getting a Swedish massage, the therapist will usually drape a sheet over you for privacy, only exposing the area being worked on. Sometimes, during massage, they may need to ask you to slightly adjust or loosen your underwear to better access certain areas. This is normal and is always done respectfully. If you are receiving a specific type of massage, such as a Thai massage, that involves more stretching, you might be asked to wear athletic style shorts provided by the clinic to ensure full range of motion.
• Full Body Massage: In some cases, especially if you are getting a full body massage, you may feel more comfortable removing your underwear. Some individuals feel that having underwear on inhibits a full range of movement and reduces the massage’s effectiveness. However, this is entirely up to your personal preference.
• Always Communicate: If at any point during the massage you feel uncomfortable, you should communicate with your massage therapist immediately. If they ask you to remove any clothing, you have the right to decline. A professional and ethical therapist will always respect your boundaries and do their best to make you feel safe.

Step 4: Jewelry and Accessories – Less is More

When preparing for a massage, it’s generally best to keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Here’s why:

Recommendations:

• Remove Most Jewelry: Remove necklaces, bracelets, rings, and large earrings before the massage. These can get in the way and potentially get caught during the massage. Small stud earrings are generally fine.
• Leave Watches and Smart Devices Behind: Watches, fitness trackers, and other devices should also be removed for your comfort and the therapist’s convenience. They can also potentially be damaged by massage oils.
• Hair Accessories: If you have long hair, pull it back with a soft hair tie to keep it out of your face and off your neck during the massage. Avoid hair accessories with hard or bulky pieces that could be uncomfortable.

Why Remove Accessories:

• Comfort: Jewelry can be uncomfortable when lying face down or when the therapist is working on your arms, hands, neck, or back.
• Safety: Loose jewelry can be a safety hazard if it catches on the therapist’s hands or the massage sheets.
• Practicality: You don’t want to worry about damaging or losing your valuable items while trying to relax.

Step 5: Shoes and Socks – Comfort and Practicality

Your footwear is the least impactful aspect of what to wear to a massage, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

Recommendations:

• Easy-to-Remove Shoes: Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, like sandals, flip-flops, or slip-on shoes.
• Socks Optional: Whether or not you wear socks is usually a personal preference. Most massage therapists will work around your socks.

Things to Avoid:

• Bulky Boots or Shoes: Avoid wearing bulky or difficult-to-remove shoes as you will likely need to take them off prior to the massage.

Additional Tips for an Optimal Massage Experience

Besides clothing, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your massage is a success:

• Cleanliness: Shower or bathe before your massage, if possible, especially if you’ve been working out or doing strenuous activities. This will make you feel fresher and more comfortable, as well as more comfortable for the therapist.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after your massage to help flush out toxins and prevent muscle soreness.
• Communicate: Always be open with your massage therapist about your preferences, comfort levels, and any specific areas of pain or concern. If you are uncomfortable at any point during the session, let them know. Open communication ensures a better and more effective massage for you.
• Arrive on Time: Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment. This will give you time to fill out any paperwork, use the restroom, change if needed, and relax before the session starts.
• Relax and Enjoy: Most importantly, try to relax, let go of tension, and enjoy the massage! Let the therapist do their work and allow yourself to be pampered and rejuvenated.

Special Considerations

There might be a few specific situations that require extra thought. Here are some special considerations:

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, consult with your doctor before scheduling a massage. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You might want to bring an extra pillow for support during the session. Some clinics may provide specialized pregnancy pillows. Be sure to inform your therapist about your pregnancy status and how far along you are so they can tailor the massage appropriately. Most clinics have special pregnancy tables to accommodate the growing belly, but if the clinic you select does not, be sure to adjust the position to your comfort level.

Medical Conditions

Inform your massage therapist about any medical conditions or injuries. They might need to modify the massage based on your individual needs. Wear clothing that is comfortable for you and does not exacerbate any symptoms. If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to ask your therapist or the clinic for recommendations.

Specific Massage Types

Different types of massages may have specific requirements. For example, a Thai massage may involve more movement and stretching, so loose-fitting athletic wear is best. If you are receiving a deep tissue massage, the therapist might need to have access to deeper muscle layers, so clothing should be easily adjustable. If you’re unsure, inquire with the massage clinic before your appointment.

Conclusion

Choosing what to wear to a massage doesn’t have to be stressful. By prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and cleanliness, you can ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Remember to opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics, keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum, and be open with your massage therapist about your preferences and comfort levels. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the benefits of a well-deserved massage!