What Do You Wear in an Infrared Sauna? (The Real Answer No One Tells You)
What Do You Wear in an Infrared Sauna? (The Real Answer No One Tells You)
If you’ve ever Googled this before your first session, you’re not alone—because the answer online is either way too clinical… or completely unrealistic.
So let’s just say it how it actually is.
The Short Answer:
Wear as little as you’re comfortable in. And in a private suite, a birthday suit is fine lol.
That’s it. That’s the rule.
But if you want the real answer (and how to actually get the best results), keep reading.
The Real Answer (From Someone Who Actually Uses It Weekly)
Infrared sauna works by heating your body directly—not just the air around you—so your skin being exposed matters.
Translation:
The more skin exposed → the more effective your session.
That said… this is not a “be uncomfortable for results” situation.
What I personally wear:
- Sports bra
- Biker shorts or just a towel
- Hair up, always
Some days? Towel only. Depends on my mood, energy, and honestly… how much effort I’m putting into life that day.
What Most People Wear (So You Don’t Overthink It)
Here’s what you’ll typically see in a private infrared sauna setting:
- Towel wrap (most common)
- Sports bra + shorts
- Swimsuit
- Occasionally: nothing at all (when you’re in a fully private room)
No one is judging. Everyone is sweating. That’s the vibe.
What NOT to Wear in an Infrared Sauna
This is where people accidentally ruin their session:
- ❌ Thick or baggy clothing (blocks infrared heat)
- ❌ Synthetic, non-breathable fabrics
- ❌ Full workout outfits (you’re not at the gym)
- ❌ Makeup (you’ll regret it about 7 minutes in)
If your goal is detox, glow, or calorie burn—you want your skin as clear and breathable as possible.
Does Wearing Less Actually Make a Difference?
Yes… but not in a scary, extreme way.
More exposed skin =
✔ Better heat absorption
✔ More efficient sweating
✔ Better overall results
But again—the best setup is the one you’ll actually stick with consistently.
Consistency > perfection.
Real Talk: Confidence Factor
Let’s address the part people don’t say out loud…
A lot of women hesitate their first session because they’re unsure what to wear or how they’ll feel.
Here’s what I’ll tell you:
- It’s private
- It’s quiet
- It’s not performative
- No one is looking at you
By your second or third session, you won’t even think about it anymore—you’ll just be chasing that post-sauna feeling.
Pro Tips to Make Your Session Better
- Bring an extra towel (one to sit on, one for sweat)
- Skip makeup + heavy skincare before
- Hydrate before AND after
- Tie your hair up (trust me on this)
- Keep it simple—this is not a fashion moment
My Go-To Routine
If I’m doing a standard session, here’s exactly what I do:
- Sports bra + towel
- 30–40 minutes in the sauna
- Add red light therapy when I can
- Electrolytes after
Simple. Repeatable. Effective.
Final Takeaway
If you’re overthinking what to wear, you’re already making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Wear what makes you comfortable…
but lean toward minimal for better results.
And once you get past that first session?
You’ll realize the outfit was never the point—the feeling after is.
If you’re local and want to try it the way I actually do it in my weekly routine, this is exactly how I use infrared sauna as part of my wellness stack.
Schedule your routine sweat sessions at any of the three conveniently located Perspire Sauna Studio Des Moines locations
Perspire Sauna Studio West Des Moines
