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Kelly Barbera • July 27, 2024

What to Wear in Sauna at Gym? For Men & Women

You entered a sauna at the gym wearing workout clothes and started feeling discomfort after a few minutes. So, you are wondering what goes wrong. Did I wear the correct clothes? What to wear in sauna at gym?



Wearing comfortable clothing will give you a relaxed sauna session at the gym. Dresses like linen clothing, towel wrap, cotton shorts and t-shirts are good options for both men and women. Also, it would help if you learned about your gym sauna etiquette prior to the session. 


Continue reading and find what dress codes need to be maintained in a gym sauna for maximum benefit. 


What to Wear in Sauna at Gym

What to Wear in Sauna at Gym?

Gym sauna etiquette for clothes has a wide range of options, regardless of men and women. The key point is to choose comfortable clothing to have a relaxed sauna session at the gym.


For Men

When talking about sauna attire for men, you must consider comfort and safety. A towel and swim trunks are popular choices while a few like to wear linen clothing.


Here are a few suggestions


  • Swim Trunks: Men love to swim trunks in the gym sauna as they offer excellent comfort. Make sure not to choose swim trunks with metal fasteners. Otherwise, the metal will definitely cause discomfort because of the heating.


  • Towel Wrap: A hygienic and common option for men is wrapping a towel around the waist. A towel provides enough coverage. At the same time, your skin will remain breathable. 


  • Linen Clothing: Linen clothing like loose t-shirts and loose pants is another popular option for men. Generally, men wear linen clothing during their workouts and get into the gym sauna with the same dress. Cotton is well-known for its excellent breathability and comfort.

 

  • Boxer Shorts: Boxer shorts are comfortable to wear in the sauna at the gym. Choose cotton boxer shorts as they offer convenient movement and comfort.


  • Cotton Shorts & T-shirts: Do you prefer more coverage in a sauna or gym? If YES, cotton shorts and t-shirts will be a good choice for you. Cotton absorbs sweat effectively. As a result, you will barely feel discomfort in the sauna while keeping you breathable.

 

  • Breathable Athletic Wear: The best features of athletic wear are lightweight and moisture-wicking capability. Remember not to buy athletic wear made of synthetic materials. Simultaneously, the attire must be loose-fitting.


  • Cotton Wrap: Cotton wrap is similar to the towel. It is a simple, convenient and comfortable gym sauna outfit for men.


For Women

Women should prioritize minimalism and comfort when choosing sauna attire at the gym. There are a range of options to choose from.

You will find the following suggestions beneficial.


  • 2-piece Bikini or Swimsuit: Many women prefer wearing these options in the sauna at the gym. Choose a swimsuit or 2-piece bikini made from breathable fabric. Also, your swimsuit mustn’t consist of any metal to avoid discomfort from heated materials.


  • Cotton t-shirts & Shorts: If you want more coverage in the sauna at gym, cotton t-shirts and shorts will be a good option. The pair will let you feel comfortable in the sauna.


  • Cotton Tank Top & Shorts: It is a simple and comfortable option for all women. Buy one that comes with loose-fitting and gives you ultimate breathability.


  • Towel Wrap: Choose a large towel and wrap it around your whole body, which is a modest option for women in the sauna at the gym. You will find the towel wrap comfortable, hygienic and practical, especially in the communal saunas.


  • Linen Clothing: Linen clothing is a preferable option for their comfortability. You can choose any linen clothing, whether it is long or short. However, wearing shorts or skirts made of linen will be ideal.


  • Bamboo Robe or Kimono: These are excellent skin-friendly and environment-friendly options. Both of them are anti-bacterial and soft to use. As a result, you will feel comfortable throughout your sauna session at the gym. 


Why Appropriate Attire in Sauna at the Gym is Important?

Sauna bathing at the gym requires wearing appropriate attire for your safety, hygiene and comfort. Also, you can get the most out of your sauna by dressing in the correct clothing. 


Generally, the temperature range of a sauna at a gym remains between 110 – 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, your body temperature increases, and you will sweat. According to research, the human body tries to cool itself when exposed to higher temperatures. The process is known as thermoregulation.


If you wear a heavy or restrictive dress, the thermoregulation process will be hindered. As a result, your body will fail to dissipate heat efficiently. Cleveland Clinic found that such a thing can increase the risk of stroke, cramps, and heat exhaustion. 


At the same time, when our body gets exposed to higher temperatures, our cardiovascular system receives extra strain. A study found that our heart pumps blood 2X times faster to maintain body temperature at the required level when we stay in a heated environment. 


Inappropriate clothing can restrict the process and hamper proper blood circulation throughout our body. Such an incident can lead to a heart attack.


Moreover, not following the gym sauna etiquette for a dress can cause hygiene issues. 


For example, spandex or polyester fabric tends to stick together when damp. As a result, your body will not dry quickly, while these fabrics will cling to your sweaty body. Finally, bacteria can grow in your body, causing infections and rashes. 


FAQ

Can you wear gym clothes in a sauna?


Wearing gym clothes is not recommended in a sauna.


Usually, we sweat a lot during a workout. It would be the best idea to wear wet clothes in a sauna at the gym. Also, Gym clothes may trap heat, which can make you uncomfortable in the sauna. Choose lightweight, breathable and comfortable clothes for your group training sauna session at the gym.


What not to wear in a gym sauna

You can’t wear anything in a gym sauna. Keeping yourself hygiene and safe is important. Here are the things you mustn’t wear in a gym sauna.

  • Heavy clothes
  • Makeup
  • Synthetic materials
  • Metal jewelry
  • Restrictive or tight attires
  • Fragrances or strong scent
  • Filthy or wet clothes


Wrapping Up

Now you know what to wear sauna at gym. Though choosing the gym sauna attire is a personal decision that needs to be guided by respect and comfort for others. 


Learn about the dress code of the gym sauna before entering the sauna since it is a public place, and abide by it. Follow the above-mentioned guideline and enjoy your next sauna session at the gym. 


Improve your lifestyle by doing health coaching in Temple Fitness Franklin, TN. Well-organized and equipped with modern workout materials, Temple Fitness will help you take control of your well-being and live a healthy life. 

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