If you’ve ever been to a sauna, then you know how amazing they can be. Feeling warm, relaxed, and detoxified are just some of the many benefits. But if you’re not sure why you should go to a sauna or what it’s like to be in one, here’s a rundown:
A sauna is a small room that uses heat from wood or electricity to raise the temperature past what is normal for a room. Usually this temperature is between 100-200 degrees Fahrenheit (38-93 degrees Celsius). The goal of this high temperature is for the body to sweat out toxins and lose weight quickly by burning fat. Some people may use them as part of their exercise regime, as getting rid of water weight can also allow muscles to appear more defined when working out afterward.
The recommended temp for modern saunas is around 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), but older ones are often hotter due to wood being used as a source of heat instead of electricity. A majority will have fans and windows so breathing isn’t too hard while inside. The higher the temp, the more your body sweats and loses fluid weight; however, it’s important not to overdo it because health complications could occur if too much sweat leaves your body at once. Truthfully though, you’re probably not going in there with an agenda like “I’m going to lose 10 pounds”, so sipping water while in a sauna isn’t necessary…unless you feel faint! If this happens, get out immediately!
The sauna is a place where people go to relax and de-stress.
The sauna is a place for relaxation and de-stressing. It’s a place where people come together to enjoy the heat and unwind after a long day. Since it’s all about relaxation, choosing the proper sauna attire is an important decision that can have an impact on your enjoyment of the experience.
While not required, it is strongly suggested that you bring a bathing suit with you to the sauna. This will give you a few hours before you need to worry about what to wear. At this stage, if you choose, feel free to use whatever outfit makes you most comfortable while in the sauna; although clothing isn’t necessary in any way, there are some benefits of wearing clothing while using the sauna:
Clothing helps retain body heat; this helps prolong your stay in the sauna and make your time more enjoyable
In addition to keeping your core warm, clothing can help protect other parts of your body from extreme temperature changes that occur during use of the sauna. For example, when stepping outside of a hot steam room into cold air conditioning or vice versa, clothing can help prevent chills or even hypothermia
There’s no rule saying you can’t wear clothing inside of the steam room! In fact, many prefer having something light and breathable on top rather than nothing at all. However be aware that if heavy duty cleaning needs to happen after use (which happens at most facilities), members must change back into their street clothes before entering again.
It’s a place to enjoy and unwind, and by selecting the proper sauna attire you can make your experience even more enjoyable.
Much like a beautiful, clear day, it’s easy to take saunas for granted when you’re surrounded by them. But there are rules to follow if you want to make the most of your time in one. You don’t have to be a sauna-going expert: just remember that selecting the proper attire is part of being in the moment, and will allow you and your friends to really enjoy relaxing in each other’s company.
Saunas are generally very warm and humid (100+ degrees Fahrenheit/40+ degrees Celsius with about 10% humidity). Since it’s so hot, avoid wearing anything too constrictive or heavy. In fact, you may even consider going shirtless—your friend group can make an impromptu beach trip!
“But what if I’m trying to impress that special lady?” you wonder out loud while staring at yourself in front of a mirror. Don’t worry—you can still look dapper as ever while staying comfortable. Your best option is a robe or large towel draped around your shoulders (and ideally secured with a sarong or cincture belt). Not only is this approach stylish, but it also allows air circulation on places that might start sweating after a while (you know what we mean).
Just don’t be one of those people who wears clothing from one extreme end of the spectrum or another—avoid wearing something too tight because it’ll restrict blood flow and cause chafing; avoid wearing something too loose because it will catch sweat dripping from your head and shoulders.
It’s important that you also wear flip-flops inside the sauna—some facilities require them for sanitary reasons, but either way they’ll help you keep traction on wet wooden floors as well as protect your feet from hot surfaces like benches and walls. Plus they smell great when they’ve been soaked in steam!
There are many benefits to using a sauna, including helping you sleep better and reduce stress.
Though sauna use has been popular in Europe (particularly Finland) for thousands of years, it’s only recently gained popularity in North America. One reason for its slow adoption here is that many people are unaware of how many health benefits there are to using a sauna. Simply put, a sauna will improve your health and make you feel great—and it’s much better than the expensive, overhyped massages and yoga classes from which you’d otherwise be spending your hard-earned money. The key to enjoying the full benefits of a sauna is to know how to dress for one.
Using a sauna may also have health benefits such as reducing pain from arthritis and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Using a sauna may also have health benefits such as reducing pain from arthritis and lowering the risk of heart disease. After testing this article’s author in a Finnish sauna, it is evident that using one will make you look and feel like a Viking warrior. However, if you are going to use one, there are some important things to keep in mind.
The temperature inside most Finnish saunas is around 180°F (82°C), which can be dehydrating for anyone who does not often visit the sauna. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water both before and after sauna use. Finns commonly drink beer with their sauna time, but if you’re visiting Finland from abroad or have decided to save your drinking for later, water will do just fine.
When you first enter the sauna, it is important to stay hydrated by taking frequent breaks during your experience. After settling into your routine temperature and rhythm, give yourself two minutes at maximum heat followed by a two-minute break before repeating again until you’ve reached twenty minutes of total time spent in the steam room. Your heart rate will increase as your body becomes more heated during this process; it is recommended that those with underlying heart conditions consult their doctor before performing this ritual to avoid any complications while they become accustomed to the Finnish tradition.
People visit the sauna for many reasons, so there’s really no right or wrong way to dress for it.
Though a sauna, in essence, is simply a room made hot enough to cause sweating, visiting one for the first time can be a mysterious experience. If you’re new to taking a dip in the steam room or relaxing with friends, it can be hard to know what’s appropriate and what isn’t when choosing your outfit.
- Are you supposed to wear any clothes at all? Or is it like being at the gym?
- What happens if I sit down and my shirt sticks to me?
- How do I deal with body hair when everyone else around me will probably be wearing nothing but a towel?
Dressing appropriately for the type of sauna you’re using can help you get the most out of your experience.
What to Wear in a Sauna
Dressing appropriately for the type of sauna you’re using can help you get the most out of your experience. Not only that, but it’s also respectful of other users. No one wants to be confronted with the sight of someone else in the buff at their favorite spa or gym, and conversely, not everyone wants to see you fully dressed either! Here are some general guidelines:
Ankle-Length Layers
While most saunas have a small room for changing clothes, heat and humidity can still be a shock when you first step into a Finnish sauna or steam room. It’s best to wear layers that you can remove as you warm up. You want something that won’t cling to your body, so avoid denim and thickly woven garments like sweaters. Before even entering the sauna, think about what kind of underwear may ride up on you while sweating! This is especially important if you plan on taking off more than just your shirt—it’d be pretty uncomfortable if your underpants were riding up as well!
If You’re Wearing a Swimsuit…
Swimsuits are often fine in private spas or at home where other people aren’t around; however, it can take some time for people who don’t swim together often to adjust to seeing each other naked in public places like gyms or commercial spas—especially since there’s usually no privacy from fellow users! Even if everyone is at least wearing ankle-length garments underneath their suits (though this is not entirely common!), there will still be times when others are partially undressed before diving into another pool or walking back into their locker rooms. The best way to handle it? Respectful distance! If someone looks like they’d rather not pose for an Instagram photo with someone else’s flabby tummy right beside them in the shot, then keep some distance between yourself and others while changing or preparing for a new activity (or even just standing
Consider comfortable clothes that are easy to change into and out of when deciding what to wear in a sauna.
A sauna is a small room where you sit in hot steam and feel your pores open, but it’s also an experience that extends beyond the physical realm. A trip to the sauna is about socializing and feeling comfortable. That’s why clothing is a big deal: as with any activity that involves seeing other people in various states of undress, what you wear can make or break your visit.
If you’re planning on visiting a sauna anytime soon (and let’s be real here, who isn’t?), consider wearing these five things:
- A bathing suit
- A pair of shorts
- No towel
- A t-shirt
- No clothes at all
Conclusion
In the end, you’ll want to pack a selection of clothing that’s both appropriate for the type of sauna you’re visiting, and comfortable enough to wear while lounging around afterward. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but if you’re going out of your way to visit one of these facilities, it can help to dress in something that makes you feel great. Here are a few tips:
- Wear loose clothing that won’t restrict your movement or feel uncomfortably hot.
- Avoid wearing clothes with zippers or tight collars.
- Wear clothes that are easy to change into and out of if there isn’t an indoor changing area at your destination. (If you’re using a steam room at a gym for example.)
