Deciding what to wear for a massage appointment can be perplexing, especially for first-timers. The key is to prioritize comfort and ease of movement, both for you and the massage therapist. Understanding the appropriate attire can enhance your massage experience.
Comfort is Key: Dressing for Your Massage
When it comes to massage attire, personal preference is paramount. The goal is to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible before, during, and after your session. The best attire to wear to a massage is totally up to you. Dressing for comfort and ease of redressing is essential. Plan on wearing clothing that is easy to take off and put back on by yourself.
Pre-Massage Attire
Upon arriving and leaving your massage appointment, comfort should be your primary concern. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing that’s easy to take off and put on. This is particularly relevant if you’re coming straight from work or heading out afterward. You can even bring a change of clothes with you if work requires more formal wear. Athleisure (think: yoga pants and a sports bra), joggers, or a simple t-shirt and sweats are all great options.
What to Wear (or Not Wear) During the Massage
The general rule of thumb is “less is more.” Most full body massages are received with minimal clothing. However, it’s crucial to remember that your comfort and privacy are always a priority.
Undressing to Your Comfort Level
Clients are typically asked to undress to their level of comfort. Whether you opt for minimal clothing or prefer to stay more covered, the key is comfort and ease. It is possible to receive a massage fully clothed. Your massage therapist can perform your massage service regardless of attire. If you are uncomfortable with fully undressing but willing to shed some clothing, you can opt to leave your undergarments on. However, keep in mind that bras can make it difficult to work on the back and shoulder areas for many types of massage. As long as you are comfortable enough to enjoy your massage worry-free, removing all of your clothing can provide the best massage experience and allow your massage therapist to fully address and massage the muscles and tissues in your body.
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Considerations for Different Massage Types
When it comes to sports massage, many people get them immediately after working out, participating in a training session, or competing in a sporting event. In some cases, massage therapists don't mind if the client arrives at the table sweating; however, personal hygiene is something that every therapist values highly, which is why you must shower before the session. For in-office Chair Massage Events, there’s no prep required. Our massage therapists are trained to work over your clothing, using techniques that can help relieve tension through fabric. If you’d like, you can always remove your blazer, cardigan, or tie before you sit - otherwise, you’re good to go as you are. Plus, there’s no oil involved that could stain your clothes; just powerful, stress-relieving breaks that keep your team feeling their best. With Thai Massage, since there’s so much movement and stretching, I require you stay fully clothed, and wear loose comfortable clothing. Leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home!
Draping: Ensuring Your Privacy
During your massage, your massage therapist will ensure your body is covered with a sheet at all times and only areas that are currently being massaged will be exposed. Your therapist is trained to use the sheet to drape your body and only uncover the area that will be worked on. At PRESS, our therapists are trained in professional draping techniques, meaning you will always be covered appropriately. If you feel comfortable removing undergarments, this allows for better access to areas like the lower back and hips during a Full Body or Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage. However, if you prefer to keep them on, therapists will adjust accordingly to ensure you still receive a deeply effective session.
What to Avoid
Skip stiff fabrics and tight layers like jeans or structured shirts if possible. Loose, breathable clothing lets you relax fully and makes changing effortless. Lotions and body oils can damage dry-clean-only clothing, so it is best to avoid wearing clothing with “dry-clean-only” tags to your appointment. You can also bring an extra change of clothes that doesn’t require dry-cleaning to change into after your appointment.
Other Considerations
Jewelry
Before your massage, your massage therapist may ask you to remove jewelry like:
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Watches
- Earrings
It's best to remove jewelry before your massage session. This helps ensure that nothing gets in the way of targeted therapy and prevents your valuables from being misplaced. We recommend bringing a secure container or bag to store your jewelry in during your session.
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Hair
Depending on your massage therapist, they may ask you to put your hair in a bun or ponytail to keep it out of the way during your massage. Some massage therapists feel that braids, buns, and ponytails create more of an obstacle and prefer you to wear your hair down.
Hygiene
Taking a shower before your massage therapy appointment is a good idea. Not because your massage therapist is afraid of sweat; but for your own comfort. Feeling fresh and clean can make you feel more comfortable and confident with dressing down.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Embarrassment and Body Image
Massage therapists are professionals, and like most professionals that deal with the human body, they focus on your anatomy and releasing tensions in your muscles - not your fat rolls or cellulite or wrinkles. When it comes to massage therapy, there is no need to dress to impress - or undress to impress. Don’t feel like you need to wax, shave, or trim your body hair before your appointment. Massage therapists are not concerned with body hair and are highly skilled to work with any body hair without pain, pulling, or tugging.
Communication is Key
Communication is essential when it comes to your comfort and ensuring the massage meets your needs. If you have any preferences or concerns about undressing or the massage in general, please do discuss them with your therapist beforehand. Whether you prefer a deeper or lighter pressure, if the room temperature is too hot or too cold, if the position in which you are laying is unpleasant, if there is a particular technique that you do not like, or if you have to use the restroom in the middle of your massage - don't be afraid to speak up. The therapy is centered on you, the client, and you can ask as many questions as you want to.
Post-Massage Attire
After your massage, your muscles will feel looser and possibly a bit warm from increased circulation. To keep that feeling going, it helps to plan ahead. Pack a Tote Bag: If you're coming straight from work or the gym, bring soft, breathable clothing like joggers, a cozy sweater, and slip-on shoes for a seamless post-massage transition. Plan Ahead: Lay out comfortable clothes the night before so you can change quickly before heading to your appointment. Avoid Restrictive Fabrics: Cotton, linen, and bamboo blends allow airflow and prevent overheating post-massage.
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