Going in for your first massage? Get ready for some rest and relaxation! But heading into a massage can leave you with a lot of questions, such as what do I wear to the appointment? How much clothing do I take off during the massage? In this article, we’ll give you all the dos and don’ts when getting a massage, including what to wear and how far to undress. For all the massage etiquette you’ll need, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage that you can easily take off and put back on.
  • Dress down to your comfort level during your appointment. You can leave your undergarments on during your massage, or you can go bare.
  • Take a shower beforehand, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Eat a snack, but try to avoid heavy meals.
  • Talk to your massage therapist about your goals for the session, and don’t be afraid to speak up during your appointment.
1

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage.

  1. Pick an outfit that you can quickly take off and put back on. Sweatpants, athletic shorts, and baggy T-shirts are all a great choice to wear to a massage. For a high-end salon, try something like a jumpsuit or a romper. Avoid wearing anything tight or form-fitting, since you’ll likely be covered in lotion or oil after your appointment.[1]
    • Wear comfortable undergarments that you wouldn’t mind getting oily. Even if you take off your underwear during your appointment, they might still get some massage oil on them when you get dressed afterwards.
    • Wear sandals or sneakers that you can easily kick off before your appointment.
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3

Come fresh-faced.

4

Dress down to your comfort level.

  1. Wear as much or as little clothing as you’d like during the massage. When it’s time for your appointment, feel free to take off some, all, or none of your clothing. Most people dress down to their underwear for the first time, while others are completely fine being naked under the massage blanket.[4] A massage is all about your comfort, so do what feels right for you and your body.
    • Rest assured that your massage therapist will keep your body covered up the entire time. If they’re not working on a particular area, it will stay covered up underneath a blanket or sheet.
    • If you don’t want to take any of your clothes off, let your massage therapist know. They can modify the massage to meet your comfort level.
5

Take a shower beforehand.

  1. Do a quick wash at home so your body is clean before your appointment. It’s polite to do a hygiene check before coming in for a massage. Clean your body with body wash, and put on some deodorant before coming in.[5]
    • Don’t use any heavy fragrances, like perfume or cologne, out of respect for your massage therapist. Strong scents could be overpowering during your appointment.
    • Don’t worry about shaving any body hair if you don’t want to. Massage therapists have seen all sorts of body types, and they definitely won’t judge however much or however little body hair you have.
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About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 17,146 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: January 27, 2023
Views: 17,146
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