What to wear in sauna?

One of the most common questions people ask when visiting a Finnish sauna for the first time is simple. What should you wear? The answer depends on where you are, who you are with and the customs of each country. But in Finland, there are a few shared habits that help explain how people usually approach sauna etiquette.

Finnish habits and comfort

In private homes, cottages and many traditional saunas in Finland, people usually go in without clothing. This is not seen as unusual or uncomfortable. It is simply a part of everyday life and has been for generations. Families often sauna together, and many grow up with the idea that the sauna is a clean, natural space where you do not bring unnecessary items.

When visiting someone else’s home sauna, guests often wrap themselves in a towel if it feels more comfortable. Finnish hosts may do the same out of courtesy, especially if they know their visitor is not used to sauna traditions. How people dress can depend a lot on the family, the situation and how well everyone knows each other. The main idea in Finland is that you should feel at ease. There is no pressure to follow one strict rule, as long as the atmosphere stays respectful and relaxed.

Public saunas and gender separation

In Finland, most public saunas have separate areas for men and women. In these spaces, people commonly sauna without swimsuits because the rooms are cleaned frequently and the heat is considered part of the hygiene. Wearing a swimsuit in a very hot sauna is often avoided because synthetic materials can trap heat and may feel uncomfortable.

However, mixed saunas also exist, especially in spas and modern wellness centers. In these settings it is perfectly normal to wear a towel or a swimsuit, depending on the facility’s rules. Every public sauna or spa in Finland clearly states their etiquette at the entrance, so visitors do not need to guess.

How other countries approach sauna clothing

While Finland has its own long standing customs, other cultures may approach the sauna differently.

In many Central European countries, mixed public saunas are common. Some places follow a textile free tradition similar to Finland, while others require the use of a towel wrapped around the body. German speaking countries, for example, often prefer the towel rule for both hygiene and comfort.

In other regions, such as North America and parts of Asia, swimsuits are typically required in public saunas. This is especially true in spas that combine saunas with swimming pools or water areas. Some countries also use robes or light cover ups when moving between sauna rooms and relaxation spaces.

Because of these cultural differences, it is always good to check the local rules. They are based on tradition, comfort and hygiene, and they help everyone feel at ease.

A simple guideline

If you are in Finland, the easiest rule is this.
In home saunas: wear nothing or wrap a towel if you prefer.
In public saunas: follow the signs at the entrance of the sauna.
Outside Finland: check what the spa or sauna recommends.

And wherever you go, it is perfectly fine to ask. Staff at spas and public saunas are used to questions about clothing, and Finnish families understand that guests from abroad may feel more comfortable staying wrapped in a towel or wearing a swimsuit. No one will think poorly of it. The most important thing is that everyone feels relaxed and respected.

Before stepping into any sauna, remember the one rule that is shared everywhere. Take a quick shower first. Starting clean keeps the sauna fresh for everyone and is simply part of good etiquette.