What to wear when getting your massage

There is no single right way to dress or undress for massage. Fully clothed, partially undressed or naked can all be correct.

Personal comfort and clear communication between both client and therapist is what sets the rules.

TheMassageRooms Clinical Team

What to Wear During a Massage: Main Options

Choose the clothing approach that suits your comfort and the treatment style. These tips apply in spas, salons, gyms, hotels and at-home mobile sessions across London.

Staying Fully Clothed

Short answer: Perfect for dry styles like Thai or Shiatsu that use pressure and stretches instead of oil.

Wear breathable, flexible fibres like cotton or linen. Avoid synthetics that trap heat.

These treatments focus on acupressure, joint mobilisation and assisted stretching, so fabric does not get in the way and oil is not required.

Partially Undressed

Short answer: Keep on what keeps you comfortable. For sports or physio work, only the area being treated needs to be uncovered. For full-body oil treatments, underwear is absolutely fine.

If oil is used and some clothing stays on, choose items you do not mind getting oily. Skip delicate fabrics like silk.

For foot work, removing socks helps. If you prefer to keep socks on, just say so and your therapist will adapt the flow. For deep tissue, sports and rehab, access to the calf, hamstring, shoulder or back is usually enough.

Want to set boundaries in advance? Use our online FocusMate to exclude body parts before booking.

Fully Undressed: Being Naked for Massage

Short answer: Also normal and often the most immersive for oil-based styles like Swedish or Hawaiian Lomi Lomi. Professional draping protects modesty at all times.

Tell your therapist any modesty preferences at the start. Clear guidance helps them deliver your ideal balance of coverage and access.

Draping allows broad, uninterrupted strokes without exposure. You stay covered apart from the specific area being worked on.

Extra Clothing and Preparation Tips for Massage

Towel Technique

Professional draping keeps you covered and comfortable while giving access to the area being treated.

Tip: At home, pop towels in a dryer before the session for extra cosiness.

Clothing Options

Pick what feels natural to you - your comfort leads.

Bras and G-strings

For partially undressed sessions, bras and g-strings are optional. Towels will cover you throughout. Removing a bra can make back work smoother, but the choice is yours.

Briefs, Hipsters or Boxers

For oil-based full body work, snug briefs or hipsters tend to be more practical than loose boxers. Many clients choose to be fully undressed for the easiest draping. Either way is fine.

Changing Space

In spas and hotels there is always a private changing area. For mobile massage at home, choose the room you prefer and your therapist will step out while you change.

Shower Timing

A warm rinse before the session can help you relax. After your massage, a quick shower can remove residual oil and protect clothing. If you love the post-massage glow, leave the oils on for a few hours.

Shaving

Shaving is optional. If your skin gets irritated easily, skip it. Therapists work confidently with all hair types.

Footwear

Slip-ons or flip-flops are easiest to take off and put on, especially if a little oil remains after treatment.

Jewellery and Accessories

Remove the following to avoid snags and oil contact:

• Necklaces
• Dangling earrings
• Watches and bracelets
• Rings that might catch

Planning your first treatment too? See our guide to massage prices in London and book the style that suits your goals.

Final Thoughts

There is no single right outfit for massage. Fully clothed, partially undressed or naked can all be correct. Your comfort, your boundaries and your goals define the best choice. Tell your therapist what you prefer and enjoy the care.