What to Wear to a Sauna in the UK

For most UK saunas: wear a clean swimsuit and bring two towels — one to sit on inside the sauna, one for drying off afterwards. That combination is appropriate at almost every venue in the country.

Beyond that, the details depend on the type of session and the venue's own rules.

Most UK sauna venues run shared sessions where you bathe alongside other people. The standard expectation is:

• Swimwear — a swimsuit, bikini, or swim shorts. Clean and free of lotions, suncream, or heavy detergent residue.
• A towel to sit on — you should always sit or lie on a towel, never directly on the bench. This is both a hygiene convention and a comfort one — the timber gets hot.

Some dedicated sauna venues — particularly those influenced by Finnish or German bathing culture — run towel-only or nude sessions. These are always clearly advertised and usually scheduled separately from swimwear sessions. If a venue runs nude sessions, it will say so on its website or at booking. If it does not mention it, assume swimwear is expected.

When in doubt, bring swimwear. You can always take it off if the venue permits; you cannot conjure it if they require it.

If you are booking a private session — whether a fixed sauna cabin for your group or a mobile sauna at a private location — you can generally wear whatever you are comfortable in. Most people choose swimwear or go towel-only, depending on the group.

The operator will usually tell you at booking if there are any specific requirements. For mobile saunas on public land (beaches, parks, event sites), swimwear is typically required.

A few things to avoid:

• Jewellery and watches — metal heats up quickly at sauna temperatures and can burn skin. Remove rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches before entering.
• Glasses and contact lenses — metal-framed glasses can get uncomfortably hot. Plastic frames are usually fine. Contact lenses are generally safe but may feel dry in the heat.
• Gym clothes or cotton T-shirts — cotton absorbs sweat, gets heavy, and holds heat against your skin. It is uncomfortable and defeats the purpose. Wear swimwear or nothing.
• Anything with zips, buttons, or plastic — metal fixtures get hot; some synthetic materials can soften or release fumes at high temperatures.
• Lotions, creams, or heavy deodorant — these can produce unpleasant smells when heated and may irritate other bathers. Shower before entering.

Flip-flops or sandals are useful for walking between the sauna, changing area, and any cold water access (plunge pools, the sea, a river). Leave them outside the sauna door — do not wear them inside.

Some venues provide robes for use between rounds. If not, a large towel or lightweight dressing gown works.

A sauna hat — a thick felt or wool hat — is traditional in Finnish and Estonian sauna culture. It insulates the head, allowing you to stay in the heat longer without your scalp overheating. Most UK bathers do not use one, but they are perfectly acceptable if you want to try it. They look unusual but they work.

• Clean swimwear
• Two towels (one to sit on, one for drying)
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Water bottle
• Change of clothes for afterwards
• A bag for wet items

That covers every scenario. If the venue provides towels, robes, or lockers, they will say so at booking — but bringing your own means you are never caught short.