Wear loose, breathable clothing for an in-home massage, and undress only as far as you’re comfortable. We recommend simple in-home massage attire that’s easy to remove and comfortable to put back on afterward.
You don’t need special clothing, freshly shaved skin, or a spa wardrobe to enjoy your session. Your comfort and privacy come first, starting with what you wear when your therapist arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Wear loose, breathable clothing that feels comfortable and is easy to remove and put back on. A T-shirt with drawstring shorts or stretchy pants works well.
- You can keep your underwear on or stay fully clothed. Your therapist should keep your privacy and coverage preferences in mind.
- Choose clothing based on the massage type. Thai massage uses loose clothing throughout, while oil-based massage generally needs access to the skin being treated.
- You don’t need to shave, remove body hair, or wear special clothing. Remove jewelry and tell your therapist if recent hair removal has left your skin sensitive.
Choose Comfortable In-Home Massage Attire
Choose Soft, Breathable Fabrics
A loose T-shirt with drawstring shorts or stretchy pants is a practical choice. Clothing should let you bend comfortably without tight waistbands, bulky seams, or restrictive sleeves.
Cotton, soft linen, and breathable bamboo fabric work well. Lightweight synthetic workout clothing is also suitable if it feels comfortable; polyester isn’t automatically a problem. Avoid scratchy wool, stiff denim, and delicate silk, rayon, or chiffon garments that you wouldn’t want exposed to massage oil.
Can You Keep Your Underwear On?
Yes. You can keep underwear on throughout a full-body massage. Seamless briefs are comfortable, while skin-tone colors are optional and don’t affect treatment.
Skip underwire bras if they press into your chest while you’re face down. A soft bra can stay on, with treatment adjusted around it.
Disposable underwear isn’t required. When used, it comes in single-use briefs or thongs and should fit without pinching or slipping.
Prepare Your Home for Privacy and Comfort
What Should Be Ready Before Arrival?
For our in-home massage sessions, we bring the table, linens, oils, and music. You provide a quiet space with enough room for the therapist to move around the table.
Keep your robe, slippers, or comfortable clothes nearby. Many spas provide robes and slippers and have their own dress codes, but your everyday clothes are sufficient here.
Ask household members to give you quiet time, keep pets elsewhere, and choose a comfortable room temperature. There’s no need to make your home look like a spa.
Where Should You Change at Home?
Greet your therapist dressed, ask what clothing works for the treatment and what you may keep on, then change privately before getting under the sheet. A bedroom or bathroom provides a convenient changing space.
The University of Minnesota’s guidance on massage draping explains that only the area being treated is uncovered. Breasts, genitals, and any areas you identify remain covered.
Keeping underwear on doesn’t mean your therapist should move it without permission. Explain which areas you want left covered.
You may also stay fully clothed. We respect that preference and can discuss suitable techniques without pressure to undress.
Match Your Clothing to the Massage Type
Massage attire depends partly on whether treatment uses oil, stretching, or direct skin contact. Healthline’s guide to massage types describes these differences, including fully clothed Thai massage.
These options provide a comfortable starting point.
| Massage type | Practical clothing choice |
|---|---|
| Swedish | Underwear beneath draping, or clothing you prefer to keep on. Oil-based strokes generally need skin access. |
| Deep tissue | Loose clothing before and afterward. Firm pressure may involve knuckles or elbows; treatment can be adapted around clothing. |
| Sports | Lightweight shorts or stretchy pants that allow movement and access to the muscles being treated. |
| Thai | Loose, flexible clothing worn throughout the session, without stiff seams or restrictive waistbands. |
| Hot stone | Undress to your comfort beneath draping so the therapist can access treatment areas. |
The right choice follows the treatment and your boundaries, rather than a separate dress rule for men or women.
Hot stone massage may involve the back, neck, shoulders, and feet. Keep a lightweight robe available afterward, and speak up if uncovered areas feel cold.
Gym shorts, yoga pants, or underwear can work for anyone. Choose coverage and flexibility based on your comfort.
Keep Grooming Simple Before Your Massage
Should You Remove Jewelry?
Remove necklaces, bracelets, watches, dangling earrings, and rings before lying down. They can interrupt massage strokes, press against your skin, or become oily, damaged, or misplaced.
Place everything in one dish away from the table. If a ring must stay on, tell your therapist. Tape may cover protruding edges, but it doesn’t replace avoiding pressure around the ring.
Is Manscaping Necessary Before a Massage?
Manscaping is a personal preference, not preparation you owe your therapist. Natural body hair doesn’t prevent professional massage, and you don’t need to shave your legs, back, chest, or intimate areas.
For men’s grooming, a shower and clean clothing are enough. Avoid rushing through shaving or arranging waxing immediately before massage if your skin becomes tender afterward.
We recommend keeping hair removal and massage separate while skin feels sensitive. Tell your therapist about freshly treated areas so direct friction can be avoided.
Stay Comfortable Before and After Treatment
Drink water normally before and after your appointment. Avoid caffeine beforehand if it makes you restless, and don’t arrive overly full or uncomfortable.
Before treatment starts, explain your preferred pressure, areas needing attention, injuries, and areas you don’t want touched. During treatment, mention pressure that’s uncomfortable or whether you’re too hot or cold.
Afterward, put on your loose clothes and take time to rest. A spare outfit is optional at a spa; at home, comfortable clothing is already within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for an in-home massage?
Choose loose, breathable clothes such as a soft T-shirt with drawstring shorts or stretchy pants. Avoid restrictive clothing and delicate fabrics that could be exposed to massage oil.
Can I keep my underwear on during a massage?
Yes, you can keep your underwear on throughout a full-body massage, and you can also stay fully clothed. Tell your therapist which areas you want covered, and they shouldn’t move your underwear without permission.
Do I need to shave or remove body hair before a massage?
No. Body hair doesn’t prevent a professional massage, and shaving or waxing isn’t required. Tell your therapist if recent hair removal has made your skin sensitive so they can avoid direct friction there.
What should I prepare before the therapist arrives?
Provide a quiet space with enough room for the therapist to move around the table, and keep comfortable clothes or a robe nearby. Ask household members to give you quiet time, keep pets elsewhere, and choose a comfortable room temperature.
Feel Comfortable Throughout Your Home Massage
Comfortable clothing, private changing, and clear boundaries help you settle into your session. We want you to feel respected and at ease, whether you choose underwear, loose shorts, or full coverage.
Call Theresa’s Face and Body for an appointment and enjoy professional massage in the comfort of your own surroundings.