What to Wear to a Massage: A Complete First-Time Guide

If you're getting ready for a massage—especially your first one—you may be wondering what to wear, what you'll be expected to remove, and what happens once you're on the massage table.

The simple answer is: wear whatever is comfortable to arrive in, and undress only to your personal comfort level for the massage.

You should never feel pressured to remove more clothing than you're comfortable with. Professional draping keeps your body covered throughout the session except for the specific area being worked on.

Here's what to know before your appointment so you can arrive feeling comfortable and prepared.

What Should You Wear to a Massage Appointment?

For most massage appointments, there is no special dress code.

Comfortable, easy-to-change clothing is usually the best choice. Think casual clothes that you can take off and put back on easily before and after your session.

Good options include:

• Loose-fitting pants or shorts

• A comfortable shirt or top

• Casual dresses or other easy-to-change clothing

• Comfortable shoes

  
  

You don't need to buy or bring anything special for a standard massage session.

If you're coming directly from work, that's okay too. Your therapist isn't judging your outfit—the important thing is that you feel comfortable.

Do You Have to Undress for a Massage?

No. You undress only to your comfort level.

For massage styles in which oil or lotion is applied directly to the skin, many clients choose to remove most of their clothing while keeping their underwear on. Others may choose to remove their underwear as well.

Either choice is completely acceptable.

Your massage therapist should explain what clothing may be helpful to remove based on the type of massage you're receiving, then give you privacy to undress and get underneath the sheet before returning to the room.

You remain appropriately draped throughout the massage.

Can You Keep Your Underwear On During a Massage?

Absolutely.

Keeping your underwear on is completely normal and should not prevent you from having a quality massage.

If you're more comfortable leaving additional clothing on, communicate that with your therapist. Techniques can often be modified accordingly.

Your comfort and boundaries always come first.

Can You Keep Your Bra On During a Massage?

Yes.

Whether you remove your bra is entirely your choice.

If you're receiving back and shoulder massage, removing it may make it easier for the therapist to work directly on those areas. However, you are never required to do so.

If you prefer to leave it on, simply tell your therapist. The massage can be adapted around it.

How Does Draping Work During a Massage?

Professional draping means that a sheet or other appropriate covering remains over your body throughout the massage.

Only the area currently being worked on is uncovered, and it is covered again before the therapist moves to another area.

For example, while your therapist works on one leg, the rest of your body remains covered. The leg is then redraped before another area is addressed.

Draping is an important part of professional massage therapy because it supports privacy, comfort, warmth, and clear therapeutic boundaries.

If you ever feel uncomfortable with the draping during a massage, you should feel completely comfortable asking for an adjustment.

What Should You Wear for a Swedish Massage?

For a traditional Swedish Massage, oil or lotion is generally applied directly to the skin using flowing massage techniques.

Many clients therefore undress to their underwear or to their individual comfort level before getting underneath the sheet.

You do not need to expose your entire body at any point. Professional draping allows the therapist to work on one area at a time while keeping the rest of you covered.

What Should You Wear for a Deep Tissue Massage?

The same general approach applies to Deep Tissue Massage.

Because the therapist may need direct access to areas of muscular tension, removing clothing from the areas being worked can allow greater flexibility in the techniques used.

However, deep tissue massage does not mean that you must completely undress.

Your therapist can adapt the session according to your comfort level, preferences, and areas of focus.

What Should You Wear for a Sports Massage?

What you wear during a Sports Massage may depend on your goals for the session.

If the massage involves traditional table massage with lotion or oil, you may choose to undress to your comfort level and receive the massage under professional draping.

If movement, stretching, or assessment is incorporated into a particular session, athletic clothing may sometimes be appropriate.

Your massage therapist can explain what makes the most sense based on the work being performed.

What Should You Wear for Lymphatic Massage?

Specialized Lymphatic Massage generally uses very light, precise techniques applied directly to the skin.

What clothing is appropriate can depend on which areas need to be addressed and the goals of the session.

As with any massage at Dragonfly Aura, your privacy and comfort remain important. Your therapist can explain what access is helpful while allowing you to undress only to the level that feels comfortable for you.

What About Lomi Lomi Massage?

Lomi Lomi Massage is known for long, flowing movements that may travel across broader areas of the body.

Because of the nature of these techniques, your therapist may discuss clothing and draping with you before the session so you understand how the massage will be performed.

As always, your comfort and consent determine how the session proceeds.

What NOT to Wear to a Massage

While there's no strict dress code, a few things are worth considering before your appointment.

Very Complicated Clothing

Clothing with lots of buttons, tight closures, complicated shapewear, or difficult-to-remove pieces can simply make changing before and after your appointment less convenient.

There's nothing inherently wrong with wearing them, but simple, comfortable clothing tends to make the experience easier.

Excessive Jewelry

Consider removing necklaces, bracelets, watches, and large earrings before getting onto the massage table.

Jewelry can interfere with massage around the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or face and may be uncomfortable while you're lying down.

Leaving valuable jewelry at home also eliminates the possibility of accidentally leaving it behind after your appointment.

Strong Fragrances

Consider avoiding heavy perfume, cologne, or strongly scented body products immediately before your appointment.

Massage rooms are intentionally calm environments, and strong fragrances can linger in the room or be uncomfortable for people who are sensitive to scents.

Heavy Makeup

You don't have to arrive without makeup, but keep in mind that your face may rest in a cushioned face cradle while you're lying face down.

Heavy makeup can transfer onto the face-cradle covering and may become smudged during the session.

If that's something that would bother you afterward, lighter makeup or no makeup may be more convenient.

Should You Shower Before a Massage?

If possible, arriving reasonably clean and comfortable is considerate, but you don't need to take a shower immediately before every massage appointment.

If you're coming directly from work or another normal daily activity, don't stress about it.

However, if you've just completed an intense workout or activity that left you very sweaty, showering before your massage when practical can make the experience more comfortable for both you and your therapist.

Avoid applying large amounts of body lotion or oil immediately before your appointment because your therapist may be using professional massage products during the session.

What Else Should You Do Before a Massage?

Clothing is only one part of preparing for your appointment.

A few simple things can help you have a more comfortable experience.

Avoid a Heavy Meal Immediately Beforehand

You don't need to fast before a massage.

However, lying face down shortly after a large meal may feel uncomfortable. If you're eating shortly before your appointment, a lighter meal or snack may be preferable.

Arrive With Enough Time to Settle In

Rushing into your massage after fighting traffic or arriving late can make it harder to transition into the session.

Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom if needed, and communicate with your therapist before the massage begins.

Communicate What You Need

Tell your therapist about:

• Areas you'd like addressed

• Areas you'd prefer to avoid

• Your pressure preferences

• Recent injuries or relevant procedures

• Changes in your health

• Anything that makes you uncomfortable

  
  

Massage should be collaborative. Your therapist can't know exactly what you're experiencing unless you communicate.

First Massage? Here's What Happens Before the Session

If you've never had a professional massage before, knowing what to expect can remove much of the uncertainty.

Before the session, your therapist will typically talk with you about what brings you in, what you'd like addressed, and any relevant information that may affect the massage.

Your therapist will then leave the room so you can undress to your comfort level and get underneath the sheet on the massage table.

You are given privacy while changing.

The therapist knocks or otherwise checks with you before returning.

During the massage, you remain professionally draped, with only the area currently being worked on uncovered as appropriate.

And remember: you remain in control of the session.

You can request more or less pressure, ask for an area to be avoided, request a draping adjustment, or end the massage at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear to a Massage

Do I have to be completely naked for a massage?

No. You undress only to your comfort level. Many clients keep their underwear on, and your therapist can adapt the massage accordingly.

Can I get a massage fully clothed?

Yes, depending on the massage techniques being used. Some massage techniques can be performed through clothing, while oil- or lotion-based techniques generally work best with direct access to the skin. Tell your therapist if you prefer to remain clothed so the session can be adjusted.

Is it okay to leave my underwear on?

Absolutely. Many clients do.

Can I leave my bra on?

Yes. Removing your bra is optional. If you leave it on, your therapist can work around it.

What if I change my mind after the massage starts?

That's okay. Consent and comfort continue throughout the entire session. You can change your mind about an area being worked, positioning, pressure, draping, or any other aspect of the massage.

What if I'm self-conscious about my body?

You don't need a particular body type, fitness level, age, or appearance to receive massage.

Professional massage therapists work with many different bodies. The focus of the session should be your comfort and the therapeutic work—not how your body looks.

Should I wear old clothes because massage oil might get on them?

You shouldn't normally leave a professional massage covered in oil. However, if you're concerned about massage lotion or oil transferring to clothing afterward, wearing something casual that you don't mind changing back into can provide peace of mind.

The Most Important Rule: Wear What Makes You Comfortable

There really isn't a perfect massage outfit.

Come to your appointment in clothing that makes you comfortable, and once you're in the treatment room, undress only to your personal comfort level.

A professional massage experience should never depend on how much clothing you're willing to remove.

Clear communication, appropriate draping, professional boundaries, and respect for your preferences are far more important.

Preparing for Your Massage at Dragonfly Aura

At Dragonfly Aura, every massage session begins with communication about your needs, preferences, and goals.

Whether you're coming in for relaxation, focused muscular work, support for an active lifestyle, or specialized lymphatic massage, we'll help you understand what to expect so you can settle into your session comfortably.

Dragonfly Aura provides personalized massage therapy in Glendale, Colorado, serving Denver and surrounding communities.

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