The clothes you came in, to the appointmentCome as you are, a Texas university’s massage service tells its clients.
As much or as little as you like, on the tableTake off only what you are comfortable removing, the US massage therapists’ association says.
Underwear, if you would rather keep it onOn or off is fine either way, a Nevada career college’s student clinic says.
The sheet or towel on the tableIt covers all but the part being massaged, the US massage therapists’ association says.
Your ordinary clothes, for a chair massageYou stay dressed and the therapist uses no oil, the US massage therapists’ association says.
Loose pants and a loose top, for shiatsu or Thai massageShiatsu is given clothed, a California massage school says; Thai massage too, by a US glossary.
Shorts, if your legs are being treated at a sports clinicA London university’s sports injuries clinic asks for them for work on the lower limbs.
All 40 things to wear
The short answer 7
As much or as little as you like, on the tableTake off only what you are comfortable removing, the US massage therapists’ association says.
The clothes you came in, to the appointmentCome as you are, a Texas university’s massage service tells its clients.
Loose pants and a loose top, for shiatsu or Thai massageShiatsu is given clothed, a California massage school says; Thai massage too, by a US glossary.
The sheet or towel on the tableIt covers all but the part being massaged, the US massage therapists’ association says.
Shorts, if your legs are being treated at a sports clinicA London university’s sports injuries clinic asks for them for work on the lower limbs.
Underwear, if you would rather keep it onOn or off is fine either way, a Nevada career college’s student clinic says.
Your ordinary clothes, for a chair massageYou stay dressed and the therapist uses no oil, the US massage therapists’ association says.
To arrive in 5
Comfortable everyday clothesDress comfortably, a Chicago university’s recreation center tells anyone booking a massage.
Loose clothing that is quick to take offA Perth college’s student clinic calls it ideal, and good for any stretches you are asked to do.
Loose-fitting clothes that move with youRecommended for ease of movement by a North Texas university, on its table or its floor mat.
Spare set of comfortable clothes for afterwardA Minnesota university’s guide suggests one if oil worries you, though most oils do no harm.
Work clothes, if you come straight from workQuite all right, a Perth college’s student clinic says.
On the table, for an oil massage 8
Blanket over the sheetA North Texas university drapes with both; a US bodywork association says to ask for another.
Clothes left on over a part you want coveredOntario’s regulator lets a patient choose touch through a sheet or clothing, not on skin.
Everything but your shoesSome clients stay fully dressed apart from shoes, the US massage association’s magazine notes.
Hospital-style gownSome clients wear one, the US massage association’s magazine notes.
The top sheet, pulled over you before the therapist returnsYou lie under it, a Chicago university says; a Minnesota guide adds that the therapist knocks.
Underwear bottoms, where the clinic requires themA Michigan community college’s student clinic does. The rest is up to you.
Underwear onlySome clients leave it on, the US massage association’s magazine notes, and the choice is theirs.
Undressed under the sheet, if that suits youMost techniques are traditionally done unclothed, a US bodywork association says. Your call.
For a massage given through your clothes 8
Everything but shoes and socks, for reflexologyYou stay clothed apart from those, a Minnesota university’s guide says of work on the feet.
Full clothing with bare feet, for Thai massageIt is given on a firm floor mat with no draping, a US bodywork association’s glossary says.
Long sleeves, for shiatsuYou can feel cold as you relax, a Swiss university’s wellness service says.
Loose cotton clothing, for shiatsuA Swiss university’s wellness service says you stay fully clothed, lying on a futon.
Office clothes, for a seated massage at workChair massage is often offered in workplaces, the US massage therapists’ association says.
Socks, for shiatsuSuggested along with long sleeves by a Swiss university’s wellness service.
Whatever you have on, at an airport or street fair chairChair massage is given to fully clothed clients in such places, a US bodywork glossary says.
Your own clothes all through, if you would ratherA North Texas university says clients are welcome to stay fully clothed on the table.
For a sports massage 8
A towel over you, if you forgot your shortsA London university’s student therapists use towels to keep you covered. The session goes on.
The clothes you finished in, after an eventAfter an event the massage is again given on site through clothing, a US bodywork glossary says.
Comfortable sports clothing, for a rehabilitation sessionAdvised by a London university’s sports injuries clinic.
Hair tie, for long hairYou may need to tie it up, a London university’s sports injuries clinic says.
The shoes you play your sport in, brought alongA London university’s sports injuries clinic says they can be useful to have with you.
Shorts and a suitable top, for an assessmentA Coventry university’s sports therapy clinic asks clients to bring them.
Sneakers, for a rehabilitation sessionA London university’s clinic advises trainers, the British word for sneakers.
Your race or game clothes, before an eventPre-event massage is usually given fully clothed at the venue, a US bodywork glossary says.
Leave off 4
No jeans, for a clothed sessionThey may limit shiatsu and other clothed styles, a California massage school says.
No shoes on the tableEven clients who stay fully dressed take them off, the US massage association’s magazine notes.
No skirt, for a clothed sessionA California massage school names skirts with jeans as getting in the way of clothed styles.
No sports bra, at one sports clinicA Worcester university’s clinic would rather women wore a vest, as easier to remove if needed.
How it works
What should I wear for a massage? Anything comfortable to arrive in; on the table, as much or as little as you like under a sheet. These 40 things follow two massage associations, Ontario’s regulator and thirteen universities and schools.
Read the full guide
What happens when you undress
The therapist leaves the room, the US massage therapists’ association says; you take off only what you are comfortable removing and lie under the sheet or towel. A Minnesota university’s guide adds that the therapist knocks before coming back. Afterward you dress in private. A Chicago university and an Ottawa college ask first-time clients to arrive 15 minutes early for a health history form.
Does staying dressed change the massage?
Clinics differ. A Texas university’s service says table massage is more effective with clothing removed; an Ottawa college’s clinic says its students treat effectively whatever comes off. Ontario’s regulator has the therapist drape every patient unless one arrives in clothing that suits the treatment and prefers to stay in it.
Questions and answers
What should I wear to a massage appointment?
Whatever is comfortable. A Texas university’s advice is to arrive as you are, and a Perth college’s clinic calls loose clothing ideal because it is quick to take off, though work clothes are fine too.
Do I have to take all my clothes off for a massage?
No. The US massage therapists’ association says to take off no more than you are comfortable with. A bodywork association adds that most techniques are traditionally done unclothed, but what you keep on is your choice.
Should I keep my underwear on during a massage?
Either is fine, a Nevada career college’s student clinic says: its students drape so that private areas stay covered. One Michigan community college’s clinic differs and requires underwear bottoms.
What do you wear for a Thai massage or shiatsu?
Your clothes. A US bodywork glossary says Thai massage is given fully clothed on a floor mat, feet bare. For shiatsu a Swiss university suggests loose cotton, long sleeves and socks, and a California school warns that jeans and skirts get in the way.
What should I wear for a sports massage?
Shorts if your legs are being treated, university clinics in London and Worcester say. Before or after an event it is usually given through your sports clothes, a US bodywork glossary says.