Key Takeaways:
- Wear minimal clothing, such as a bathing suit or towels
- Be mindful of others when deciding what to wear in the steam room
- Follow all community regulations for proper attire; some may require more coverage than others
- Shower thoroughly before entering a steam room to prevent any dirt from being circulated throughout the area
- Keep the conversation quiet and respectful when you are in the steam room.
Steam rooms are the perfect way to relax and take a load off, and if you're not lucky enough to have one in your garden, then you're going to need to use a public steam room. As with everything, there are rules for this and steam room etiquette that you need to abide by.
If you want to know what you should wear in a steam room, a towel or a bathing suit tends to be the most acceptable form of attire. You should also take a towel to sit on so that it absorbs some of the sweat from your body. Some steam rooms allow nudity, but not all of them.
In this guide, we take you through the appropriate attire for a steam room session and general rules and etiquette to remember when you use a steam room. With this guide, you'll be well on the way to success when you hop in and enjoy the heat with other people.
What is Steam Room Etiquette?
Steam room etiquette is the practice of MAINTAINING a polite and respectful environment in a steam room while still having an ENJOYABLE experience in the hot steam.
This includes wearing the APPROPRIATE attire, such as a towel or bathing suit, and respecting the wishes of others regarding nudity or personal space. It also means being MINDFUL of other people's COMFORT levels and not talking too loudly or using inappropriate language.
Pro Tip: Those with high blood pressure should avoid steam rooms as the increased blood circulation brought on by the steam can be damaging - the same goes for infrared saunas.
Every steam room will have its OWN individual rules and regulations in addition to those that are universally known, so it's important to familiarize yourself with them BEFORE entering.
What Should You Wear in a Steam Room?
When it comes to steam rooms, there is a CERTAIN etiquette that one must follow to respect the wishes of others and MAINTAIN a polite and respectful environment.
One of the most IMPORTANT parts of this etiquette is wearing the appropriate attire for a steam room session. Generally, wearing a towel or bathing suit is CONSIDERED the most acceptable form of attire in PUBLIC steam rooms.
Pro Tip: You should also bring along a towel to sit on so that it absorbs some of your sweat from your body while you are inside.
It's important to remember that NOT all steam rooms allow nudity; therefore, be sure to familiarize yourself with the individual rules and regulations BEFORE entering any particular facility.
Can You Use a Steam Room Naked?
The question of whether you can use a steam room NAKED is an important one, as it affects both the comfort level of those using the steam room and their ability to RESPECT each other’s wishes.
Pro Tip: There are many factors that go into determining if nudity is allowed in a particular public steam room, from individual regulations to cultural norms.
In some cases, nudity may be allowed in CERTAIN public steam rooms; however, this varies by location and should ALWAYS be checked beforehand. This is because there are often different cultural expectations regarding nudity in DIFFERENT parts of the world.
Additionally, some facilities have specific rules against nudity due to hygiene CONCERNS or simply out of RESPECT for others' wishes. Therefore, it’s best practice to check what is permitted at your local facility BEFORE entering the steam room naked.
Even nude steam rooms REQUIRE you to bring a towel to sit on, so remember to pack one. Most of the time, steam rooms that allow nudity will be gendered for the SAFETY and comfort of guests, and it is IMPORTANT to respect these rules.
What are the Rules for Using a Steam Room?
The universal etiquette requirements for steam room use are fairly SIMPLE, and many of them are down to common courtesy and DECENCY [1]. Here's a quick list for you to familiarise yourself with:
- Wear appropriate attire – Towels and bathing suits are generally the most acceptable form of attire in public steam rooms; some may allow nudity, but this should always be checked beforehand.
- Bring a towel to sit on - Towels can absorb sweat from your body while you’re inside and also provides a layer between you and the surfaces inside the steam room. This is also essential for those with skin conditions.
- Respect other people’s comfort levels - Don't talk too loudly or use inappropriate language, as it can make others uncomfortable and ruin their experience in the steam room. Also, make sure you don't leave the door open when you enter or exit.
- Check local regulations – Familiarise yourself with any individual rules or regulations before entering any particular facility, especially when it comes to nudity policies.
- Respect gendered rules - If nudity is allowed in certain public steam rooms, then these will usually be divided into “male only” or “female only” areas for safety reasons, so respect these boundaries accordingly.
- Be mindful of hygiene - Shower before entering a steam room, and don't wear deodorant or oils on the skin's surface, which could cause irritation for other users.
- Don’t hog all the space – Give others enough space to move around freely, and don’t stay in the steam room for too long.
- Use caution when exiting - Due to the high temperatures inside a steam room, it’s important to be careful when exiting and avoid slipping or tripping, as this can cause injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wear a Hoodie in a Steam Room?
It is not recommended to wear a hoodie or any other type of clothing in a steam room. This is due to the high temperatures inside, which could cause overheating and discomfort. The most appropriate form of attire for a public steam room is either a towel or a bathing suit.
Is a Swimsuit Hygienic in a Steam Room?
A swimsuit is hygienic in a steam room as long as it is made from breathable and sweat-wicking fabric. However, bear in mind that the hot temperatures inside will cause bacteria to grow more quickly, so if you have been swimming, it’s best to rinse off before entering the steam room.
Should You Cover Your Hair in a Steam Room?
It is recommended to cover your hair when entering a steam room, as the hot and moist environment could cause damage. Wearing a bathing cap or even a towel over your hair will help protect it from heat and humidity.
To Conclude
Using a steam room can be an ENJOYABLE experience, but it is important to follow the rules and REGULATIONS of each facility.
Following proper etiquette, such as wearing appropriate ATTIRE, bringing a towel to sit on, respecting other people’s COMFORT levels, and being mindful of not hogging all the space or staying for too long, are just some of MANY things to keep in mind when using a steam room.
With these points taken into CONSIDERATION, you should have no problem enjoying your time at ANY public steam room.
Sources:
- Ankutse E. Steam Room Etiquette - 10 Rules for a Better Experience. Ape to Gentleman. Published March 7, 2018. Accessed March 21, 2023. https://www.apetogentleman.com/steam-room-etiquette/
Content editor, marketer and product tester. A regular contributor for the ‘Home And Garden’ and Modern Homes Magazines, now part of a close-knit team, I oversee all the content on Posh. All roads have led to this job which I love. I get to focus on my love of interior design and health and work with a fabulous team. The role brings me a good level of freedom to my family and me and keeps me productive
