What to Wear to a Spa Day – A Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know

What to Wear to a Spa Day – A Complete Guide

If you are planning your first visit to a spa in the UK, you might be wondering what to wear to a spa day. Don’t worry, this helpful guide will answer lots of questions that you might have about this topic. Read on to find out everything you need to know about spa outfit etiquette. 

How should I dress for a spa day?

Spa days are all about relaxing so comfort is key. All spas will have their own dress code but generally you simply wear a resort robe that you borrow from the spa with your swimming costume underneath for most of the day.

Below, you’ll find the answers to many frequently asked questions about spa day attire.

Spa Day Clothing FAQ

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What to wear when going to a spa day?

When planning what clothing to wear when travelling to the spa and arriving at the spa, simply wear something that’s comfortable and easy to get changed out of and into. To save time, you can wear your swimsuit under your clothes or be ready in workout gear if you’re planning to head straight to the gym or a fitness class.

Do I need to bring a robe with me?

No, you will not need to bring a robe with you to a spa. Most spas in the UK will provide resort robes for all guests.

What do you wear under your robe at a spa day?

What to wear underneath a robe at a spa depends on what you’re doing. For general spa lounging, most guests wear their swimwear underneath their spa robes. If you’re booked in for a spa treatment like a massage, you can wear your underwear or swimwear bottoms. 

Do you wear clothes under a spa robe?

You would generally wear your swimwear under your robe but if you’re feeling cold, there’s no reason why you can’t wear loungewear or gym wear under your robe. 

Do you wear anything under your robe in a spa?

Yes, when out in the communal areas of a spa, you should always wear something underneath your robe to ensure that there’s no accidental flashing.

Can you bring your own robe to a spa?

Most spas will allow you to take your own robe to a spa day if you prefer. 

Do spas have plus-size robes?

Most spas offer one-sized robes designed to suit guests of different sizes but if you ask at reception, they can usually provide a larger plus size spa robe.

What should I wear to for a spa day? – Spa outfits for ladies

Other than your swimsuit or bikini and the robe that you get to borrow from the spa, you could pack some other causal spa outfits for ladies for your spa day. Choose clothing that you know you’ll feel comfortable in as the reason you are a spa is to relax and unwind.

For example, loose and non-restrictive leisurewear make perfect spa day clothes. This kind of clothing is perfect to have available if you fancy wearing something dry after a swim. Yoga trousers, a soft t-shirt, and a hoodie or sweatshirt is perfect spa clothing for lounging around in. The best thing to wear for a spa day is simply something that you feel comfortable in.

Many spas have a dress code for selected areas or for the evening meal, so do check this in advance and pack something dressy (but comfortable) to wear to the restaurant in the evening.

What type of footwear should I wear at a spa?

You can wear whatever shoes you want for arriving at the spa, but for any footwear worn on the spa premises, ensure that they are clean. I.e., don’t wear muddy hiking boots as you arrive, making muddy footprints on the floor. For most of the day you will simply be wearing flip-flops. If you are planning to do any fitness activities or do some walking nearby, take some trainers and/or walking shoes with you. Also remember to pack some shoes that are suitable for the evening meal if that’s part of your spa day package, as many spas have a smart dress code for the evening meal. 

Do spas provide flip-flops?

Yes, most spas provide flip-flops for their guests to use and keep. Do check before your visit though as some spas require you to bring your own flip-flops for your spa visit.

What to wear to a spa day in winter?

What to wear to a spa day UK  in the winter (or autumn and spring) will vary from what you can wear in the summer due to the weather. When the weather is warmer, like in the summer and late spring, you’ll be able to enjoy using the spa’s outdoor facilities. This usually includes an outdoor pool and sun loungers at the very least. When the weather is warm, you’ll most likely be fine just wearing your swimwear with or without your spa robe outdoors too. However, if you want to sit outside at a spa in the winter, you’ll need to have some warmer clothes with you too. Your loungewear teamed with a warm coat, hats and gloves should be enough. Some spas have limited outdoor facilities in the winter. Some spas do have hot tubs and other thermal baths which are amazing in the winter!

Do you have to take off your clothes in a spa?

Many people wonder if they will be expected to undress during their spa visit. It’s only for certain full body treatments that it’s best to be in just pants. But if you want to wear something else too, that is fine too. You don’t have to be naked at any point during your spa visit if you don’t want to. You can even shower in your swimwear. So, no, you do not have to take your clothes off for a spa day.

What to wear to a spa massage?

For a massage, you would generally wear knickers under your robe. This way, you’ll be ready to start as soon as your appointment starts. If you’re still dressed, you’ll have time to undress in privacy before the treatment starts. For massages and other body treatments, a draping technique is usually used. This means that you will never feel exposed in any way. The therapist will use a large towel to cover you. They will move the towel to cover the areas that they are not currently treating. 

Do you need to shower before your treatment?

It’s a good idea to shower before any spa treatments. This is out of courtesy for the therapist and for yourself too. A quick shower before your spa treatment will also ensure that your skin is completely clean (removing mositurisers, perfumes, etc.). Cleansing your skin will prepare your skin for the treatment. This will help it absorb the lovely, luxurious products that will be using during your spa treatment. 

Do you wear a bra to the spa?

If you want to wear a bra to the spa or not is completely up to you. As mentioned, you’ll most likely be in your swimwear and your spa robe most of the day. If you are aiming to do any fitness classes or other physical activities, I recommend wearing a sports bra for those.

How should I wear my hair for a spa day?

If you’re wondering how to wear your hair for a spa day, the answer is to keep it clean and simple. Avoid using styling products that will transfer into the pool water. Tie your hair up in a loose bun or a high ponytail to keep it away from your face and shoulders. Or use hair clips or headbands or try braided hairstyles.

Do you wear makeup to a spa day?

It is allowed to wear makeup to a spa day, but it’s definitely not necessary. It’s best for your skin and the spa if you leave your face clean or at least remove your makeup before using the spa facilities or getting a treatment. Makeup can come off in the pool or in the saunas and steam rooms, for example. It can also clog your pores in the sauna and make it harder for your skin to sweat – which is the whole point of using saunas. For a facial, it’s best to start with a clean, makeup-free face too. If you do have makeup on when you arrive for your facial, the therapist will remove your makeup before starting the treatment.

Should you shower before a spa day?

Yes, you should shower before using the spa facilities, just like you should before entering any pool. You can use the showers in the spa’s changing rooms to wash off before you head to the saunas or the pools.

What should you avoid before a spa day?

We have now covered what people wear on a spa day. Additionally, we have looked at how to dress for the different things you’ll be doing during your spa visit. Next, we’ll look at some things to avoid before a spa day.

• Avoid using any harsh skincare products. These could react with spa treatments or the chlorine in the pools. Instead use gentle skincare products in the days before your spa visit. 
• Avoid wearing perfume (or other heavily scented products). Skip the scents before your spa visit. This way you’ll be able to enjoy the scents of the products in the spa. Plus, many people are sensitive to strong scents or scented products in general so it is courteous to not wear heavy scents when you are in a shared public space like a spa. 
• Avoid shaving close to your spa day. Should I shave before a spa day is a common question. If you want to shave your legs or anything else on your body, do this at least two days before your spa day. Otherwise your skin might be sensitive and could sting during certain treatments, especially ones that include exfoliation of any kind. 
• Avoid eating a heavy meal right before your spa day. For the evening meal before your spa day, eat something light and do the same for breakfast. You don’t want to start your spa day feeling uncomfortable or bloated.

How to prepare for a spa day?

Above we looked at what not to do before a spa day. Next, let’s explore what you can do to prepare for your spa day the night before.

• Eat a light and healthy meal. Choose something light and healthy for your evening meal the day before. Also do this for breakfast on the morning of the spa day. 
• Hydrate with plenty of water. Make sure that you are well-hydrate before your spa day by drinking plenty of water the day before and in the morning before heading to the spa too. 
• Schedule treatments and plan your spa day schedule. Book your spa appointments as soon as you can to ensure that you get the slots that you prefer. Also plan your day roughly to ensure that you can fit in everything you want to do comfortably. 
• Exfoliate your skin. Pampering your skin with some exfoliation in the form of dry brushing or a body scrub is a great way to prepare your skin for absorbing the lovely lotions and oils that the spa will apply to your skin during treatments. 
• Pack your bags. Get everything you need ready and packed the night before so that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid feeling stressed. 

Spa Packing List: What else to bring to a spa

Below is a quick list of things that you might want to pack for your spa day:

• Gym clothes and trainers
• Comfy clothes (or arrive in these)
• Swimsuits (always pack at least too as sitting around in a wet swimsuit is not comfortable)
• Waterproof bag to pack wet swimwear into
• Toiletries (face wash, moisturiser, lip balm, deodorant, floss, and any other essentials)
• Hair brush
• Hair bobble
• A change of clothes
• Evening wear if applicable (including shoes)
• Jacket, hat, and walking shoes if you’re planning a walk 
• Something to read (books and/or magazines)
• Sunglasses if you’re planning to sit outside
• SPF (depending on the weather)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks 
• Headphones for listening to music or audiobooks
• Any medicines you need

Conclusion – What clothes should I wear to a spa?

Hopefully this article has answered many of your questions about how to dress for a spa day. The article has covered everything from what to wear for a spa day, what to wear to a spa massage, what not to do before a spa day, and more.

If you do have any more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.