The naked truth: Map reveals what people wear in saunas around the world
A fascinating reworked world map reveals what people wear in saunas around the world – and it’s the swimsuit that comes out on top.
On the map, country names have been supplemented with the traditional sauna clothing of the inhabitants. The spa booking agency SpaSeekers.com conducted the study and identified sauna etiquette in 84 countries around the world to “help spa goers avoid embarrassment.”
Wearing a bathing suit tops the overall ranking for being the most appropriate sauna wear in 41 countries around the world, including the US and Australia.
In total, there are 23 countries where a completely nude sauna experience is encouraged, including Sweden and Japan. SpaSeekers.com says, ‘While the thought of sitting naked in a hot room with strangers may feel strange to some, the experience is perfectly normal in many spa-loving countries around the world where spa-goers can relax in the pool, the sauna and other spa experiences are absolutely wonderful.’
There are now 24 countries where etiquette requires spa visitors to wear a towel in the sauna – this list includes the UK, Canada and Spain.
A fascinating reworked world map reveals what people wear in saunas around the world, showing where in the world it’s acceptable to relax naked in a sauna
SpaSeekers.com also produced a series of regional maps to more clearly show the breakdown of results around the world.
In Europe, spa nudity is being embraced in countries such as Austria, Latvia, Slovakia and Hungary. SpaSeekers.com reveals that it can even be rude to wear swimwear in a sauna in Germany, where spas are considered “non-textile spaces” for hygiene reasons. “Towels are sometimes needed purely for sitting, so that’s worth getting clarification from the specific spa itself,” it reads.
In Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands it is customary to bring a towel to the sauna, while wearing swimwear is the norm in France, Denmark and Turkey, among others.
On the map, country names have been supplemented with the traditional sauna clothing of the inhabitants. In total, there are 23 countries where a completely nude sauna experience is encouraged
Wearing a swimsuit appears to be the most common spa attire – it tops in 41 countries around the world
Moving to Asia and the Middle East, nudity is celebrated in South Korea and Taiwan, while wearing swimwear is recommended in the UAE, India, and Thailand. In Malaysia and Jordan, meanwhile, it is customary to bring a towel.
Looking at Oceania, New Zealanders bring a towel while wearing swimwear is preferred in Fiji.
In South America, Brazilians wrap themselves in a towel when visiting a sauna. Moving up the map to Central America, it’s better to go nude in Mexico, while wearing swimwear is common in Cuba, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica.
New Zealanders take a towel to the sauna, while swimwear is preferred in Australia and Fiji
In Central America it is better to go nude in Mexico, while wearing swimwear is common in Cuba, the Bahamas and Costa Rica
The spa booking agency SpaSeekers.com conducted the study and identified sauna etiquette in 84 countries around the world to “help spa visitors avoid embarrassment”
SpaSeekers.com says, ‘With sauna etiquette and rules that vary from country to country (and sometimes even from spa to spa), it’s important to know what’s common when it comes to taking your gear off’
Finally, in Africa, sauna goers must bring a towel to saunas in South Africa and Tunisia, but wear swimwear in countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Namibia.
SpaSeekers.com also shares some tips for travelers who want to visit saunas, noting if you choose to wear a swimsuit, make sure your swimsuit is 100 percent clean to avoid spreading bacteria. “In addition, sauna goers should avoid swimwear with dangling decorative pieces – this is because they can overheat and burn the skin if they make contact,” reveals SpaSeekers.com.
Similarly, bathing suits made from PVC materials “run the risk of melting or releasing chemicals if they overheat – and at the very least prevent the skin from breathing properly.” SpaSeekers.com recommends that swimsuit wearers ensure that the costume they choose is loose fitting and made of quality material to “maximize the benefits of a sauna.”
The spa site provides more etiquette tips and also recommends talking to other sauna guests before deciding to turn up the steam levels and make sure you go in and out quickly to retain the heat in the room.
Commenting on the research, Jason Goldberg, president of SpaSeekers.com, says, “With sauna etiquette and rules that vary from country to country (and sometimes even from spa to spa), it is important to know what is common when it comes to sauna use. is about getting your gear off.
“You don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable, or worse, get kicked out of a spa for indecent exposure — so always make sure you research sauna etiquette before visiting a spa in a new country.” If you’re not sure about the rules, check with the staff at the spa you’re visiting, as they can help clarify the guidelines so you don’t get embarrassed.”