Hotel Spa Clothes: What to Wear and Why It Matters

When you book a stay at a hotel spa, a wellness-focused amenity found in many hotels that offers treatments like massages, saunas, and hydrotherapy. Also known as resort spa, it’s designed to help guests unwind without leaving the property. One of the first questions people ask is: What do you wear to a hotel spa? It’s not just about comfort—it’s about respecting the space, the staff, and your own relaxation. Most hotel spas provide spa robes, loose-fitting, absorbent garments typically made of terry cloth, worn over swimwear or bare skin during treatments. and slippers, soft, non-slip footwear provided by the spa to keep feet clean and comfortable in wet or heated areas. But knowing what to bring—or not bring—makes all the difference.

Spa clothes aren’t like regular gym wear. You won’t need sweatpants or sports bras. Most treatments happen in private rooms, and you’ll be covered with towels the whole time. What you wear underneath depends on the service. For a massage, many guests opt for underwear or go bare underneath the robe. For a sauna or steam room, a swimsuit is common. If you’re unsure, ask ahead. Some spas even offer disposable underwear or paper shorts if you forget. The key is simplicity: no jewelry, no strong perfumes, no tight clothing that leaves marks. Your skin needs to breathe, and the therapists need to work without distractions.

What’s interesting is how spa attire, the clothing and accessories worn during spa visits, including robes, slippers, and swimwear. has evolved. It’s no longer just about covering up—it’s about creating a ritual. The soft feel of a fresh robe, the quiet crunch of slippers on a tiled floor, the way the air smells like eucalyptus and lavender—it all adds up. That’s why many hotels now include high-quality robes and towels as part of the experience, not just as an afterthought. Some even offer heated towel racks or robes with hoods. These small details turn a basic service into a memorable one.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on spa clothes. A simple cotton robe from home can work fine if you’re staying overnight. But if you’re planning a full-day spa visit, the ones provided by the hotel are usually better—thicker, cleaner, and designed for repeated use. And if you’re traveling with someone, remember: spa clothes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Most places have a range of sizes, so don’t assume your regular size will work. Just ask at reception.

There’s no rulebook for what to wear, but there are clear expectations. Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep it calm. The right hotel spa clothes aren’t about fashion—they’re about letting go. And that’s why, whether you’re in a luxury resort or a quiet country house hotel, the robe you put on matters more than you think. Below, you’ll find real advice from guests who’ve been there—from what to pack for a weekend escape to how to avoid awkward moments at check-in. These aren’t guesses. They’re lessons learned.