Resort Spa Dress Code: What to Wear and What to Avoid

When you think of a resort spa, a place designed for relaxation, often part of a luxury hotel or vacation property where guests access treatments like massages, saunas, and hydrotherapy. Also known as hotel spa, it’s not just about the treatment—it’s about the whole experience, and that includes what you wear. Many people assume resort spas are all about silk robes and fancy slippers, but the truth is simpler: most places want you comfortable, clean, and respectful—not overdressed or underdressed.

The spa attire, the clothing and footwear allowed in spa areas, including robes, towels, and casual wear before and after treatments. Also known as resort clothing, it typically means you can show up in a swimsuit, a cover-up, or even just a towel. You won’t be turned away for wearing shorts and a t-shirt to the locker room, but walking in barefoot or in street clothes like jeans and a hoodie might raise eyebrows. Most resorts provide robes and slippers, so you don’t need to bring much—just your swimsuit and a towel if they don’t supply one. The real rule? Keep it modest, keep it clean. No tank tops with holes, no gym shorts with logos that scream "CrossFit Champion," and definitely no flip-flops in the steam room. These aren’t fashion police rules—they’re hygiene and comfort standards. Think of it like a public pool: you wouldn’t show up in full street clothes, so don’t do it at the spa.

Some places, especially high-end ones, have a spa etiquette, the unwritten social norms around behavior, dress, and silence in spa environments to ensure a peaceful experience for everyone. Also known as resort spa rules, it includes turning off your phone, keeping your voice low, and not bringing outside food or drinks into the relaxation area. These aren’t about being snobby—they’re about protecting the calm. If you’re going to a spa after a day of hiking or sightseeing, take a quick shower before heading in. Most places have showers right by the lockers for exactly that reason. And yes, some resorts have specific areas where nudity is expected—like saunas or thermal pools—but you’ll always be given a towel to wrap up in. No one’s judging you for wearing a swimsuit under your robe. In fact, most guests do.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from people who’ve been there—some got it right, others learned the hard way. One guest showed up in yoga pants to a luxury spa and was asked to change. Another wore a bikini to the pool area and got complimented for being appropriate. The difference? Context. A beachfront resort spa in Florida has different norms than a mountain lodge spa in the UK. You’ll also find tips on what to pack, how to handle gender-specific areas, and whether you can wear your own sandals (spoiler: sometimes yes, sometimes no).

Bottom line: you don’t need to spend a fortune on spa-specific clothes. Just show up ready to relax, clean, and respectful. The rest? That’s just common sense—and a little research before you book.