What to Wear to a Massage | A Therapist's Honest Answer

Do you need to remove all your clothes? What actually matters for comfort.

This is probably the question I get asked most. Usually by text, the night before a first appointment. Sometimes phrased carefully, sometimes just "what do I actually wear?"

So let me answer it plainly. You don't have to take all your clothes off for a massage. You can if you want to. Most people keep their underwear on. Some don't. There's no wrong answer and I genuinely don't mind either way.

What to wear to a massage -

Your Comfort, Your Rules

What you wear during a massage is entirely your choice. I'm trained to work with whatever you decide. You'll be draped with towels throughout, and I'll only uncover the area I'm working on. The treatment works whether you're in underwear, partially clothed, or fully undressed. What matters is that you feel comfortable enough to actually relax, because if you're lying there worrying about what you're wearing, the massage isn't going to do its job.

What Do Most People Do?

There's no single answer to this. It varies from person to person and session to session. Here's how it tends to work in practice:

For Those Who Wear Bras

If you usually wear a bra, you might be wondering whether you need to remove it for your massage. While most clients do choose to take theirs off to allow for better access to the back and shoulders, I completely understand that it can feel a little daunting - especially during your first session with me.

If leaving your bra on makes you feel more at ease, that’s absolutely fine. Just keep in mind that if it’s a sports bra or a fitted top, it might make certain areas on your back harder to reach, so the massage may feel a little different. Over time, as trust builds, you might decide to try removing it for future sessions to allow for a more seamless and effective treatment. But remember, there’s no pressure - it’s all about what feels right for you.

For Those Who Don’t Wear Bras

If you don’t usually wear a bra, or you’ve chosen not to for your session, that’s completely okay too. You’re already one step ahead in terms of access for your back and shoulders, and draping will always keep you covered to ensure privacy. Whether you’re topless or not, the focus is on creating a safe and comfortable environment.

Considering Comfort Levels

It’s worth noting that for some people, like men, being bare-chested during a massage is widely accepted and comes with less vulnerability. For others, the idea of revealing their chest - whether due to societal norms or personal feelings - can feel more exposed, and that’s entirely valid. This is why creating a judgment-free space where everyone feels respected and safe is so important to me.

A few things worth thinking about

If you're not sure, start with whatever feels comfortable and don't overthink it. Some techniques like deep tissue or myofascial release work best with direct skin contact, so if you're keeping clothing on in the area I need to work on, I might not be able to get as deep. For relaxation-focused work, being fully undressed allows for longer, uninterrupted strokes. But none of this means you have to do anything you're not comfortable with. I'll always work with what you give me and I'll tell you honestly if something you're wearing is getting in the way of the treatment.

What I'd say if you asked me in the room

If you asked me directly, I'd tell you that most clients end up in their underwear and that works well. I'd tell you that nobody has ever made a wrong choice about this. And I'd tell you that if you're nervous, that's completely normal and we'll figure it out before we start. The first session is always the hardest. After that, people stop thinking about it.

The short version

Wear what feels right. I'll work with it. If you're unsure, just ask. There is nothing you can get wrong here.

If you want to know more about how sessions work, you can read about massage appointments here. Or if you're ready, book a session and we'll sort the rest out when you arrive.