Sauna Etiquette: The Do’s & Don’ts Of 2025’s Biggest Wellness Trend

The biggest wellness boom of 2025? It has to be the sauna. With communal saunas popping up all over London (and beyond), we’re seeing more people than ever pulling on their bathing suits and stepping into steam rooms in the hopes of reaping the health benefits. But for those only just trying the trend for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Read our guide to sauna etiquette below.

Sauna Etiquette: 10 Rules To Know Beforehand

1. Shower Before Entering

Always take a shower before entering the sauna to rinse off dirt, sweat, and cosmetics. This keeps the sauna clean and helps open your pores for better detoxification.

2. Use A Towel

It’s recommended that you sit on a clean towel while in the sauna. This is to maintain hygiene, protect yourself from hot surfaces and prevent direct contact with the sauna benches. If you’re sitting higher up, ensure your feet don’t rest where others will sit later.

‘Turkish towels are the best towels for saunas,’ adds Andrei Blui Newman, founder of Casa Blui, a home wellness company specialising in custom saunas. ‘They’re thin and easy to carry but also highly absorbent and quick-drying.’

3. Don’t Dawdle

When entering or leaving the sauna, do so quickly and quietly. You want to minimise heat loss by closing the door promptly (and avoid disrupting the calm atmosphere with loud noises).

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4. Be Mindful Of Personal Space

Perhaps the most important piece of sauna etiquette. No one wants to be sat super close together in a hot room. In a sauna, it’s better to maintain a comfortable distance (unless you’re with close friend or family who don’t mind sitting together), keep conversations to a minimum and speak in low voices.

And while this should be an obvious one: avoid staring, commenting on people’s bodies or otherwise making others uncomfortable.

5. Check The Temperature

If you’d like to adjust the temperature of the room – either via a heating system or adding water to hot stones – check in first with the other people in the room to make sure they’re also comfortable with the change.

And if you are pouring water in hot stones: as a rule of thumb, make sure to pause between ladles, and avoid propping your body over the rising steam.

6. No Electronics

No, you do not need to take your phone with you into the sauna. Not only can this make others using the sauna uncomfortable, the environment can really damage your device. ‘Electronics and humidity don’t mix,’ confirms Andrei. ‘Saunas can also overheat smartphones, causing them to malfunction.’

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7. Stay Hydrated

‘Hydration is key,’ emphasises Andrei. ‘Staying hydrated before, during and after your session helps regulate body temperature and prevents dehydration.’

But avoid bringing in glass or plastic bottles. ‘Glass in a sauna is a hazard. Stick to durable materials like titanium or stainless steel – they’re safer and healthier than plastic.’

8. Wear The Right Garments

Swimwear is typically the best choice for sauna hopping – we recommend a simple suit made from natural, breathable materials – but you can also wear loose-fitting cotton shorts, t-shirts and tank tops. Some venues might allow you to enter in just a towel, but it’s worth double checking the dress code beforehand.

9. Shoes Or Barefoot?

‘For private saunas, go barefoot to maximize skin exposure,’ recommends Andrei. ‘For shared spaces, choose non-slip mesh or EVA foam sandals for hygiene.’

10. Leave Jewellery Behind

You won’t need to wear any jewellery in the sauna – and, in most cases, it can do more harm than good. ‘Hot metal can lead to skin burns,’ says Andrei. ‘If you feel like you need to wear something, opt for silicone rings and bracelets; these will be a safer option.’

Featured image: Iglucraft, Unsplash