Unlike oil-based massage where you undress, Thai massage is performed fully clothed. This raises a practical question: what should you actually wear?
The short answer: loose, comfortable clothing that allows your body to be stretched and moved freely. But the details matter — the wrong outfit can limit your therapist's ability to work effectively and reduce the benefits you receive.
This guide covers exactly what to wear, what to avoid, and what to do if you don't have the right clothes on hand.
For complete information on Thai massage technique and what to expect, see our guide to Thai massage in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Basic Rule
Wear what you'd wear to a yoga class or to sleep comfortably.
Thai massage involves stretching, bending, and being moved into various positions. Your clothing needs to accommodate this without restricting movement or riding up awkwardly.
What to Wear
Bottoms
Best options:
Yoga pants or leggings
Loose sweatpants or joggers
Stretchy athletic shorts (longer length)
Loose cotton pants
Pajama pants
What makes these work: They stretch with your body, stay in place during movement, and don't restrict the therapist's access to your legs and hips.
Tops
Best options:
Loose t-shirt
Tank top (comfortable, not tight)
Long-sleeve athletic shirt
Loose cotton top
Comfortable sports top
What makes these work: They allow arm movement, don't ride up during stretches, and give the therapist access to your back and shoulders.
The Ideal Combination
The simplest outfit: loose t-shirt + yoga pants or sweatpants. This combination works for virtually everyone and allows full range of motion during the session.
What to Avoid
Jeans or Stiff Denim
Jeans restrict movement significantly. The stiff fabric limits how far your legs can be stretched and makes certain positions uncomfortable or impossible. Even "stretch" jeans are too restrictive for Thai massage.
Tight Clothing
Skinny jeans, bodycon dresses, tight skirts, or compression wear limit your range of motion. The therapist can't stretch you effectively if your clothes won't move with you.
Shorts That Are Too Short
Very short shorts can ride up during leg stretches and hip openers, creating awkward moments. If you prefer shorts, choose a longer inseam (mid-thigh or longer).
Clothes with Zippers, Buttons, or Hard Elements
Metal zippers, large buttons, belt buckles, or decorative hardware can dig into your skin during compression or get caught during stretches. Stick to simple, smooth clothing.
Anything You'd Be Uncomfortable Stretching In
If you wouldn't do yoga or stretch exercises in it, don't wear it for Thai massage.
What About Underwear?
Wear comfortable underwear that won't shift or dig in during movement. For women, a sports bra or comfortable wireless bra is better than an underwire bra, which can be uncomfortable during chest-opening stretches or when lying face down.
What If You Don't Have Appropriate Clothes?
Option 1: The Service Provides Clothing
Some Thai massage providers offer loose pants and tops for clients to change into. This is common at dedicated Thai massage studios and some mobile services. Ask when booking if clothing is provided.
Option 2: Wear What You Have and Adapt
If you're caught without ideal clothes — say, you're coming straight from a business meeting — tell your therapist. They can modify techniques to work around restrictive clothing, though the session may be less comprehensive.
Option 3: Change Into Hotel/Apartment Clothes
If you're booking in-room massage, you're already at your accommodation. Change into pajamas, gym clothes, or anything comfortable before the therapist arrives. This is the easiest solution.
For In-Room Thai Massage Specifically
When a therapist comes to your hotel room or apartment, you control the environment. This makes clothing simple:
Before the session:
Change into comfortable clothes (pajamas work perfectly)
Remove jewelry, watches, and belts
Have bare feet (socks are fine if you prefer, but bare feet are traditional)
You don't need to prepare anything special. Whatever you'd lounge around in at home is probably fine.
Temperature Considerations
Thai massage doesn't use oil, so you won't have the warming effect of friction on bare skin. Some people feel cooler during Thai massage than during oil-based styles.
If you tend to get cold:
Wear long pants instead of shorts
Choose a long-sleeve shirt
Ask the therapist to adjust room temperature or provide a light blanket for portions of the session
If you tend to get warm:
Lighter fabrics work well
Shorts and a t-shirt are fine
Air conditioning in your hotel room keeps things comfortable
Do I Need to Bring Clothes to a Spa or Studio?
If you're visiting a Thai massage studio (rather than booking in-room), policies vary:
Traditional Thai massage places: Often provide clothing
Spas with multiple services: May or may not provide; ask in advance
Mobile/in-room services: Assume you'll wear your own clothes
When in doubt, call ahead or arrive wearing appropriate clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear regular clothes and just roll up my sleeves/pants?
It's not ideal. Rolling up jeans still leaves you with restrictive fabric, and rolled clothing tends to unroll during movement. True loose clothing works much better.
What if I only have work clothes with me?
Change into whatever is most comfortable — even a hotel bathrobe over underwear is better than dress pants. Or ask if the service provides clothing.
Should I remove my socks?
Traditional Thai massage is done barefoot, but socks are fine if you prefer. The therapist will work on your feet regardless.
Do I need to wear a bra?
Wear whatever is comfortable. A sports bra or bralette is ideal. Going braless under a loose shirt is also fine. Avoid underwire bras, which can dig in during certain positions.
What about jewelry?
Remove watches, bracelets, and long necklaces before the session. Rings are usually fine. Anything that could catch on clothing or dig into skin should come off.
Can I wear the same clothes I wore all day?
Yes, as long as they're comfortable and appropriate. If you've been in formal clothes, change first. If you've been in casual clothes that allow movement, you're already set.
Quick Reference
Wear | Avoid |
|---|---|
Yoga pants / leggings | Jeans / stiff denim |
Loose sweatpants | Tight pants / skirts |
Athletic shorts (longer) | Very short shorts |
Loose t-shirt | Shirts with hardware |
Tank top | Restrictive tops |
Sports bra | Underwire bra |
Bare feet or socks | Shoes (obviously) |
Book Thai Massage in Ho Chi Minh City
Now that you know what to wear, you're ready to book. Thai massage is performed clothed, so just change into something comfortable before your therapist arrives — no special preparation needed.
MassageGo offers traditional Thai massage with in-room delivery across District 1, District 7, Thao Dien, Binh Thanh, and surrounding areas.
For complete information on Thai massage and what to expect during your session, see our guide to Thai massage in Ho Chi Minh City. For general booking information, see in-room massage in Ho Chi Minh City.
Book your session — delivered to your hotel room or residence.
This article is part of MassageGo's resource center on massage services in Ho Chi Minh City. Related guides include Thai massage and benefits of Thai massage.
MassageGo Team
Expert wellness tips and massage therapy insights from our team of professional therapists in Ho Chi Minh City.