What to Wear for Thai Massage

When you book a Thai massage, a traditional form of bodywork from Thailand that combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and deep stretching. It's not a oil-based rubdown—it’s done fully clothed, on a mat, with no nudity involved. That’s why knowing what to wear for Thai massage matters more than you might think. Unlike Swedish or deep tissue massages, you don’t strip down. You stay dressed. But what you choose to wear can make or break your experience.

Most professional spas in Dubai, including Caro Beauty Spa, expect you to wear loose, stretchy clothing. Think cotton pants that move with you—like yoga leggings or drawstring trousers—and a short-sleeve top that won’t ride up during stretches. Avoid jeans, tight skirts, or anything with zippers or buttons. These dig into your skin when you’re bent over or twisted, and they make it harder for the therapist to guide your body safely. You’re not there to look good—you’re there to relax, stretch, and release tension. If your clothes are restricting you, you’re not getting the full benefit.

Some people worry about modesty. Good news: Thai massage is not sensual. It’s therapeutic. The therapist works with your limbs, back, and shoulders using their hands, elbows, and feet—but never your private areas. The massage attire, the clothing worn during bodywork sessions to allow freedom of movement while maintaining dignity is designed to protect your comfort and boundaries. In Dubai, where cultural norms are respected, licensed spas make sure your privacy is never compromised. You’ll be given a clean, simple outfit if you don’t bring your own, or you can wear your own clothes if they meet the guidelines.

What you don’t wear is just as important. Skip jewelry—rings, bracelets, necklaces can get caught or scratch you. No shoes on the massage mat. No strong perfumes or lotions; they interfere with the therapist’s touch and can trigger allergies. And no underwear with thick seams. Thin, seamless cotton is best. Think of it like getting ready for a yoga class—comfort over style.

If you’ve never tried Thai massage before, it can feel intense. Your body will be moved into positions you didn’t know you could do. That’s why your clothing needs to let go. Tight fabrics? They’ll hold you back. Baggy clothes? They’ll slip and slide, making it hard for the therapist to apply pressure correctly. The right outfit lets the therapist do their job—and lets you fully relax into the stretch.

And if you’re visiting Dubai, you’ll notice something: Thai massage here is treated like a serious wellness practice, not a novelty. The best spas, like Caro Beauty Spa, train their therapists in traditional techniques and stick to strict professional standards. That means they care about your comfort, your safety, and yes—your outfit. They’ve seen it all: people in yoga pants, people in pajamas, even one person in a hoodie and sweatpants (it worked). What they don’t want is you in jeans.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the common mistakes that ruin a good session. Whether you’re new to Thai massage or just unsure about the dress code in Dubai, these posts give you the clear, no-fluff details you need to walk in confident and leave feeling loose.