So, what actually happens when you’re alone in that dimly lit massage room, nervously eyeing the massage table and wondering if you’re about to bare it all for a stranger? The answer isn’t as black-and-white as it sounds, and the expectations can catch first-timers off guard. Let’s cut through the awkwardness and answer the question everyone’s too shy to ask: massage etiquette—do you really have to take off all your clothes for a proper session?
Setting Expectations: How Much Should You Undress for a Massage?
Massage rules vary across the spa world, but here’s the most universal truth: you undress to your comfort level. In reputable spas, therapists encourage clients to remove only as much clothing as needed to work on specific areas, such as the back, legs, or shoulders. Still, you never have to go fully nude unless you choose to, and most places provide large towels, sheets, or blankets for draping throughout the session.
Therapist professionalism is a point of pride. They’re trained to step out of the room after telling you where to place your belongings and inviting you to get settled under the covers. You’re never rushed, and you can always keep your underwear or bra on if that feels best. For some treatments—Swedish or deep tissue—it’s common to strip down to underwear. During Thai, reflexology, or chair massages, clients usually stay fully clothed, especially if stretching or acupressure is involved.
Mistakes happen when people are too embarrassed to ask, but honestly, one quick question can save a world of confusion. In a 2024 Dubai Spa Survey, 79% of clients said they felt initially awkward about massage attire but felt relieved once the therapist ran through what to expect. The more you ask, the smoother your experience will be.
“Respecting a client’s comfort always comes first—we’d much rather you ask questions or keep an extra layer than feel exposed during your session,” says Spa Director Layla Haddad of Palm Wellness Retreat.
Mistakes to Avoid: Common Myths and Client Misconceptions
Some persistent myths stick like stubborn massage oil. Here are a few traps people still fall into, whether it’s their first massage or their tenth:
- Always Undress Fully: Not true. You can keep underwear on and therapists will just work around it. Plus, female clients are always offered full breast and pelvic draping. Nobody expects you to strip down against your will.
- Therapists Judge What You Wear: Completely false. They do hundreds of massages a year. You could wear neon green briefs or mismatched socks and they wouldn’t bat an eye. Their focus is on your muscles, not on your fashion choices.
- Baring Skin Equals Better Results: While some techniques benefit from direct skin contact, you’ll still get deep relaxation and results through draped areas. Therapists adjust their approach to work with your preferences.
- Every Spas Is the Same: A quick scan through Dubai’s spa scene shows shocking contrasts. Ultra-luxe places often provide disposable underwear or specialized robes, while community wellness centers tend to keep it simple and fuss-free.
- Your Gender Decides Clothing Rules: Not really. Privacy standards stay the same whether you’re male or female. But in some regions, modesty norms may be stricter, so check with the spa if you have concerns.
If you’re still feeling awkward, here’s a tip: practice communicating your comfort level. Therapists usually open with “Is there anywhere you don’t want worked on today?” or “Would you like to keep any clothes on?” That’s your moment. Speak up, and you set the tone for what follows.
What Happens in the Treatment Room: Privacy, Draping, and Techniques
Once you’ve changed (or half-changed), therapists will give you space before knocking to make sure you’re covered and ready. The industry gold standard is professional draping. Large, soft towels, or flat sheets are used to cover you, and only the area being massaged is exposed at any given moment. For example, your leg might be uncovered if it’s being massaged, while everything else stays hidden.
The privacy factor goes beyond simple draping. Luxurious Dubai spas invest in soundproofing, low lights, calming music, and even warm covers. All of this is about putting you in the right mindset for relaxation, but also about showing that your modesty matters.
Different treatments call for different methods. Aromatherapy oil massages are best performed on bare skin. Hot stone massages can go either way—some prefer underwear, others none. Sports massages, often popular with athletes, see most people keep their briefs on, while serious deep tissue work may call for more access to larger muscle groups.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer and, if anything, therapists have likely seen and handled just about every preference under the sun. As a spa regular myself, I’ve even been handed disposable underwear at several top spots, just to avoid any confusion. Here’s what a typical spa might lay out for you:
| Massage Type | Standard Clothing | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Underwear or nude under sheet | Full draping |
| Deep Tissue | Underwear | Therapist may work around clothing |
| Thai | Clothed (loose pants, t-shirt) | Stretching involved |
| Hot Stone | Underwear or nude | Check with spa for preference |
| Reflexology | Fully clothed | Focus on feet and calves |
It’s rare for any therapist to require full nudity, and if you’re ever made to feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and ask for a different arrangement. A high-end spa will always prioritize your comfort above anything else.
Tips to Maximize Comfort and Get the Most from Your Session
If you’re after maximum relaxation—or just want to avoid that awkward wardrobe moment—these practical tips will help:
- Dress for the spa. Leave complicated outfits at home and wear basics you can slip in and out of easily.
- Communicate your boundaries. If you want to keep your underwear on (or take it off), let your therapist know before starting.
- Embrace the draping process. It’s there for your privacy. The best therapists barely expose more than a few inches at a time.
- Don’t be shy about personal care. Shower before you go, but don’t stress about being ‘perfect’—therapists know what’s normal.
- Ask about disposable options if you’re worried about getting oils or creams on your own clothes.
- If in Dubai, remember some spas may cater to cultural preferences for modesty, especially in mixed-gender sessions.
- Feel free to request a same-gender therapist if that makes you more comfortable.
- Bring extra hair ties if you have long hair to avoid a slippery, sticky post-massage mane.
- Avoid heavy meals or caffeine right before your visit—you’ll enjoy the relaxation much more.
Booking ahead, sharing any medical conditions, and asking about locker or changing room facilities makes for a much less stressful start. By the time you’re face-down on the table, those nerves will have melted away.
Do Cultural Norms Affect Massage Dress Codes—Especially in Dubai?
Dubai has its own unique spa landscape—luxury meets regional tradition. Some spas cater to a mix of locals, tourists, and expats, and etiquette can vary to reflect this. Most five-star resorts and upscale wellness centers train their staff with international standards for privacy and consent, but local spas may lean towards more modesty.
It’s not unusual for spas in Dubai to have single-gender or family hours, women-only spaces, and strict codes about draping and exposure. This isn’t about restricting your experience—it’s about creating a safe space for everyone. Therapists of both genders work in Dubai, so you can always specify your preference when booking, which is respected without judgment.
One surprising fact? Disposable underwear and robes are standard issue in Dubai’s top spa hotels. Unlike in some Western countries, going completely nude under your draping isn’t the default, and you’ll rarely be the odd one out for choosing extra coverage.
Meanwhile, communication remains your best tool. Upscale spas actually prefer clients who clarify expectations upfront. Therapists are open, see daily hundreds of unique client preferences, and thrive on making you feel safe.
FAQ
- Will my therapist see me naked during a massage? Only the area being worked on is ever exposed; therapists are trained to keep you covered and private at all times.
- Is it okay to keep my underwear on during a massage? Absolutely—most clients wear underwear, and therapists simply work around it.
- What if I feel anxious about undressing? Let your therapist know; you can keep clothes on as needed and skip any part of the treatment you’re not comfortable with.
- Are there special rules for men or women? No—comfort, privacy, and professional draping rules apply equally to everyone.
- How do I know what to expect at a Dubai spa? Ask ahead about their policies, and don’t hesitate to share your preferences—the best spas want you to feel entirely at ease.
