What to Wear for Thai Massage: What to Expect and What to Skip

When you get a Thai massage, a dynamic form of bodywork that combines acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and deep stretching. It’s not just a massage—it’s a full-body experience that moves you through positions you might not expect. Unlike Swedish or deep tissue massages where you lie still under a towel, Thai massage happens on a mat on the floor, and you’re guided through stretches by the therapist. So the big question isn’t whether you need to undress—it’s what you actually need to wear to feel comfortable and let the session work.

You don’t wear clothes like you would to the gym. You also don’t strip down completely. The sweet spot is loose, stretchy clothing, something flexible enough to allow full range of motion without restricting movement. Think yoga pants, shorts, or leggings paired with a fitted tank top or t-shirt. No jeans. No belts. No bulky fabrics. The therapist needs to move your arms, legs, and spine freely, and tight or stiff clothes get in the way. If you’re worried about modesty, don’t be—Thai massage therapists are trained professionals who focus on energy lines and muscle release, not anatomy. They’ve seen it all, and they’re there to help you relax, not judge you.

Some places in Dubai offer Thai massage in private rooms with changing areas. Others, especially traditional spas, might give you a set of clean, lightweight cotton pants and a top to wear during the session. That’s your best bet if you’re unsure what to bring. Bring your own if you have a favorite pair—clean, dry, and easy to move in. Leave your jewelry at home. Watches, bracelets, and necklaces can dig into your skin during stretches. And skip the lotion or perfume. Thai massage doesn’t use oil, so anything on your skin can make it slippery and harder to grip during stretches.

This isn’t about nudity. It’s about mobility. It’s about letting your body respond without resistance. The same way you wouldn’t wear heels to run a marathon, you shouldn’t wear restrictive clothes to a Thai massage. The therapist will guide you into positions that open your hips, stretch your back, and release tension in your shoulders—all while you’re fully clothed. If you’ve never done this before, it might feel strange at first. But once you get into it, you’ll realize how freeing it is to move without worrying about your clothes.

And if you’re wondering how this compares to other types of massage in Dubai, it’s simple: full body massage, a more traditional Western-style session where you lie under a sheet usually requires you to undress to your underwear. But Thai massage? You stay dressed. That’s the whole point. It’s designed to be done in clothes so you never feel exposed. That’s why it’s so popular in Dubai—people want deep relaxation without the discomfort of nudity.

What you wear matters less than how you show up. Come relaxed. Come on an empty stomach. Come ready to breathe. The rest? The therapist will handle it. You just need to show up in something that lets you move. That’s it.

Below, you’ll find real answers from people who’ve been through it—what worked, what didn’t, and what to avoid when getting a Thai massage in Dubai. No guesswork. Just clear, practical advice from those who’ve been there.