If you've ever had a client sheepishly ask, "Do I keep my pants on during a massage?"—you're not alone. Whether you're a massage therapist, esthetician, or spa owner, this question comes up more often than you might expect. And while it may seem simple, the answer is surprisingly nuanced.
Understanding how to guide clients through their comfort zones, explain industry standards, and respect personal preferences is key to creating a relaxing, professional spa environment. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs (pun intended!) of massage etiquette, attire expectations, professional boundaries, and how your business can better support both your clients and your staff.
Understanding the Core Question: What Are Clients Really Asking?
When a client asks whether they should keep their pants on, they’re not just asking about clothing—they’re asking about safety, modesty, and expectations. This question often comes from first-time spa-goers or clients who may have had a negative or awkward experience elsewhere.
As professionals, it's our responsibility to normalize the question and provide an informed, reassuring response. The bottom line: it depends on the type of massage and the client’s personal comfort level.
Massage Types Dictate Clothing Levels
Different massage modalities call for different levels of undress. Here's a breakdown of how common massage types influence what a client might wear—or not wear:
- Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage: Typically performed on unclothed clients, covered with sheets. Only the area being massaged is undraped at any time.
- Sports Massage: Often allows for partial clothing (e.g., shorts), especially when focusing on limbs or specific muscle groups.
- Chair Massage: Performed fully clothed in a specially designed chair. Ideal for office events or retail spas.
- Aromatherapy or Hot Stone Massage: Generally full-body, with minimal clothing recommended for better product absorption and stone placement. See our full line of Professional Massage & Wellness Products.
- Reflexology: Clients can stay fully clothed—only hands, feet, and sometimes ears are treated.
To make this easier for your team, we suggest providing clients with simple brochures or intake forms that explain attire recommendations for each service.
Draping Is Key to Comfort and Professionalism
Draping isn’t just a best practice—it’s the industry standard. Draping with a sheet or blanket ensures only the area being worked on is exposed, maintaining the client's modesty while allowing the therapist to work efficiently.
Offering high-quality sheets, spa bedding, and professional apparel also elevates the experience. Clients feel more secure when the environment is clean, organized, and outfitted with purpose-built furnishings. Explore Salon & Spa Bedding for premium draping options that strike the right balance between comfort and discretion.
What About Underwear?
Clients can absolutely choose to leave their underwear on during a massage—and many do. This is particularly common in regions where cultural norms or personal preferences dictate modesty. For example:
- Clients may leave on briefs or boxers if the massage focuses on the upper back, shoulders, or neck.
- Women may leave on bra bottoms (or remove the bra and leave on underwear) depending on the service area and comfort level.
Massage therapists should always communicate the intended focus areas and ask clients to undress "to their level of comfort." Avoid using phrases that could be misinterpreted or suggest any obligation to undress beyond what’s necessary for the service.
Clothing Expectations for Body Treatments
Massages aren’t the only services where attire can cause uncertainty. Body scrubs, wraps, and waxing treatments often require clients to disrobe as well—but with an added layer of modesty protection. That’s where disposable garments and professional spa apparel come in. Providing a clean, professional presentation of disposable bras, panties, or robes helps eliminate awkward moments.
For waxing services, especially those involving the bikini or Brazilian area, always offer modesty towels and explain the process in a matter-of-fact tone. Make sure your staff has access to top-tier products like ItalWax and Waxness, along with calming Pre & Post-Waxing Products to soothe the skin.
Help Clients Feel Empowered
The more information you provide up front, the more empowered your clients will feel. Consider posting FAQs on your spa's website, and train your front desk staff to confidently answer questions about attire, massage types, and treatment protocols.
Within the treatment room, offer a verbal overview before leaving to let the client undress. For example:
“I’ll step out for a few minutes so you can get comfortable. Feel free to undress to your level of comfort and lie face down under the sheet. I’ll knock before coming back in.”
This clear, kind approach lets clients relax from the very beginning.
Set the Scene with the Right Tools
Massage rooms should always be stocked with clean linens, massage table warmers, sanitized bolsters, and high-quality products to ensure every service feels safe and luxurious. Don’t overlook the power of professional ambiance—from soft lighting to music to aromatic oils—to put clients at ease.
Shop our full range of Spa Essentials for Professionals to elevate your service offerings and ensure you’re fully equipped for any client preference or request.
Final Word: Comfort Is Always the Priority
There is no universal right or wrong answer to the pants-on-or-off question. As long as you create a respectful environment, communicate clearly, and follow professional draping and treatment protocols, you’re already doing it right.
Clients should always feel they are in control of their own bodies. Whether fully undressed under a sheet or clothed in comfy yoga pants for a chair massage, their comfort is your top priority. With professional gear, trained staff, and a welcoming attitude, you’ll make every client feel safe, respected, and relaxed—pants or no pants.
Looking to expand your massage business? Discover our latest arrivals in Portable Massage Tables—perfect for on-site sessions or multi-room flexibility.
And remember: it’s not about what clients wear—it’s about how they feel in your care.
