What to Wear & Expect: Complete Massage Etiquette Guide

If you've never had a professional massage before - or it's been a while - you might have questions. What do you actually wear? What happens when you arrive? Is it awkward? What if you need to use the bathroom halfway through? These concerns are completely normal, and they stop many people from booking massages they'd genuinely benefit from.

Here's the thing: massage therapists have seen it all. They're professionals who want you to be comfortable. Most of what feels uncertain to you is routine to them. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can stop worrying about logistics and actually enjoy the experience.

We'll cover what to wear, how to prepare, what happens during the session, and proper etiquette - including specifics for the Indian context. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect.

What to Wear to Your Massage Appointment

Let's start with the easy part: what you wear to get to your appointment doesn't matter much. You'll be changing anyway. But some choices make life easier:

Best Choices for Arrival

• ✓Comfortable, loose clothing - Easy to take off and put back on when you're relaxed
• ✓Minimal jewelry - Less to remove and keep track of
• ✓Skip heavy makeup - It may smear on the face cradle or pillow
• ✓Tie hair back - If you have long hair, a simple tie keeps it manageable
• ✓Comfortable footwear - Slip-on shoes are easier than laces when you're relaxed afterward

What to Wear During the Massage

This is the question that causes the most anxiety. Let's address it directly: you undress to your comfort level. There's no universal rule that you must be completely undressed.

Your Options

• Fully undressed - Most common for oil-based massages; allows full access to muscles
• Underwear on - Completely acceptable; therapist works around it
• Underwear and bra - Also fine; may limit some back work but therapist adjusts
• Comfortable shorts/clothes - Required for Thai massage; acceptable for others if preferred

Most people choose to remove everything or keep underwear on. For oil-based massages (Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy), being undressed allows the therapist to work more effectively and prevents oil from ruining your undergarments. But your comfort matters more than optimal technique.

What About Draping?

Professional massage always includes draping - you're covered with a sheet or towel, and only the area being worked on is exposed. This is non-negotiable in professional practice. You're never fully exposed at any point.

• Sheet or towel covers you - Always, throughout the entire session
• Only the working area is uncovered - Back exposed while working on back, then re-covered
• Private areas stay covered - Chest, groin, and gluteal cleft remain draped always
• You can request extra coverage - If you want more draping, just ask

Clothing Requirements by Massage Type

Different massage styles have different clothing expectations. Here's what's typical:

Before Your Massage: Preparation

The Day Before

• ✓Stay hydrated - Well-hydrated muscles respond better to massage
• ✓Avoid heavy meals - Lying face-down on a full stomach is uncomfortable
• ✓Note any health changes - New injuries, medications, or conditions to mention
• ✓Prepare questions - Write down anything you want to ask the therapist

The Day Of

• ✓Shower if possible - Basic hygiene; therapists appreciate it
• ✓Skip heavy perfume/cologne - Can be overwhelming in close quarters
• ✓Eat lightly - A light meal 1-2 hours before is ideal
• ✓Use the bathroom - Before the session starts; 60-90 minutes is a long time
• ✓Arrive a few minutes early - Rushing creates tension you're trying to release
• ✓Silence your phone - Or better yet, leave it in another room

The Pre-Massage Conversation

Before starting, your therapist should ask some questions. This isn't small talk - it helps them customize your session. Be honest and specific:

• Health history - Injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, pregnancy
• Current concerns - Where you hold tension, any pain or discomfort
• Pressure preferences - Light, medium, firm - or "I don't know yet"
• Areas to avoid - Places that are injured, ticklish, or you'd rather skip
• Goals for the session - Relaxation? Pain relief? Better sleep? All valid

During the Massage: Etiquette & Communication

Getting On the Table

The therapist will leave the room while you undress and get on the table. They'll tell you which way to lie (usually face-down to start) and how to position yourself under the sheet. Take your time - there's no rush.

• Face cradle position - Adjust it so your neck is comfortable, not strained
• Arms - Usually down by your sides or on armrests if available
• Breathing - Start with a few deep breaths to settle in
• Sheet placement - Make sure you're covered how you want to be

Communication During the Session

You're not required to chat, but you should communicate about the massage itself. Good therapists want feedback:

• ✓Pressure feedback - "Could you go deeper there?" or "That's a bit too intense"
• ✓Problem spots - "Right there - that's the tight spot"
• ✓Temperature - "I'm a bit cold" or "Could we turn the AC down?"
• ✓Discomfort - "That position hurts my neck" or "I need to shift"
• ✓Anything wrong - If something feels off, say so immediately

Common Questions About During the Massage

Should I talk or stay quiet?

Entirely your choice. Some people chat, most stay quiet. The therapist follows your lead. If you want silence, they won't take offense. If you want to talk, they'll engage. There's no "correct" approach.

What if I need to use the bathroom?

Just say so. The therapist will step out, you'll wrap in a sheet or robe, use the bathroom, and return. It happens. It's not embarrassing. Much better than being uncomfortable for the rest of the session.

What if I fall asleep?

That's fine - it means you're relaxed. Many people doze off, especially during relaxing massage styles like Swedish. The therapist will continue working and wake you gently when it's time to turn over or when the session ends. Snoring happens too; therapists are used to it.

What if my stomach growls?

Normal. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), which can activate digestive sounds. It happens frequently. Therapists don't even notice anymore.

What if I get emotional?

Also normal. Massage can release stored tension, and sometimes emotions come with it. If you tear up or need a moment, that's okay. Therapists are trained to handle this with discretion. You don't need to explain or apologize.

Understanding Pressure: The Pain Question

"No pain, no gain" doesn't apply to massage the way people think. Let's clarify what good pressure feels like:

Good Pressure vs. Too Much

• Good pressure - You feel it working. Might be intense. You can breathe through it.
• Too much pressure - You're holding your breath, tensing against it, or wincing
• "Hurts so good" - Real thing with deep tissue work. Intense but you want them to stay there.
• Just painful - Nothing good about it. You want it to stop.

The ideal pressure is where you feel productive work happening but you can still relax into it. If you're tensing your muscles against the therapist's pressure, it's counterproductive - tense muscles can't be effectively worked. Understanding the difference between Swedish and deep tissue helps set proper expectations.

How to Communicate About Pressure

• "That's perfect" - Lets them know to maintain current pressure
• "Could you go deeper?" - You want more intensity
• "A little lighter, please" - Too intense, dial it back
• "That's too much" - Need significant reduction
• Scale of 1-10 - Some therapists ask you to rate pressure; be honest

After the Massage: Post-Session Etiquette

Immediately After

When the massage ends, the therapist will let you know and leave the room for you to dress. Take your time. You might feel:

• Deeply relaxed - Possibly a bit spacey or floaty; a sign massage is working
• Thirsty - Massage can be mildly dehydrating
• Need to use bathroom - Massage stimulates circulation and elimination
• Slightly lightheaded - From lying down, especially if you sat up quickly
• Tender in worked areas - Especially after deep tissue; usually fades within a day

Post-Massage Best Practices

• ✓Drink water - Helps your body process the session
• ✓Move slowly - Don't rush back into intense activity
• ✓Avoid alcohol - Can intensify any lightheadedness
• ✓Skip intense exercise - Your muscles are in recovery mode; save the post-workout massage for another day
• ✓Rest if possible - Even 20-30 minutes extends benefits for better sleep
• ✓Note what worked - Remember for future sessions

Tipping Etiquette in India

Tipping norms in India differ from Western countries and vary by context. Here's a straightforward guide:

General Guidelines

• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory - Unlike the US, tips aren't expected to supplement wages
• 10-15% is generous - For exceptional service at spas
• Round up or add ₹100-500 - Common approach for good service
• Platform services may differ - Some include gratuity, some don't; check the policy
• Cash is preferred - If tipping, cash goes directly to the therapist

When to Tip More

• The therapist addressed a specific problem that's been bothering you
• They went beyond the scheduled time to finish properly
• Exceptional communication and customization
• You plan to request them again (builds relationship)

Home Massage Specific Etiquette

Having a massage at home has some additional considerations. Here's how to be a good host while maintaining appropriate boundaries:

Preparing Your Space

• ✓Clear adequate space - About 8x6 feet for the table and therapist movement
• ✓Control temperature - Slightly warm is better; you'll be still and may feel cold
• ✓Ensure privacy - Inform family members, close curtains if needed
• ✓Minimize interruptions - Put pets in another room, silence phones
• ✓Have water available - For yourself after the session
• ✓Bathroom accessible - Let the therapist know where it is

Hosting Boundaries

The therapist is a professional, not a social guest. You don't need to:

• Offer food or extensive refreshments - A glass of water is courteous, nothing more expected
• Make extended small talk - Brief greeting is fine; then let them set up
• Give a house tour - Just show them where they'll work and the bathroom
• Apologize for your home - They're there to work, not judge your decor
• Entertain them before or after - Professional efficiency is fine

Safety and Comfort

• ✓Use reputable services - Verified platforms with background checks
• ✓Have someone else home - Especially for first appointments if it makes you comfortable
• ✓Trust your instincts - If anything feels wrong, you can end the session
• ✓Lock valuables away - Standard precaution with any service provider
• ✓Confirm identity - Verify the therapist matches who you booked

Addressing Common Concerns

Body Image Worries

Many people feel self-conscious about their bodies. Here's what therapists want you to know: they're focused on muscles, not appearance. They work on bodies of all shapes, sizes, and conditions daily. Your stretch marks, weight, body hair, or skin concerns are not something they're judging or even particularly noticing.

Hygiene Concerns

Basic cleanliness is appreciated - a shower before your massage is ideal. But don't stress about being perfectly groomed. Therapists work through oil and focus on muscle tissue. They're not examining your skin. If you're coming straight from work and couldn't shower, that's fine too.

Physical Responses

Occasionally, people worry about involuntary physical responses during massage. If this concerns you, know that professional therapists are trained to handle any situation with discretion. The parasympathetic nervous system (which massage activates) can cause various automatic responses. Professionals don't make it awkward.

First-Time Nerves

It's normal to feel nervous before your first massage. Let the therapist know you're new to this. Good therapists will explain everything they're doing, check in more frequently, and ensure you're comfortable throughout. Your nervousness will usually fade within the first few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line: Relax and Communicate

Massage etiquette boils down to two things: basic courtesy and communication. You don't need to be a perfect client. You don't need to know all the rules. You just need to be reasonably clean, communicate your needs and feedback, and let the professional do their job.

The concerns that stop people from booking massages - worry about undressing, not knowing what to do, potential embarrassment - are almost always worse in imagination than reality. Therapists handle nervous first-timers regularly. They know how to put you at ease. Within minutes of starting, most people forget they were ever anxious and can focus on the stress relief they came for.

Your job is simple: show up, communicate what you need, provide feedback during the session, and let yourself relax. Everything else is handled.