What to Wear to a Massage (and Other First-Timer Questions Answered)

For most massages, you can wear whatever is comfortable to the appointment and then undress to your own comfort level once you are in the room — many people undress fully and stay covered by a sheet, but underwear is completely fine if that puts you at ease. You are always draped with a sheet or towel, and only the area being worked on is uncovered at any time. If that one question was your main worry, you can relax: nothing about a professional massage requires you to be uncomfortable.

Here are clear answers to the questions first-timers ask most.

What should I wear to the appointment?

Wear something loose and easy to change out of — there is no dress code. A few situations change the answer:

• Standard table massage (Swedish, deep tissue): Most people undress to their comfort level in private and lie under a sheet. Wear normal, comfortable clothes to arrive in.
• Prenatal, sports, or stretch-based sessions: Some therapists work over loose athletic clothing. If you booked one of these, bring shorts and a t-shirt in case.
• Thai massage: Performed fully clothed, so wear comfortable, stretchy clothing.

Do I have to take everything off?

No. You undress only to the level you are comfortable with, always in private, and you are under the sheet before the therapist returns. Common choices:

• Fully undressed, draped by the sheet — the most common for full-body work
• Underwear on — completely normal and very common
• Specific clothing on for clothed modalities like Thai or some sports work

A licensed therapist drapes you the entire time and only exposes the area being worked on. Your comfort sets the rules, not the other way around.

What actually happens during the session?

A first session usually goes like this:

1. Intake. A short chat or form about your goals, problem areas, injuries, and any medical conditions or medications.

2. Privacy to change. The therapist leaves the room while you get on the table under the sheet.

3. The massage. They check pressure early — speak up anytime if you want more or less. You do not need to make conversation; many people stay quiet.

4. Wrap-up. The therapist leaves so you can get dressed, and may suggest water and gentle movement afterward.

If you are unsure whether to book relaxation or therapeutic work, our guide on deep tissue vs Swedish massage breaks down the difference.

How much should I tip a massage therapist?

At a spa or studio, a 15 to 20 percent tip is standard for good service — on a $120 session, that is about $18 to $24. A few clarifications:

• Independent therapists who set their own rates may build their full fee into the price. Tipping is still appreciated but less expected than at a spa.
• Medical or clinical massage (for example, treatment billed through insurance) is typically not tipped.
• Cash is easiest, but most therapists also take a tip through their payment app.

When unsure, asking is fine — no professional will be put off by the question.

A few etiquette basics

• Arrive a few minutes early so the session is not rushed.
• Speak up about pressure, temperature, or music at any point. A good therapist wants the feedback.
• Mention injuries, allergies, and pregnancy during intake, even if you think they are minor.
• Silence your phone so you actually get the benefit of the hour.
• Reschedule if you are ill. Most therapists ask that you give notice rather than come in sick.

What it costs in Florida

A 60-minute session in Florida generally runs $70 to $130 depending on the city and modality. For a full breakdown by city and session length, see our Florida massage cost guide.

Ready to book your first session?

The first massage is the one people overthink the most, and almost everyone walks out wishing they had gone sooner. Browse licensed Florida massage therapists, pick someone whose specialties match what you want — relaxation, pain relief, or recovery — and message them directly with any questions before you book. A good therapist will happily put a first-timer at ease before you ever get on the table.