No, people typically do not take off all clothes for a massage; the standard practice often involves keeping undergarments on.
When preparing for a massage, especially a full body massage, many people wonder about the appropriate level of undress. Based on common practice and professional guidance, removing all clothing is not the universal standard.
Understanding Massage Attire
The reference clearly states, "For individuals who plan on having a full body massage and are comfortable with removing clothing, the standard is to keep your undergarments on." This indicates that keeping undergarments on is a widely accepted and common practice.
Furthermore, it advises, "It's a good idea not to remove all of your clothing unless your therapist has requested you do so." This reinforces that complete nudity is not expected or even recommended as a default.
What to Expect Regarding Clothing
- Standard Practice: For most full body massages, clients are typically instructed to undress to their comfort level, which often means leaving undergarments on.
- Draping: Massage therapists use sheets and blankets to professionally drape the body, only uncovering the specific area being worked on at any given time. This ensures privacy and comfort.
- Therapist Guidance: Listen to your therapist's instructions. They will guide you on what to remove and how to position yourself. They will also leave the room while you undress and get settled on the massage table.
- Comfort Level: Ultimately, your comfort is paramount. Discuss any concerns you have about clothing with your therapist beforehand. Some massage techniques may require less clothing, but this should be communicated.
- Specific Massage Types: Some types of massage, like Thai massage or Shiatsu, are traditionally performed with the client fully clothed in loose, comfortable attire.
In Summary
While the specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the type of massage and the therapist, the general expectation for a full body massage where you remove clothing is to keep your undergarments on. Removing all clothing is not the standard and should only be done if specifically requested by your therapist, and only if you are comfortable doing so.
Question Aspect | Standard Practice (Full Body Massage) |
---|---|
Remove all clothes? | No |
Keep undergarments? | Yes (if comfortable) |
Draping used? | Yes |
Therapist guidance? | Essential |
Always feel empowered to communicate your preferences and comfort level with your massage therapist.