What To Wear In A Hot Tub?

Hot tubs feel amazing, but knowing what to wear makes your soak even better. The wrong outfit can ruin your comfort, damage your clothes, or even risk your health. 

This guide gives you everything you need to know, what to wear, what to avoid, and how to enjoy every hot tub moment the right way.

• Choose Chlorine-Resistant Swimwear: Opt for nylon, polyester, or spandex to withstand heat and chemicals.
  
  

• Avoid Regular Clothes: Workout gear, cotton, and casual wear can irritate skin and damage the hot tub.
  
  

• Stick to Proper Footwear: Only wear clean, waterproof shoes made for wet environments, or go barefoot with caution.
  
  

• Separate Your Hot Tub Suit: Keep a dedicated swimsuit to prevent long-term damage from hot tub exposure.
  
  

• Leave the Tech and Jewelry Out: Hot water can harm watches, Whoop bands, and metals, better to soak unplugged.

A hot tub is a heated, jetted water basin designed for relaxation and hydrotherapy. It works by circulating warm water through built-in jets, which provide soothing massage-like pressure, while the elevated temperature helps ease tension in muscles and joints. 

According to  Healthline  and the  Cleveland Clinic, soaking in a hot tub offers multiple health benefits beyond comfort.

Key benefits include:

• Stress relief: Warm water calms the nervous system, reducing tension and anxiety.
  
  

• Muscle pain relief: Heat improves blood flow and loosens tight muscles, aiding recovery.
  
  

• Better sleep: The post-soak drop in body temperature promotes deeper rest.
  
  

• Cardiovascular support: Immersion can lower blood pressure and enhance circulation.
  
  

• Improved insulin sensitivity: Thermal therapy may help regulate blood sugar.
  
  

Safety tips:
Limit soaks to 15 minutes, keep the water under 104°F (40°C), stay hydrated, and avoid if pregnant, intoxicated, or if you have low blood pressure or open wounds.

Alternatives include:

• Infrared saunas – Offer deep tissue warmth and muscle relaxation.
  
  

• Warm baths – Provide gentle stress relief and circulation boost.
  
  

• Hydrotherapy pools – Used for low-impact rehab and joint relief.
  
  

These options share benefits like improved circulation, pain reduction, and relaxation without needing a full hot tub setup.

When choosing a swimsuit for hot tubs, opt for chlorine-resistant materials like lycra or polyester. 

According to Polymers MDPI, chlorine and heat can significantly weaken swimwear, with fabric strength dropping by over 65% after extended exposure. 

One-piece swimsuits are generally more practical and durable than bikinis, offering better support and resistance to wear. 

Hot tub chemicals and high temperatures can cause stretching, fading, and thinning over time.

To extend your swimsuit’s life, rinse it thoroughly after each use and avoid delicate or non-chlorine-resistant fabrics.

When deciding what to wear in a hot tub, a waterproof sports bra or swim bra is a smart choice. 

Swim bras are made with water-resistant materials that hold their shape and support even in hot, chlorinated water. 

Unlike regular sports bras, which are best for dry workouts, swim bras are built for comfort and durability in wet conditions.

When using a hot tub, it’s best to wear swim trunks or board shorts made from high-quality materials like nylon or polyester. 

These fabrics resist chlorine damage, dry quickly, and feel comfortable. Public hot tubs usually require proper swimwear for hygiene reasons, regular shorts can carry dirt and affect water quality. 

Choosing the right swimwear keeps the water clean and your experience more enjoyable.

Swim briefs offer minimal coverage, quick drying, and freedom of movement, ideal for sprinters, tanning, or hot weather. 

Jammers provide more coverage, muscle compression, and modesty, suiting longer swims or colder pools. New swimmers may prefer jammers; for speed and comfort, briefs are best.

Compression shorts are tight-fitting garments made with stretchy materials like spandex to support your muscles and enhance performance. 

For hot tub use, be sure to choose ones made from chlorine-resistant fabrics such as polyester or spandex blends. 

These materials hold up well against heat and chemicals, helping your shorts stay comfortable, durable, and in good shape after every soak.

For hot tub use, wear a lightweight swim shirt for swimming or sun protection, it’s quick-drying and stays put in water. 

For lounging, opt for a tank top; it’s breathable and stylish but not swim-friendly. Choose based on activity and sun exposure needs.

You should keep a separate swimsuit for the hot tub because the water in the hot tub is warm, which can damage your suit more quickly compared to regular water. 

Also, hot tubs contain chlorine, which weakens and damages the fabric. That’s why it’s better to have a separate suit specifically for hot tub use

For a hot tub, wear a snug-fitting swimsuit to prevent shifting or slipping in the water. Opt for materials like nylon or spandex, they're lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable. 

These fabrics handle heat and moisture well, making them ideal for hot tub use without discomfort.

Yes, you can wear shoes in a hot tub, but make sure they are waterproof and specifically designed to withstand hot tub conditions. 

Can you explain what makes a pair of shoes hot tub-proof?) One important thing to keep in mind is that your shoes must be completely clean before entering the hot tub, so the water doesn’t get dirty. 

Ideally, you should reserve these shoes only for hot tub use and avoid wearing them on the ground elsewhere.

You can also go barefoot, but that comes with some risks. For example, you might slip, or in public hot tubs, there’s a chance of picking up infections like athlete's foot ,especially if you have any cuts or open wounds on your feet

After exiting the hot tub, wrap yourself in a thick, absorbent towel or a warm robe to dry off and retain heat. 

Change into dry, breathable clothing to stay comfortable and avoid chills. Preparing these essentials in advance ensures a smooth, warm transition post-soak.

Wearing a hat from your house to the hot tub helps retain body heat and keeps your hair dry. Since heat escapes through your head, covering it is key. 

Avoid wool, which can get soggy, opt for a knit hat or baseball cap instead for warmth and comfort.

Wearing workout clothes in a hot tub can cause skin irritation, especially if the fabric is tight or non-breathable. 

Synthetic materials may release chemicals when exposed to heat and chlorine, which isn't safe for your skin or the water. 

Elastic fibers in activewear also break down in hot water, reducing durability and leaving residue. 

Gym clothes can carry bacteria and sweat, which contaminate the tub. Chlorine damages most workout fabrics, even moisture-wicking ones, causing them to fade or stretch. 

For safety, hygiene, and comfort, it’s best to avoid workout gear and wear proper swimwear instead.

Yes, you can wear shorts in a hot tub. You can also wear swim trunks, bathing suits, or board shorts. However, make sure they are clean, chlorine-safe, and free from detergent residue to avoid skin irritation and damaging the water quality.

Yes, hot tubs can bleach clothes due to high chlorine or sanitizing chemical levels. These substances react with fabric dyes, leading to fading or discoloration. Swimsuits are especially vulnerable because of their material and frequent exposure to treated hot tub water. Avoid wearing delicate fabrics.

No, you should not wear a shirt, swimsuit cover-up, workout clothes, or regular shorts in a hot tub. These trap heat and bacteria. Wearing them can cause skin irritation and damage the hot tub's filters. Always wear proper swimwear instead.

No, you should not wear boxers, briefs, cotton shorts, or regular underwear in a hot tub. These hold bacteria, trap chemicals, and break down in hot water. Choose proper swimwear made for hot tubs to stay clean, safe, and comfortable.

Yes, you can wear a tampon in a hot tub. You can also wear menstrual cups, period swimwear, and waterproof pads. However, make sure to change your tampon before and after swimming to prevent infection and ensure good hygiene while in the water.

While Apple Watches are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. According to Apple, Series 1 and the 1st generation have a water-resistance rating of IPX7, while Series 2 and later are rated for up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. The Apple Watch Ultra goes further, with a 100-meter rating and additional compliance for recreational scuba diving. However, water resistance doesn't mean protection against hot water or steam. According to Apple, most models should be used in temperatures between 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C), while the Ultra can handle up to 130°F (55°C). Hot tubs typically exceed these temperatures, and the heat and steam can damage seals, increasing the risk of moisture getting in. So, it’s best not to wear your Apple Watch in a hot tub.

No, you should not wear contact lenses, glasses, goggles, or eye patches in a hot tub. Hot tubs can carry bacteria that stick to lenses and cause serious eye infections. It's best to keep your eyes clear and safe.

According to Whoop, the band is water-resistant with an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged up to 10 meters for two hours. It’s designed for 24/7 wear, but according to Whoop, it should only be used within temperatures ranging from 15°F to 140°F. Since most hot tubs are set between 100°F and 104°F, wearing Whoop for a short soak is generally safe. However, extended exposure to high heat and steam could impact the device’s long-term performance. If you're a frequent hot tub user, it’s best to monitor how your Whoop reacts or remove it during longer sessions to protect its functionality while still enjoying your recovery and relaxation.

People typically avoid wearing regular clothes in a hot tub, choosing swimwear or going nude in private settings. Clothes can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, and chlorine may damage the fabric. Swimwear is designed to handle water and heat, making it the preferred choice.

Yes, you can wear a bikini, swimsuit, tankini, or swim trunks in a hot tub. However, make sure the fabric is chlorine-safe, rinse it after use, and avoid wearing anything with metal parts that might heat up or damage the tub.

No, you should not wear gold, silver, platinum, or diamond jewelry in a hot tub. Hot water and chemicals like chlorine can damage or discolor them. To keep your valuables safe and shiny, it's best to take them off before soaking.