Sauna Etiquette

[jackk78]

My gym has a coed sauna (and steam and hot tub), which means swimsuits are required. Most of the men, of course, wear shorts. While I'm fine wearing a bikini to swim laps, I'd feel a bit out of place wearing one in the spa area. The smallest I've got in a square cut. I've gone au naturel at places like Baden Baden with men and women, but nudity is taboo in the US.

How do you feel about wearing a bikini in the sauna in mixed company?

[sebbie]

Why is this even an issue?...I've worn a nice neon yellow thong in Hotel hot tubs, co-ed as all get out.

Having said that, there are different unwritten "rules" about acceptable attire depending on where you are at. I was in a hot tub in San Dioego CA. BUT I would probably think twice before wearing the little neon thong in a not-so-urban locale in a Southern Bible Belt State. But a 3" blue Speedo should be fine anywhere. In San Diego, the yellow thong didn't even get a second glance...just normal and quite acceptable hot tub attire.

As I understand it, at private homes, most hot tub parties in California are completely clothing optional, and most everyone will be in a hot tub--men and women completely nude. But on the east coast, everyone at a private hot tub party wears a suit, perhaps a big(ger) suit. What happens at public facilities in each case is just an extension of what happens in hot tub parties at private homes, and in San Diego the thong ends up being the "modest" choice...what is considered a modest dress at one geographic location is perhaps seen as revealing and unmodest at another..

Bottom line: if you are concerned about modesty in this situation wear a 3" classic blue Speedo and you should be fine.

I wish people everywhere were comfortable in their own skins, but that is not the case.

Sebbie

[Lap Counter]

Before you wear your nicest Speedo to the hot tub or sauna, take time to think about the damage the heat will render to the Lycra fabric.

[Byron]

Have to agree with Sebbie - "When in Rome...." etc.

As a square cut is available to wear maybe opt for that
as the compromise to offend nobody at either extreme ?

(a clearly stated piece of guidance from the gym concerned
might not be amiss here in order to alleviate any doubts)

[Torchwatch]

Next time you go to the mixed costumes compulsory sauna suite wear something slightly briefer than last time.
If you are comfortable and no one complains, then keep it up for a while.
One day go shopping and buy something slightly briefer, tighter and more colourful than the current suit, wear it to your sauna and see how you and the others react.
Wear this suit until you start thinking of something even more exciting, while you are at it watch the other sauna users and see if anyone else starts wearing brief suits and bikinis.

We did it in the 1970's and 80's daring each other to wear ever shorter, shinier and more side split running shorts.

[PSDave]

Check around. The spa I go to is all men (woman have their own rooms) and nude prevails in the jacuzzis and saunas. Actually, except in private homes, I've never been in a coed sauna or jacuzzi.

[jackk78]

Originally Posted by Lap Counter

Before you wear your nicest Speedo to the hot tub or sauna, take time to think about the damage the heat will render to the Lycra fabric.

I generally only wear poly blend suits (Speedo's Endurance, TYR's Durafast, etc.) in the sauna. They aren't as affected by the heat. I save the suits containing lycra for swimming.

[jackk78]

I've worn a few 2" and 3" endurance solid Speedos around the spa without any comments thus far. It definately feels better than wearing a soggy pair of shorts.

[Byron]

....they are nice suits (and you haven't gone into the range of Brazilian tangas to cause conservative offence).
Btw, what is the story of Spain ? - was there a Damascelian (bad spelling no doubt) revelation for you some years ago?

[jackk78]

Originally Posted by sebbie

Why is this even an issue?...I've worn a nice neon yellow thong in Hotel hot tubs, co-ed as all get out.

Having said that, there are different unwritten "rules" about acceptable attire depending on where you are at. I was in a hot tub in San Dioego CA. BUT I would probably think twice before wearing the little neon thong in a not-so-urban locale in a Southern Bible Belt State. But a 3" blue Speedo should be fine anywhere. In San Diego, the yellow thong didn't even get a second glance...just normal and quite acceptable hot tub attire.

As I understand it, at private homes, most hot tub parties in California are completely clothing optional, and most everyone will be in a hot tub--men and women completely nude. But on the east coast, everyone at a private hot tub party wears a suit, perhaps a big(ger) suit. What happens at public facilities in each case is just an extension of what happens in hot tub parties at private homes, and in San Diego the thong ends up being the "modest" choice...what is considered a modest dress at one geographic location is perhaps seen as revealing and unmodest at another..

Bottom line: if you are concerned about modesty in this situation wear a 3" classic blue Speedo and you should be fine.

I wish people everywhere were comfortable in their own skins, but that is not the case.

Sebbie

I do wish it wasn't an issue. But, as you point out, there's a difference between what's acceptable in private and public. I'd be happy going nude, but one must respect others modesty. While I think a thong would make people uncomfortable, a classic speedo should be acceptable. I doubt it would be a cause of concern for anyone, although, sometimes I prefer to blend in.

My parents got a hot tub when my sister and I were teenagers. I can't recall seeing anyone wearing a suit while using it, though they were far more modest while we were growing up. That all changed after a family trip to Spain, which was the first time I wore a bikini swimsuit, but that's a story for another time. During high school when we had guests over for dinner, it was common practice to end the evening with a soak. Most of my parents' friends grew up in the 60's and didn't have any problem getting naked. We'd strip on the deck like it was the most normal thing in the world. When my friends were over my parents would always make sure their parent's were okay with us being nude. Most were, and would sometimes stay for the evening and join in themselves, but a few had a problem with it. We were always respectful of other people's sensibilities. People shouldn't be forced to do things that make them uncomfortable. At first, I think my friends just wanted to see my mom and sister naked. They were erect as soon as they dropped their pants, but it didn't bother us. Eventually, the got used to it. My family still spends time together naked in the hot tub (and just about everywhere else in the house) when we get together. It would be nice if everyone could be as comfortable with their bodies, but I think the puritanical ideals will continue to pervade in the US.