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What to Wear and Bring
Honestly? It's simpler than you think. Most venues hand you almost everything you need when you walk in, and the rest fits in a small bag. Once you're inside, everyone ends up dressed pretty much the same anyway. Here's the rundown so you can pack in five minutes and head out the door without worrying you've forgotten something.
What to bring
A towel — Most gay saunas provide one when you check in, and that's what you'll be wearing for most of your visit. A few smaller venues expect you to bring your own, so it's worth a quick look at the listing or a phone call before you go. If you're particularly tall or just prefer something bigger than the standard issue, there's no rule against bringing your own as well.
Flip-flops or pool sandals — These matter more than people expect. Tiled floors get wet, and you'll want something on your feet between the showers, steam room, and changing area. Plenty of venues sell basic pairs at reception if you forget, but bringing your own is easier and saves a few pounds.
A small wash bag — Shower gel, shampoo, and deodorant for afterwards. Nothing fancy. A travel-sized set is perfect. Some venues stock body wash in the showers, some don't, so packing your own takes the guesswork out of it. You'll definitely want a proper wash before heading home.
Water — You'll sweat more than you realise. Some venues have water dispensers or sell bottles at the bar, others assume you'll bring your own. Either way, keep some within reach. Glass bottles aren't usually allowed, so a reusable one is the safe bet.
Cash or card — For the entry fee, the locker (some take a refundable coin or token), and anything you fancy from the café or bar. Card payment is standard at most venues now, but a bit of cash in your pocket is handy for vending machines or if the card reader is being temperamental.
ID — Some venues ask for photo ID on a first visit to confirm you're over 18. Not every venue, not every time, but worth having in your wallet so it's not an issue at the door. A driving licence or passport does the job.
That's it. If your bag feels heavy, you've probably packed too much.
What not to bring
Leave your phone in the locker once you've changed. Wet areas and phones don't mix, and most venues have a strict no-phones rule beyond the changing room anyway — privacy is taken seriously, and you'll be expected to respect that.
Lockers are generally secure, but don't bring anything you'd be heartbroken to lose. Expensive watches, sentimental jewellery, the kind of stuff that would ruin your day if it went missing — leave it at home. Metal jewellery also gets uncomfortably hot in a dry sauna, which is its own argument for stripping it off.
And one less tangible thing: leave the pressure at the door too. Not every visit ends in sex, and that's completely normal. Plenty of guys go for the heat, the headspace, and the quiet. Treat it as time for yourself first and see where the visit goes.
What to wear
The short answer: a towel. That's the dress code for the whole visit.
Getting there is the only part where clothing matters, and even then it really doesn't. Wear whatever you'd wear to the pub — jeans and a t-shirt, joggers, a hoodie, whatever feels easy to take off and put back on. You're stripping down within minutes of arriving, so there's no point dressing up.
Once you're inside, you'll see men in all states of dress. Some stay wrapped in their towels the whole time, some sling them over a shoulder, others go fully naked. There's no right or wrong way to do it. If you're feeling shy, start in the towel and see how the vibe feels — you can always adjust as you settle in.
Shower before you arrive
This is the one bit of etiquette worth flagging. Have a shower at home before you head out. It's expected, and it's just good manners for the men sharing the space with you.
When you arrive, you'll shower again at the venue before stepping into the steam room, sauna, or any of the wet areas. Most places make this clear with signs, but the rhythm is the same everywhere: shower at home, then shower again on site. It keeps the place pleasant for everyone.
You're good to go
That's genuinely all of it. A towel, flip-flops, a wash bag, water, and your wallet. Everything else the venue handles.
Find a gay sauna near you at gaysaunas.co.uk — most listings tell you exactly what's provided on arrival, so you'll know before you set off whether you need to pack a towel or not.