This is one of the most common questions we get at Lift Life Massage Therapy, especially from first-time clients, so let’s clear it up.
The Short Answer: Wear What Makes You Comfortable
Massage is about comfort, effectiveness, and results. Every client is different, and your comfort always comes first. You are never required to wear (or remove) anything you’re not comfortable with.
That said, certain clothing choices allow your massage therapist to do their job properly and give you the best possible experience.
What Most Clients Wear
Most clients choose one of the following options:
- Fully nude
- Underwear only
Both are completely normal and professional in a massage setting. You will always be properly draped with sheets, and only the area being worked on is exposed at any time.
Why Tops Are Typically Removed
For therapeutic massage, lotion or oil is used so the therapist can glide smoothly across the skin without friction. This is essential for:
- Muscle relaxation
- Deep tissue work
- Trigger point therapy
- Injury prevention (for both client and therapist)
Because of this, tops (including sports bras) usually need to be removed. A bra creates barriers that make it impossible to apply lotion correctly or work the muscles effectively, especially in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and mid-back.
Simply put: massage cannot be performed properly over fabric.
Why Underwear or Nude Is Often Best
Many clients need work done on the glutes (hips and butt muscles), hip flexors, psoas, etc. especially athletes, gym-goers, runners, and people with low-back pain.
Wearing pants, shorts, large underwear, or compression clothing makes glute and hip work very difficult or impossible. Draping is always used, and glute work is done professionally and therapeutically.
Your Comfort Always Comes First
At Lift Life Massage Therapy:
- You are always in control
- You can wear as much or as little as you want
- You can change your mind at any time
- Areas you don’t want worked on will be avoided
If you prefer to stay more covered, we will absolutely accommodate you, we just want you to understand how clothing choices may affect the effectiveness of the massage.
Our goal is never to push boundaries, it’s to help you feel better, move better, and live pain-free.
Still Unsure? Just Ask
If you’re ever unsure about what to wear, let us know before your session begins. We’re happy to explain options, make adjustments, and ensure you feel completely comfortable and confident on the table.
Massage should feel safe, professional, and relaxing, always.
What to Expect Before the Massage Begins
If this is your first massage, it’s normal to wonder how the session actually starts. We want you to know exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
Before your massage begins, your therapist will:
- Review any intake forms or questions with you
- Ask about pain, injuries, goals, and areas you want (or don’t want) worked on
- Answer any last-minute questions you may have
Once everything is discussed, your therapist will step out of the room to give you complete privacy. During this time, the therapist typically goes to the bathroom and washes their hands before returning for the session.
This is when you will:
- Undress to your comfort level
- Get on the massage table
- Get underneath the sheets or blanket
When the therapist returns, you will already be fully covered. The session begins only after you are settled and comfortable.