In this article, I’m answering; what do massage therapists wear?
Thinking about becoming a massage therapist and wondering what you’ll be wearing?
There are two answers to this;
If you’re working for a company, you’ll most likely have a uniform.
If you’re self-employed, you can wear what you want!
There is, of course, an appropriate dress code for massage therapists, here’s a look at what massage therapists wear:
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What Do Massage Therapists Wear?
As I touched on, what you will wear as a massage therapist depends on whether you’re working for a company or you’re self-employed.
If you’re employed, you’re probably going to wear a uniform.
A typical massage therapist uniform will be a polo shirt with the company logo, black pants, and closed-toe shoes.
The items will be loose-fitting, often like a doctor’s scrubs. This enables massage therapists to have a good range of motion and not feel restricted while working on clients.
If you’re self-employed you have more flexibility in what you can wear, although you’ll still want to wear clothes that allow you to perform massages freely and comfortably.
What Is the Appropriate Attire of A Massage Therapist?
Now that we’ve answered the question; what do massage therapists wear, let’s take a look at the appropriateness of their attire.
The main thing to consider is that you want your clients to feel comfortable.
This means avoiding anything too revealing or suggestive.
Your clothing should also be clean and presentable.
While you may not be required to wear a uniform, you should still look professional.
Some appropriate attire options for self-employed massage therapists include; slacks, a blouse, a sweater, or a dress.
It’s important that you look and act professionally at all times, and what you wear gives that all-important first impression.
What Kind of Pants Should a Massage Therapist Wear?
There are a few different types of pants that massage therapists can wear.
Some popular options include; slacks, leggings, yoga pants, and sweatpants.
All of these options allow you to move freely and comfortably while performing massages.
It’s important to choose a comfortable pair of pants that you can move easily in.
What Type of Shirt Is Most Appropriate for Massage Practitioners?
There are a few different types of shirts that are appropriate for massage practitioners.
Some popular options include; polo shirts, button-down shirts, and t-shirts.
All of these shirt options allow you to move freely while performing massages.
It’s important to choose a comfortable shirt that you can move easily in.
Most massage therapists choose white as their color, as this is clinical-looking and shows that you’re clean and tidy.
Do Massage Therapists Have to Wear Gloves?
No, massage therapists do not have to wear gloves.
However, some therapists choose to wear gloves while performing massages.
There are a few reasons why therapists might choose to wear gloves.
Some therapists believe that it helps them to avoid getting oils and lotions on their hands.
Other therapists believe that it helps them to avoid contact with body fluids.
It’s still fairly rare in my experience to see a massage therapist wearing gloves, but it is possible.
Do Massage Therapists Have to Wear a Mask?
No, massage therapists do not have to wear a mask.
However, some therapists choose to wear a mask while performing massages.
There are a few reasons why therapists might choose to wear a mask.
It’s still a protocol in some areas due to the pandemic and is something you should bring up in your pre-massage meeting if you want to address it.
Related – How cupping can help with anxiety.
Can Massage Therapists Wear Jewelry?
Yes, massage therapists can wear jewelry – although it’s often frowned upon.
There are a few things to consider when wearing jewelry as a massage therapist.
You want to avoid anything that could potentially scratch or break during a massage.
You also want to avoid anything that is too loud or distracting.
The best bet is to stick with simple and small pieces of jewelry, pretty much anything that can’t be seen or doesn’t move.
If a massage therapist does wear something that distracts or offends the client, they may file a complaint.
That’s the last thing you want, so sometimes it’s just best to just avoid wearing jewelry altogether.
In Summary
As a massage therapist, it’s important that you dress appropriately.
Your clothing should be clean and presentable, and you want to avoid anything too revealing or suggestive.
It’s also important to choose clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely so you can carry out all the message strokes and techniques with ease.
Header Photo by Usen Parmanov on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.