EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear to a Spa Day in the UK (Arrival, Robe, Lunch and Outdoor Pools)

“A spa day isn't the moment for a capsule wardrobe reveal. You'll spend most of the day in a robe, with slightly damp hair and no plans to impress anybody. Pack a dry swimsuit and something easy to go home in, and let that be enough.”Her take

What to wear on the way there

Wear something that's easy to take off and put back on with damp skin. Soft trousers, a loose jumper and a long cardigan are all good, as are slip-on boots or trainers without complicated laces. Skip tight waistbands and fitted jeans, as those are the last things you'll want to put on after a long soak.

If you're going in winter, take a warm coat for the car park and the walk to the door. Choose a neutral, comfortable outfit you'd be happy to wear for a meal afterwards. Leave make-up at home if you can. It'll only end up around your eyes, and you probably won't need it until you leave.

What to pack for a spa day

Most spas provide a robe and towels, but not all include slippers, and some ask you to bring your own items. Check your booking confirmation. If in doubt, pack as though you'll need it. Pack everything into one large bag, with the wet-things bag in the side pocket, so you aren't hunting for it in the changing room.

• Two swimsuits, so you've got a dry one for lunch or your treatment.
• Flip-flops or pool sliders with a good grip.
• A waterproof bag for wet swimwear.
• A hair bobble, comb and a little leave-in conditioner.
• A water bottle and a book you don't mind getting damp.
• A small coin for lockers if your confirmation mentions one, plus simple toiletries.
• Gym kit and clean trainers, only if you've booked a class or plan to use the gym.

What to wear under the robe

Swimwear is the usual requirement in the pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, so a swimsuit or bikini is the right choice. Pick something that stays in place and that you don't mind getting wet many times. Wear a simple, dark style, as bright colours can fade with repeated use in chlorine. Heavy embellishments can heat up in the sauna and may catch on the robe.

Keep your robe tied and your flip-flops on when moving around, and check the rules on footwear, because some spas don't allow your own shoes at the poolside or in the heat rooms. If you're nervous about your first spa day, it's useful to know that almost everybody looks the same: robe, damp hair, and looking slightly dazed in the best way.

What to wear for a massage or facial

Your therapist will explain what to remove, then leave the room while you get ready. Towels or sheets are used to cover you throughout, with only the area being treated uncovered. For a back massage, you'd usually undress to the waist. Many people keep their underwear or a dry swimsuit on. If you're given disposable underwear, you can use it if you'd prefer.

Ask if you're unsure. A good therapist will tell you what's comfortable and what suits the treatment. Take off jewellery before you arrive, or leave it in a locker or a zipped pocket. For a facial, tie your hair back and bring a soft cardigan to put on afterwards, in case you feel chilly.

Lunch, afternoon tea and dress codes

Many spa restaurants let you eat in a robe, but it isn't universal. Some ask you to dress for lunch, and hotels sometimes keep their main dining room separate, with a smarter code that often tightens again in the evening. Check before you arrive, as you might need trousers and a jumper to go through the lobby. Change into a dry swimsuit under your robe, or you'll sit through lunch in damp fabric.

If you're moving into a hotel restaurant or staying for afternoon tea, pack one easy outfit that won't need ironing. A long jersey dress with a soft cardigan works, or jogging-style trousers in a dark fabric with a fine knit. Add a pair of simple earrings and some lip balm, and you're ready to go.

Winter spa extras: outdoor pools, hair and jewellery

Outdoor hot tubs are lovely in winter, but the walk there can feel very cold. Take a dry robe, flip-flops and, if allowed, a wool hat, then keep a towel close by. Tie your hair up before you get in. A little leave-in conditioner on the lengths may help them feel less tangled after chlorine and hot water.

Leave your jewellery at home, or lock it away. Chlorine, salts and mineral waters can dull or discolour some metals, and small items are easily lost in a pool. Before you go home, dry your hair fully, put on warm socks and your coat, and make sure you've got your swimsuit in the wet bag, not your handbag.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Travel comfortable, pack two swimsuits and a wet bag, leave your jewellery behind, and check the lunch dress code before you leave home.

Read next