What to Wear When You Arrive
Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. Most guests arrive in everyday clothes (jeans, work clothes, gym wear) and that's completely fine. You'll change once you're in the treatment room, so your arrival outfit matters less than you might think.
That said, loose clothing makes your life easier afterward. Here's why: you'll have massage oil or lotion on your skin when you're done. A fitted dress shirt or tight jeans can stick to that residue. Yoga pants, leggings, a loose t-shirt, sweatpants, or a casual dress all work well. Think about what you'd wear on a relaxed weekend, not a job interview.
Slip-on shoes beat lace-ups. You'll take your shoes off before entering the treatment room, and fumbling with laces when you're deeply relaxed afterward isn't fun.
Skip heavy perfume or cologne. You'll spend 60 to 90 minutes in an enclosed room, and strong scents can trigger headaches (yours or your therapist's). Light deodorant is fine. If you're worried about coming straight from work or the gym, don't be. A shower before your massage is appreciated if possible, but many guests come straight from work and that's completely fine. Arriving clean and fresh is always welcome, but therapists understand that busy schedules don't always allow time for a shower beforehand.
What Happens When You Arrive
You'll check in at the front desk, then your therapist will walk you to the treatment room. You won't change in a locker room. Everything happens in the private massage room itself.
Your therapist will step out and give you complete privacy to undress. You'll have three to five minutes alone. No one rushes you.
How Much Do You Undress?
This is the question almost every first-timer worries about. The answer: whatever makes you comfortable.
Most guests remove everything except underwear for a full-body table massage. Some remove everything, including underwear. Some keep a bra on, some don't. There is no rule, and our therapists work with whatever you choose.
Professional draping keeps you covered the entire session. You'll lie under a sheet (and often a blanket). Your therapist uncovers only the body part being worked on at that moment. If your therapist is massaging your right leg, your left leg, torso, chest, and arms stay covered. When moving to your back, your leg is re-covered first. Licensed therapists follow professional draping standards that keep you comfortable and appropriately covered throughout.
If you're not sure what to do, start with underwear on. You can always adjust for next time.
Should You Remove Your Bra?
For a back massage, most women do. Bra straps and bands get in the way of shoulder, upper back, and mid-back work. But if you'd rather keep it on, that's fine. Your therapist will work around it. You can also unclasp it but leave it on, or ask your therapist to work through a thin tank top instead of directly on skin.
Front-clasp bras are slightly easier than back-clasp, but truly, you'll be under the sheet either way. Do what feels right.
What About Men?
Most men remove everything except underwear, or remove underwear too. Boxers, briefs, or compression shorts all work. If you're wearing something very tight (like small briefs), your therapist might not be able to fully access your lower back, glutes, or hip flexors. Looser boxers give your therapist more room to work those areas while you stay covered by the drape.
Jewelry, Watches, and Glasses
Remove anything that might get in the way or get oily. Necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings (especially large rings), and earrings can dig into your skin when you're face-down on the table. Glasses obviously come off. Leave everything on the chair or shelf in the room. Some guests prefer to put jewelry in their bag or pocket.
What to Wear for Different Massage Types
Not all massage happens on a table with oil. The type of bodywork you're receiving changes what you wear.
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Hot Stone
These all use a massage table, oil or lotion, and draping. Undress to your comfort level as described above. For prenatal massage, you'll also use special cushions or a side-lying position, but the clothing (or lack of it) works the same way. If you're pregnant and more comfortable keeping underwear and a sports bra on, absolutely do that. Your therapist will still have full access to your back, legs, neck, and shoulders.
If you have questions about prenatal massage safety, check with your doctor, especially if you have any high-risk conditions. Many massage therapists prefer to work with clients after the first trimester, though trained prenatal massage therapists can safely work with clients at any stage of pregnancy.
Thai Massage
Stay fully clothed. Thai massage uses stretching, compression, and assisted yoga-like movements. No oil. You'll lie on a padded mat on the floor, and your therapist will move your body through various stretches.
Wear (or bring) loose, stretchy clothing: yoga pants or sweatpants, and a t-shirt or long-sleeve top that moves with you. Avoid jeans, skirts, button-down shirts, or anything restrictive. Think gym clothes. Your regular street clothes will stay clean since there's no lotion involved.
Couples Massage
You and your partner will be in the same room on two separate tables with two therapists. Each of you undresses to your own comfort level, just like a solo session. Some couples keep a bit more clothing on because they feel a little more self-conscious with their partner nearby. Others don't. Both tables have full draping, and your therapists treat the session with the same professionalism as individual appointments.
What If You're Coming Straight from Work?
Totally normal. Many of our guests book an evening appointment after a full workday. If you're in business attire (dress pants, a blouse, a tie, dress shoes), you'll be fine. You might feel a tiny bit of oil transfer when you get dressed again, but it's minimal. If you're concerned, throw a change of clothes in your car or bag: a clean t-shirt and soft pants to wear home.
Some people keep a small "spa kit" in their car with flip-flops, yoga pants, and a loose top. Not required, but handy if you book massages regularly.
What Stays On During the Massage?
Socks can stay on if your feet are cold, but most people take them off. Your therapist will usually massage your feet (even in a full-body session), and socks get in the way. If you have a medical reason to keep socks on, just let your therapist know.
Hair ties: if you have long hair, pull it up or to the side so it's not in the face cradle when you're lying face-down. A loose bun or ponytail works. You don't need to create an elaborate updo. Your therapist can also help adjust your hair once you're on the table.
What to Tell Your Therapist
Before you undress, your therapist will ask about any areas of pain, injuries, or places you'd like focused on. This is also the time to mention if you prefer deeper pressure or lighter touch, and if you have any clothing preferences.
You can say:
- "I'd like to keep my underwear and bra on."
- "Is it okay if I keep my socks on? My feet get cold."
- "I'm keeping my underwear on, but I'm okay if you work my lower back and glutes over the drape."
- "I'd rather you skip my glutes entirely."
- "This is my first massage and I'm a little nervous about what to take off."
Good therapists want you to feel safe and comfortable. If something feels awkward or you change your mind mid-session ("Actually, can you skip my stomach?"), speak up. You're always in control.
You can learn more about what to expect overall in our complete guide to massage therapy in Katy and West Houston.
After Your Massage
Your therapist will leave the room so you can get dressed in private. Take your time. Move slowly. You might feel very relaxed, and standing up too quickly after lying down for an hour can make you lightheaded.
Your skin will have some oil or lotion residue. That's normal. It absorbs over the next hour or two. If it bothers you, bring a small towel to blot your arms and legs, or wear that loose change of clothes. Some spas offer a quick rinse-off area, but not all do. You'll get dressed in the treatment room and head out when you're ready.
Drink water. Massage increases circulation in the tissues being worked. Staying hydrated after your session supports your body's normal recovery processes.
Common Worries
What if I'm self-conscious about my body? Your therapist has seen every body type, age, and shape. We're looking at muscles, tension, and movement patterns, not judging your appearance. The draping keeps you covered. If it helps, remember that the room is dimly lit and your therapist's focus is on the tissue under their hands, not on how you look.
What if I get cold? Let your therapist know before you start or during the session. We can add a blanket, adjust the room temperature, or use a warmer on the table. Many people feel chilly when they're relaxed and mostly still for an hour.
What if I'm ticklish? Mention it. Light touch can trigger ticklishness. Firm, confident pressure usually doesn't. Your therapist can adjust technique on your ribs, feet, or anywhere else that's sensitive.
What if I'm very modest due to cultural or religious reasons? You can stay fully clothed and request a massage through your clothing, or ask for specific areas only (back and shoulders, for instance, with a loose shirt that can be lifted slightly). Some guests prefer a same-gender therapist. Call ahead at (346) 258-5588 if you have specific requests, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Booking Your Appointment
We're open seven days a week, 9 AM to 9 PM, at 19355 Katy Fwy, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77094. You can book online anytime at booking.lamoondayspa.com or call us at (346) 258-5588. If you have questions about what to wear for a specific service (lymphatic massage, Thai massage, or anything else), just ask when you book. We'll walk you through it.
More than 480 guests have left us reviews (4.9 stars on Google), and many mention how comfortable our therapists made them feel during their first visit. Wear what feels right, undress to your comfort level, and let us take care of the rest. You'll leave feeling loose, calm, and glad you came.
Frequently asked questions
Do I take off all my clothes for a full body massage?
You undress to whatever level feels comfortable to you. Many guests remove everything except underwear. Some keep more on, some less. Your therapist will step out while you undress and get under the sheet, and professional draping keeps you covered throughout the session. There's no single right answer.
Do I take off clothes for a Thai massage?
No. Traditional Thai massage is done fully clothed because it uses stretching and compression techniques through fabric. Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing like yoga pants and a t-shirt. You won't use oil or lotion, so your regular clothes stay clean.
What are red flags during a massage session?
A therapist should never ask you to remove underwear, touch you inappropriately, or make you feel uncomfortable. Professional draping should keep private areas covered at all times. If anything feels wrong, speak up immediately or end the session. Licensed therapists follow strict ethical standards set by organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association.
What should you not do before a massage?
Don't eat a heavy meal right before (a light snack is fine). Skip strong perfumes or colognes that might bother you or your therapist in the enclosed room. If possible, shower beforehand, especially if you're coming from the gym, but many people come straight from work and that's perfectly acceptable.
Do and don'ts after a massage?
Do drink extra water for the rest of the day. Do move slowly when getting up, since you might feel very relaxed. Don't jump into intense exercise right away. Don't be alarmed if you feel a little sore the next day after deep work. That tenderness usually fades within 24 to 48 hours.
What is the proper tip for a 1 hour massage?
15 to 20 percent is standard, similar to restaurant service. For a $100 massage, that's $15 to $20. If your therapist did exceptional work or addressed a specific problem area that's been bothering you, you might tip more. Cash is easiest for therapists, but most spas can add gratuity to your card payment.
Part of our guide: Complete Guide to Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know