What to Wear in a Hot Tub in Winter

As the chilly winter air sets in, immersing yourself in the warm embrace of a hot tub becomes an enticing prospect. But what’s the ideal attire for this wintry indulgence? To ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment, let’s dive into the perfect winter hot tub attire.

Wear a clean and durable swimsuit, a hat, lip balm, moisturizer, a robe, and slippers. These items will keep you warm, comfortable and protect your skin and hair.

What to Wear In the Hot Tub

Enjoy winter hot tubbing in comfort and safety by focusing on quick-drying materials, non-slip footwear, and rapid post-soak warming!

Swimwear

Opt for a quick-drying synthetic swimsuit (polyester or nylon) to avoid staying wet and chilled. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture.
Consider a rash guard or thermal swimwear for extra insulation in extreme cold—though the hot water often provides enough warmth.

Optional Accessories

Water-resistant beanie: Neoprene or quick-dry fabric can help retain body heat if you’re sensitive to the cold.
Remove jewelry: Metal can heat up in the water and cause discomfort or burns.

What to Wear When Entering/Exiting

Footwear

Non-slip sandals or waterproof shoes help prevent slips on icy or wet surfaces. Avoid going barefoot.

Warm Layers Nearby

Keep a plush robe or large towel nearby to wrap up quickly after soaking.
Insulated slippers or boots help maintain warmth post-soak.

Post-Tub Essentials

Change into warm, dry layers (like fleece or wool). Don’t forget socks and a hat to hold in heat.

Additional Tips

Avoid street clothes: They trap dirt and take longer to dry.
Check local hot tub rules: Some spas restrict certain fabrics or dyes.
Stay safe: Limit your soak to 15–30 minutes and stay hydrated to avoid overheating.

A person relaxes in a steaming hot tub surrounded by snow, wearing a vibrant swimsuit and water-resistant beanie. The scene includes string lights, snowflakes, and a frosty wooden deck with sandals, robe, and towels nearby. — A serene winter escape with a warm hot tub, snowflakes falling, and cozy details.

Embrace Layers for Warmth

Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your skin dry and retain warmth.
Insulating Layer: Opt for a cozy fleece or thermal layer to trap heat close to your body.
Outerwear: A plush robe or a thick towel is an excellent outer layer to shield against the cold when moving to and from the hot tub.

Choose Swimwear Wisely

Swimsuit: Select a swimsuit made from a thicker material to provide additional insulation.
Wetsuit: For prolonged sessions or frigid climates, consider wearing a wetsuit for superior warmth retention.

Winter Hot Tubbing: Tips and Advice from a Hot Tub Lover

Hi, I’m a hot tub lover and enjoy soaking in the warm water during winter. But I know that choosing what to wear can be a challenge.

How do you stay comfortable and stylish in the cold weather?
How do you protect your skin and hair from the hot water and the cold air?
How do you avoid damaging your swimsuit or the hot tub?

For more about Hot Tub Clothing Etiquette.

Wear a clean and dedicated swimsuit.

When using a hot tub in winter, wear a clean swimsuit that fits well. Avoid street clothes, underwear, or jewelry that can damage the hot tub or carry bacteria. Rinse your swimsuit before entering the hot tub to avoid contaminating the water.

Consider having a separate swimsuit for hot tub use, preferably made of durable fabric like nylon. Here are some swimsuit suggestions:

A one-piece swimsuit with a high neckline for women: Provides warmth, modesty, and freedom of movement.
A two-piece swimsuit with a halter top and boy shorts for women: Offers flexibility, comfort, and adequate coverage.
A swim trunk with an elastic waistband and mesh lining for men: Provides breathability, comfort, and prevents chafing.
A swim brief with a low-rise cut and snug fit for men: Offers freedom of movement and enhances appearance.

A hot tub in a snowy forest with a young couple in it at night. (What to Wear in a Hot Tub in Winter) — Heating up the cold night with some hot tub fun.

Wear a hat to keep your head warm.

Wear a hat in a hot tub during winter to keep your head warm and protect your hair. A hat can prevent heat loss and protect your hair from freezing. Choose a comfortable, waterproof hat that’s easy to remove.

A beanie with a pom-pom or cuff for a casual look and ear warmth.
An earmuff with faux fur or fleece lining for a chic look and noise blocking.
A cap with a visor or flap for a sporty look and sun or snow protection.

A woman wearing a light brown knit beanie with a dark brown pom pom on top in a forest or park setting. — Enjoying the winter weather with a cozy beanie.

Wear lip balm and moisturizer to protect your skin.

To prevent skin dryness and cracking during winter, apply lip balm and moisturizer while in a hot tub. Apply these before and after using the hot tub.

Choose natural products like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera to moisturize without clogging pores. Avoid perfumes, alcohol, or artificial colors that irritate skin or pollute water. I have some product suggestions for you:

Shea butter and beeswax lip balm: Soothes and heals chapped lips and provides a protective barrier.
Coconut oil and vitamin E moisturizer: Hydrates and nourishes skin and helps prevent wrinkles and sun damage.
Aloe vera and cucumber gel: Cools and calms skin and reduces inflammation and redness.

You may also like our article: Why You Need an Outdoor Robe Warmer for Hot Tub.

Wear a robe and slippers to keep you cozy.

Wear a robe and slippers to stay warm when you get out of a hot tub in winter. Choose a fluffy robe and slippers of fleece, cotton, or microfiber. They should be durable, easy to wash, and slip-resistant. Here are some options:

A hooded robe with pockets for extra warmth and convenience.
A belted robe with a collar for flexibility and comfort.
Slippers with memory foam or rubber soles for cushioning and grip.
Fur or fleece-lined slippers for softness and warmth. Enjoy your cozy time!

For additional information, visit Hot Tub Patio , or if you’re interested in more reading, see our Guides .

Enjoying Your Winter Hot Tub Experience

Using a hot tub in winter can be an excellent way to relax and enjoy the cold season. However, you need to know what to wear in a hot tub in winter to stay comfortable and safe. In this article, I gave you some tips and suggestions. We hope these tips help you enjoy your hotel hot tub experience in winter.

FAQs

Wearing a swimsuit is recommended as it provides the appropriate coverage and comfort for your hot tub experience.

It’s not recommended to wear regular clothes as they may get damaged or become uncomfortable when soaked in water.

Opt for thicker materials like neoprene or thermal swimwear to keep yourself warm while enjoying the hot tub.

Wearing a robe or towel before and after using the hot tub is highly recommended to maintain body heat and protect against cold temperatures.

It is generally advised not to wear socks or slippers inside the hot tub as they can interfere with proper circulation and may become slippery when wet.

Wearing a hat or head covering can help retain body heat, especially if you have long hair that might take longer to dry after leaving the hot tub.

Avoid wearing cotton clothing as it absorbs moisture and makes you feel colder once out of the water.

It’s recommended to wear a bathing suit in a hot tub for hygiene and comfort. The design of bathing suits is for water, and they are made from materials that dry quickly and don’t trap moisture, which contributes to a clean environment. Personal modesty and the cleanliness of the water are both important, as clothes like regular pants or shorts can introduce dirt, oils, and other contaminants.

To keep your towels warm after soaking, consider using an electric towel warmer or heated towel rack. You can also drape towels near a heater or in a sunny spot before getting in. To maintain warmth while drying off, consider storing towels in a thermal bag or wrapping up in a blanket after your soak. Using these methods will ensure that you step out of the tub in cozy and warm towels during winter.

Check out Hot Tub Robe Warmers for extra post-soak comfort.

If you liked this article, please share it with your friends or drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

Curious to learn more about hot tubs? Browse our other articles for more tips and insights. Thanks for reading! 😊

What to Wear in a Hot Tub in Winter