A clean towel wrapped at the waist is the simplest option and works in most facilities. If you prefer underwear or shorts, go with natural or naturally derived fibers, loose fit, and nothing synthetic that traps heat against your skin.
The sauna question men actually search is simpler than the forums make it: towel or shorts, and does it matter? It does, but not for the reasons most posts lead with.
The basics: what actually works in the heat
Most gyms and public saunas require you to sit on a towel regardless of what you wear. That towel is doing real work, absorbing sweat and keeping the bench hygienic. If the facility allows it, a towel wrap alone is the cleanest option: nothing to trap heat, nothing to restrict airflow.
If you want coverage, the short list of what works:
- Cotton shorts or briefs, loose fit. Cotton absorbs moisture and doesn't cling. Heavy cotton gets saturated fast, so lighter is better.
- TENCEL or Lyocell-based underwear. These wood-pulp-derived fibers move moisture away from skin more efficiently than cotton and feel cooler against the body. [1]
- A simple linen wrap or swim shorts. Both breathe reasonably well and dry quickly between rounds.
What doesn't work: tight synthetic compression shorts or briefs. Polyester and nylon trap heat and hold moisture against the skin rather than moving it away. [1] In a sauna, that's the opposite of what you want.
What to think about after the sauna, not just during
The sauna itself raises your whole-body temperature, which is the point. But there's one area where excess heat is worth paying attention to even after you step out. Research on genital heat stress consistently links elevated temperatures in that area to changes in reproductive markers, and the effect doesn't stop the moment you leave the bench. [2]
Most men grab whatever's in their gym bag post-session. If that's tight synthetic underwear, you're adding heat back to an area that's already warm. A looser fit in a breathable fabric is a straightforward swap.
| Option | In the sauna | Post-sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Towel only | Best airflow | Not practical |
| Loose cotton shorts | Good | Fine |
| TENCEL/Lyocell briefs | Good, dries faster | Better than cotton for staying dry |
| Tight synthetic shorts | Traps heat and moisture | Same problem continues |
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Where Oakman fits into the sauna routine
Oakman is built specifically for active men looking for scrotal cooling all day and want the option of a cold pack for cooling in the sauna or after heat exposure. The fabric is TENCEL MicroModal, naturally derived from wood pulp rather than plastic, blended with ROICA V550, a clean Japanese stretch fiber, rather than conventional spandex. The fit is athletic with a gusset, an extra panel that gives the testicles room and airflow. Dyes are bluesign approved, so what touches your skin is controlled all the way through the supply chain. Launching Fall 2026. The Founding 100 get first access.
Related reading
- Should You Wear Underwear In A Sauna
- Best Sauna Routine For Men
- How To Stay Cool Where It Counts In A Sauna
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear underwear in a sauna?
Yes, most facilities allow it as long as you also sit on a towel. Choose a loose fit in a natural or naturally derived fiber. Tight synthetic underwear traps heat and moisture, which makes the experience less comfortable.
Is it better to go naked or wear something in a sauna?
Naked with a towel under you is the most practical option for airflow and hygiene. If you're in a mixed or public setting, loose cotton or TENCEL shorts are the next best choice.
Does what you wear in a sauna affect heat exposure?
Minimally during the session itself, since the ambient temperature is the dominant factor. What you wear matters more immediately after, when your body is still warm and fabric choice affects how quickly that heat dissipates.
Does genital heat from sauna use affect reproductive health?
Research links repeated sauna exposure to temporary changes in sperm parameters, with effects that reversed after stopping sessions. [2] The mechanism is heat stress in the genital area, which is why airflow and fit matter in the post-sauna window as well.
What should I bring to a sauna session?
A clean towel to sit on, water, and a change of clothes for after. See our full guide on what to wear and bring to a sauna session and how to use a sauna safely for the first time.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. If you have specific concerns about fertility or your health, talk to a qualified clinician.
