First Time at a Hot Spring: When Should You Wear a Swimsuit?

If it is your first time going to a hot spring, chances are you feel a bit unsure. Not about the water, or the heat, or even the steam that part is easy. The awkward part? You are probably wondering if you are supposed to wear a swimsuit. And if yes, when exactly do you wear it? Are there places where it is not okay?

This is not a rulebook. It is a guide for people who are genuinely new to hot springs. Maybe you just booked a stay at a resort. Maybe a friend invited you to a wild spring out in the woods. You packed a swimsuit... but you are not sure if you will need it. Let us break it down in a way that makes sense, without overcomplicating things.

01 | Where You Soak Matters

Not all hot springs are the same. Whether or not you wear a swimsuit depends entirely on the type of place you are going. Here are the basics:

Public mixed-gender springs: Swimsuits are usually required. These are the ones where men and women bathe together in outdoor pools. You will often see signs that say “no nudity allowed.” Wearing a proper swimsuit helps everyone feel comfortable and keeps the atmosphere respectful.

Gender-separated indoor baths: These are usually nude-only. Wearing a swimsuit here is not just unnecessary it is often not allowed. The focus is on soaking quietly and mindfully, not on what anyone is wearing.

Private baths or in-room tubs: Your space, your choice. If you feel more relaxed wearing a swimsuit, go ahead. If you are alone or with someone you trust, you might prefer soaking without it. Do whatever makes the experience easier to enjoy.

Wild springs in nature: No formal rules, but in most cases, it is a good idea to bring a swimsuit. You never know who else might be there, and in more remote areas, wearing one adds a bit of comfort, both physical and social. Being prepared never hurts.

02 | Not All Swimsuits Can Handle Hot Springs

Let us say you decide to wear one great. Now make sure it can actually handle the water.

Hot spring water is not the same as a pool. It is hotter and full of minerals like sulfur. These can fade colors, stretch the fabric, and make your favorite bikini feel stiff or saggy after just one soak.

Look for swimsuits with:

Heat-resistant or “hot spring-safe” materials

Chlorine-resistant fabric blends

No underwire, to avoid warping from heat

Secure, full-coverage cuts that will not shift around in the water

Soft matte colors that photograph well in steamy, low-light settings

It is not about buying a fancy new swimsuit. It is about choosing one that makes sense for where you are going.

03 | Not Sure Yet? Just Pack It

If you are still deciding whether to wear a swimsuit or not, here is the simplest advice: bring it with you.

You do not need to make up your mind before you leave. Pack the suit, arrive at the spring, take a look around, feel it out. Maybe you thought you were fine with going nude, but once you are there, you prefer a little coverage. Or maybe you expected to wear your swimsuit but the setting feels peaceful and private enough to leave it off.

There is no pressure. Just options. Let the place and the moment guide you.

04 | When Exactly Do You Change Into It?

If you decide to wear a swimsuit, do not show up wearing it under your clothes. Use the changing room or your private space to change in. Always rinse your body before entering the bath—it is part of hot spring etiquette, and it helps keep the water clean for everyone.

After you soak, dry off and wrap your swimsuit in a towel before heading back to the changing area. Cleanliness and respect go hand in hand with relaxation.

Hot Spring Rule of Thumb: Respect and Ease

Wearing a swimsuit or not is not the real question. The better question is: what helps you relax?

Some people love the openness of a no-clothes soak. Others feel safer and more at ease with a bit of coverage. Neither is wrong. What matters is that you listen to your body and the space around you.

Hot springs are not about rules. They are about quiet, warmth, and letting go. Whether or not you wear a swimsuit should support that feeling—not take away from it.