Ever walked outside on a hot day in a black T-shirt and instantly felt like you were baking? Or worn a thick sweater in the sun and regretted it? The same idea applies to infrared therapy—what you wear (or don’t wear) directly impacts how well the treatment works.
At Body Lab Studio, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Does my clothing affect my infrared therapy results?”
The short answer? Yes. The right clothing allows infrared light to penetrate deeper, improving circulation, relaxation, and detoxification. The wrong clothing? It can block absorption and reduce the therapy’s effectiveness. If you want to get the most out of every session, here’s what you need to know.
Why Clothing Matters in Infrared Therapy
Infrared therapy works by emitting light waves that penetrate the skin, gently raising your core temperature, improving circulation, and promoting detoxification. But if you’re wearing thick or synthetic clothing, you’re creating a barrier that blocks or reflects the infrared waves, preventing your body from fully absorbing the benefits.
Think of it this way:
- Infrared therapy is like basking in the sun. Just as sunscreen blocks UV rays, tight or synthetic clothing can block infrared waves, stopping them from reaching deep into muscles and tissues.
- Light, breathable fabrics act like an open window. They let infrared light pass through easily, ensuring your body absorbs the full benefits of the session.
The bottom line? More direct skin exposure = better results.
Best and Worst Clothing Choices for Infrared Therapy
Wearing the right clothing (or less clothing) helps your body fully absorb infrared light and maximize the benefits of the session.
Best Clothing Choices for Infrared Therapy
✔ Loose cotton or bamboo fabric – Breathable and allows infrared light to penetrate the skin fully.
✔ Minimal clothing (if comfortable) – The more skin exposure, the better the therapy works.
✔ Breathable, sweat-wicking materials – Helps regulate body temperature and enhance detoxification.
What to Avoid
✖ Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex – Blocks infrared absorption, limiting the benefits.
✖ Compression leggings or sports bras – Restricts circulation, preventing deep muscle relief.
✖ Heavy layers – Traps heat, making the session less comfortable and less effective.
Visual Suggestion: A simple infographic comparing “Best vs. Worst Attire for Infrared Therapy”, with a quick breakdown of materials.
Maximizing Your Therapy Results
Beyond clothing, a few simple adjustments can help you get the most out of your infrared therapy session:
- Stay Hydrated – Infrared therapy increases sweating, so drinking water before and after enhances detoxification.
- Stretch Before & After – Light movement helps improve circulation and muscle recovery.
- Be Consistent – Like any wellness practice, regular sessions deliver the best long-term results.
Final Thoughts: Dress Smart, Feel Better
Wearing the right clothing isn’t just about comfort—it directly impacts how well your body absorbs infrared light. Small changes, like swapping tight synthetic fabrics for loose, breathable cotton, can make a huge difference in your therapy results.
Want to experience the full benefits of infrared therapy?
Book your session today and arrive dressed for success.
REFERENCE
- Barolet, D., & Boucher, A. (2010). Prophylactic low-level light therapy for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids: A case series. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(6), 597–601.
This study highlights the importance of direct skin exposure to light therapy for optimal results. The authors emphasize that clothing can act as a barrier, reducing the therapy’s efficacy. - Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: Stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52.
This comprehensive review discusses the mechanisms by which light therapy interacts with skin tissues. It notes that the presence of clothing can interfere with light absorption, suggesting that minimal or no clothing enhances therapeutic outcomes. - Enwemeka, C. S., Parker, J. C., Dowdy, D. S., Harkness, E. E., Sanford, L. E., & Woodruff, L. D. (2004). The efficacy of low-power lasers in tissue repair and pain control: A meta-analysis study. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 22(4), 323–329.
This meta-analysis indicates that direct application of light therapy to the skin is crucial for effective tissue repair and pain management. The study suggests that clothing may obstruct the light’s penetration, thereby diminishing its therapeutic benefits. - Mignon, C., Botchkareva, N. V., Uzunbajakava, N. E., & Tobin, D. J. (2016). Differential effect of red and near-infrared light on the expression of genes associated with inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and migration. Scientific Reports, 6, 30517.
This research explores how red and near-infrared light affect gene expression related to skin healing. The findings underscore the necessity of unobstructed light exposure to the skin, as clothing can impede the light’s ability to modulate these critical biological processes. - Alghamdi, K. M., Kumar, A., & Moussa, N. A. (2012). Low-level laser therapy: A useful technique for enhancing the proliferation of various cultured cells. Lasers in Medical Science, 27(1), 237–249.
This study demonstrates that low-level laser therapy enhances cell proliferation, a key factor in tissue healing. The authors note that for maximum effectiveness, the light should directly contact the skin, as clothing can absorb or reflect the therapeutic wavelengths.
