Yes, you can wear pants during a massage, especially loose-fitting ones like sweatpants or yoga pants, and therapists can often work around them, but for a deeper, more effective massage on the glutes, hips, or lower back, you might need to remove them for better access, though you'll always be draped with a sheet for privacy. Your comfort is the top priority, so communicate with your therapist about what feels right, as some styles (like Thai massage) are done fully clothed, while others allow you to undress to your comfort level.
For a massage, wear loose, comfortable clothing like sweatpants, yoga pants, or a soft t-shirt that's easy to remove and won't get ruined by oil, as you'll likely undress to your comfort level (often to underwear or completely) and be draped with a sheet, but always choose what makes you feel most relaxed, notes Tay Medispa, Prime Massage Chairs, wikiHow, and Aescape.
Yes, a massage therapist can work on the groin area (adductor muscles) for therapeutic reasons, especially for athletes with strains, but it requires clear consent, proper draping (usually covering the inner thigh), and strict professional boundaries, focusing on the muscles rather than genitals, as it's a sensitive area with risks of misinterpretation.
During a massage, you should not hold your breath, tense up, endure sharp pain, talk excessively (unless giving feedback), "help" the therapist move, touch them inappropriately, or be under the influence of substances; also, avoid heavy meals or sunburns beforehand, and communicate any discomfort or medical conditions to ensure a safe, effective, and relaxing experience.
For a male full body massage, wear loose, comfortable clothing like sweatpants, athletic shorts, or a baggy t-shirt that's easy to remove and won't feel bad if it gets oily; you can undress to your comfort level (many leave underwear on, while others go fully nude, covered by a sheet), and the key is communication with your therapist about your modesty preferences for effective treatment.
B2B massage, or Body-to-Body massage, is an intimate, sensual massage where the therapist uses their entire body (arms, legs, chest) to apply pressure and connect with the client's body, rather than just hands, often using oils for deep, full-body contact to release stress and provide intense physical connection, differentiating from traditional therapeutic massage by its focus on immersive touch and emotional release.
No, you do not have to be completely naked for a full body massage; it's entirely up to your comfort level, though therapists often work best with minimal clothing to access muscles, and you'll always be professionally draped with a sheet or towel. You can keep underwear on, and therapists are skilled at working around clothes, but styles like Shiatsu or Thai massage are done fully clothed, while for others, keeping underwear on might limit access to areas like the glutes or lower back.
No, a professional massage therapist should never touch a client's genitals, and generally avoids breasts, keeping private areas draped at all times, as this is considered sexual misconduct, abuse, or prostitution, even if initiated by the client; proper massage focuses on therapeutic areas, using draping to respect boundaries, and any touching of sensitive areas like glutes or inner thighs requires clear communication and consent, with the client always in control and able to stop the massage.
Massage red flags include professionalism issues (no license, unsanitary space, unprofessional boundaries, inappropriate touch, poor communication, body shaming) and physical warning signs (sharp pain, numbness/weakness, nausea, intense pain that takes your breath away, symptoms that worsen or don't improve). Trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable, and prioritize a therapist who respects your boundaries, communicates clearly, and maintains professional standards for hygiene and draping, as indicated by this article from All Bodies Massage Therapy.
Massage therapists must also be aware of endangerment sites where deep pressure should be avoided:
When massaging, avoid vulnerable areas like the front/sides of the neck, armpits (axilla), behind the knees (popliteal fossa), abdomen (especially if pregnant), groin (inguinal triangle), and the spine's bony prominences, due to major nerves, arteries, and organs. Also avoid injured spots, open wounds, rashes, bruises, varicose veins, recent surgical sites, sunburns, and any unknown lumps or skin conditions to prevent injury, infection, or worsening symptoms.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.
Dress down to your comfort.
You'll be asked to remove your clothing for a full-body massage. But how much clothing you take off is totally up to you. You can keep your underwear on if you prefer. The therapist will always drape you properly to keep you covered and comfortable.
Modesty draping is the technique of using folded sheets or towels to cover the client's body, except for the area being worked on. A sheet folded once is twice as thick. Percale sheets provide good coverage to parts of the body not being worked on.
The 2-year rule is APA's way of acknowledging that life holds few absolutes; many continua need to be considered. Thus, the Ethics Code includes an absolute prohibition against sex with former clients for a period of two years following termination.
What Are The 5 Basic Massage Movements? The five basic massage movements are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Each of these movements is designed to provide a different type of massage experience.
Yes, it's completely normal to have releases during a massage, including emotional (tears, laughter, shaking) and physical (ejaculation, gas, erections) reactions, as deep relaxation and touch can unlock stored tension and trigger the nervous system, but a professional therapist will manage these calmly and professionally, focusing on your well-being, as described by Fertile Ground Health Group and the Institute for Integrative Healthcare.
Massage modalities which often include full breast and chest massage within a full body massage:
It feels great, and unbeknownst to me, I'm a moaner, and I moan when it feels really good. Well apparently, that's a no-no and you're not supposed to moan even if you have a male massage therapist.
Many people prefer to keep their undergarments on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's completely up to you.
A therapist should never be sexual in any way with a client. That includes sexual touching, sexually explicit comments to or any sexual act whatsoever. Every well-trained massage therapist understands—or should understand—the guidelines that follow.
Consider The Type of Massage
For a full-body massage, you will likely be required to undress completely or leave only your underwear on. However, if you're opting for a chair massage or reflexology, the choice of clothing is not an issue as you will be able to keep more clothing on.