Whenever I tell people that I'm opening a Nordic-style sauna and cold plunge spa, one of the first questions I get is: "Are people going to be naked?" The question always comes with a mix of curiosity, concern, and sometimes nervous laughter. It's a perfect window into how deeply our American cultural attitudes toward nudity shape our expectations—and how different the rest of the world approaches this ancient wellness tradition.

But here's the key distinction most people don't understand: public saunas and private saunas operate by completely different rules.

The Public vs. Private Divide

In any commercial sauna facility—whether it's a spa, gym, or wellness center—swimwear is the standard in the United States and most public settings worldwide. When multiple strangers are sharing space, modesty and comfort levels take precedence. This is true whether you're at a luxury resort in Helsinki or a neighborhood gym in Grand Rapids.

The nudity traditions people hear about? Those primarily apply to private saunas—your backyard setup, a family cabin, or gatherings among friends. Even in Finland, public saunas often require swimwear in mixed-gender settings, while private family saunas embrace the traditional nude experience.

The American Anxiety About Nudity

This distinction is crucial because in the United States, we've inherited a complex relationship with the human body that likely stems from our Puritan and British colonial roots. This cultural conditioning has created an environment where nudity is almost exclusively associated with sexuality or shame. We've built entire industries around this discomfort—from elaborate gym locker room etiquette to the billion-dollar swimwear market.

But step outside American borders, and you'll discover that most of the world doesn't share this anxiety. More importantly, they understand the context: public spaces call for public etiquette, private spaces allow for traditional practices.

Finland: Where Context Matters Most

In Finland, the birthplace of sauna culture, this public-private distinction is perfectly understood. Finnish families sauna together nude in their private saunas without a second thought—it's been this way for over 2,000 years. But visit a public sauna in Helsinki, and you'll find swimwear requirements clearly posted, especially in mixed-gender facilities.

The philosophy remains the same: the sauna is a sacred space where pretense falls away. But Finns are also practical—they adapt their traditions to modern public settings while preserving the authentic experience in private contexts.

The Hygiene Factor in Both Settings

Regardless of clothing requirements, traditional sauna cultures emphasize cleanliness. In private nude saunas, everyone sits on clean towels. In public swimwear saunas, the same towel rule applies. The goal is always maintaining the purest, most hygienic environment possible.

What many Americans don't realize is that in traditional private settings, nudity serves hygiene purposes. Swimwear traps sweat, bacteria, and chemicals from pools or detergents. But in public commercial settings, fresh swimwear becomes the hygienic compromise that allows everyone to participate comfortably.

A Global Perspective on Public Saunas

Across the world, public sauna facilities generally accommodate modesty expectations. German spa hotels might have designated textile-free hours, but they also offer swimwear sessions. Korean jjimjilbangs separate by gender but require modest covering in common areas. Japanese onsen maintain traditional nudity in gender-separated areas while requiring swimwear in any mixed spaces.

The pattern is clear: public facilities adapt to serve diverse comfort levels, while private settings preserve authentic traditions.

Building Authentic Experiences at Nightjar

At Nightjar Sauna, we're building a public wellness facility, which means swimwear will be standard. This isn't about accommodating everyone's preferences—it's about following established norms for public sauna spaces. We're focused on delivering the real benefits of Nordic wellness culture: proper heat, quality steam, cold therapy, and genuine human connection.

The magic of sauna culture—the community building, the equality, the connection—happens regardless of clothing. When you're sharing 180-degree heat, conversations become genuine, barriers break down, and connections form naturally. The heat becomes a great equalizer whether you're wearing a swimsuit or not.

The Home Sauna Distinction

For those who invest in private home saunas—like my own sauna that started this whole journey—different rules can apply. In your backyard, with your family or close friends, you're free to embrace traditional practices if that's your choice. Many people discover that their private sauna becomes a space for deeper connection and authentic relaxation, following whatever traditions feel right for their household.

Beyond the Question

So when people ask me, "Are people going to be naked?" I tell them the truth: In our public facility, no—everyone wears swimwear. But I also share the reality that sauna culture around the world recognizes different settings call for different approaches.

The real transformation isn't about nudity—it's about vulnerability, equality, and connection. It's about stepping away from our daily performance of self and just being human together in the heat. Whether in swimwear at a public spa or following ancient traditions in a private setting, people are participating in something profound and healing.

The most important thing isn't what you wear or don't wear. It's showing up, embracing the heat, and discovering what thousands of years of human wisdom about wellness and community can offer your modern life.