What to Wear to Hot Springs, Including in Winter
Check your hot springs venue’s swimwear policy first. If the pool requires or allows swimwear, bring a suit, a towel if needed, and a separate bag for wet items. In winter, plan for the walk from the outdoor pool to the changing room and keep your socks and clothes dry until you leave.
Check swimwear rules before you pack
Look up the specific pool or bath on your reservation. Check swimwear, towel and robe rentals, where shoes are allowed, and whether there’s a changing room or locker. If you’re visiting with someone, confirm whether your booking gives you access to the same pool or bath.
| Venue | What to look up | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Managed mineral pool | Swimwear policy and whether to bring a towel. | Glenwood Hot Springs Resort gives etiquette advice for its pools and notes what’s available at the pool shop. |
| Geothermal spa | Which towels or robes your admission includes. | Blue Lagoon Iceland tells visitors to bring swimwear and says that admission includes a towel. |
| Traditional Japanese onsen | Whether your bath allows swimwear and where to leave clothing. | Japan’s national tourism guide explains that traditional onsen bathing is usually nude. |
Once you know a suit is allowed, choose one you’ll be comfortable sitting in. If you’re coordinating with another person, choose a shared color or print and let each person pick their cut. See the matching swimwear lookbook for examples.
Dress for the walk back in winter
Think about the two trips out of the water. You may only need a towel or robe for the short walk from the pool to the changing room. You’ll want fully dry clothes, socks and outdoor shoes for the walk back to your car or hotel.
- Set aside the clothes you’ll leave in. Put dry underwear, socks and a base layer together in the locker or a dry part of your bag. Keep boots and a coat for the outside walk.
- Keep a permitted layer close to the pool. Bring a robe, a large towel or whatever the venue allows, and check where you can leave it within reach. Ask what footwear is permitted on paths and in bathing areas.
- Separate wet items before you head outside. Towel off, change into dry clothes and bag the wet suit separately. If you’re soaking again the next day, hang or lay out the suit as its label directs when you get back.
What to put in your hot springs bag
- For the pool. Swimwear if permitted, towel if it isn’t provided, and whatever footwear or robe the venue allows.
- For the changing room. Dry underwear and socks, a full dry outfit, and an empty wet bag.
- For the trip back. Warm layers and outdoor shoes in winter, with a separate spot for your keys and phone.
- For a second visit. A spare suit if you’ll be back before the first one can dry.
For a trip with more than one swim day, start with the printable swim vacation checklist and add the layers you need for this venue.
Hot springs packing questions
Do I wear my swimsuit under my clothes on the way there?
That can work if you’ve confirmed the pool allows swimwear. If you’ll be out in cold weather afterward, pack dry underwear and time to change before leaving.
Do I need a robe if I have a towel?
A large towel may be enough for a short walk to a heated changing room. A robe can be useful between outdoor pools if the venue allows it. Check whether you can borrow or rent one.
What should I do with my swimsuit after a soak?
If you wore a suit, rinse it with fresh water after the visit and follow the wash and drying instructions on the garment label. Unpack it when you get back so it can dry.