Which sauna suit is best?
Putting on a sauna suit is an excellent way to promote perspiration and shed extra water weight. They are typically insulated and feature elastic at the waist, wrists and ankles.
The best sauna suit is flexible enough to move with you, durable enough to handle your most challenging workouts and stylish enough to blend in with your existing gym wardrobe.
What to know before you buy a sauna suit
How a sauna suit works
High-quality sauna suits are full-length on your limbs and land at the base of your neck, with elastic cinching the waist, wrists and ankles. Those features trap your body heat with the help of a thick inner layer of polyvinyl chloride, nylon or silver polyurethane for added insulation. The added layers make you sweat more during your workout, and the cinched pants, waist and shirt trap your sweat.
Note: It is essential to stay hydrated throughout your workout, especially when wearing a sauna suit that increases sweating.
Sizing
Many manufacturers make their suits unisex, so pay careful attention to each company’s fit chart. Even if a company does make men’s and women’s sizes, international sizes vary significantly. Have your up-to-date measurements ready as you shop.
Washing instructions
Read your suit’s washing instructions thoroughly. Many require you to wash the suit by hand or in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid placing your suit in a dryer unless your instructions specifically allow it.
What to look for in a quality sauna suit
Material
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC; neoprene; and polyurethane-coated nylon or polyester are common materials used for sauna suits.
- PVC is not very durable, but it is widely available and inexpensive.
- Neoprene is more durable than PVC, but is less affordable and harder to find in a full-length suit.
- Polyurethane-coated nylon or polyester is cost-effective, more durable than PVC and widely available in a full-length sauna suit.
Flexibility
Since the materials used to make a sauna suit tend to limit the wearer’s flexibility, look for one that boasts added stretch. Manufacturers often highlight their suits’ elasticity by claiming the design includes a four-way stretch or by explicitly stating that it is ideal for yoga, boxing and similar activities.
Style
Traditional sauna suits are made from shiny black PVC and resemble a trash bag: billowy with elastic at the wrists, ankles and waist.
Contemporary manufacturers have designed modern looks to help you blend in with other fashionable gymgoers. Polyurethane-lined polyester suits resemble traditional tracksuits, yoga pants and zip-up jackets. Sleek cuffing masks the unappealing elastic at the wrists and ankles. Other new features include pockets with zippers and headphone holes in jackets and hoodies.
How much you can expect to spend on a sauna suit
A high-quality polyurethane-coated nylon or polyester sauna suit ranges from $45-$60. For a full neoprene hoodie and pants, expect to pay around $100.
Sauna suit FAQ
How often should you wash your sauna suit?
A. Wash it thoroughly after each use.
How should you wash your sauna suit?
A. Read and adhere to the care label. To make it last, after each use, rinse it off in cool water, apply a gentle detergent, wash it by hand and lay it flat to dry.
Is a sauna suit safe to use?
A. It is always best to check with your doctor before changing your health and fitness routine, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. Since a sauna suit causes fluid loss and elevates your temperature, stay hydrated and use it with caution to avoid overheating.
What’s the best sauna suit to buy?
Top sauna suit
What you need to know: This durable sauna suit is praised by our fitness expert.
What you’ll love: It’s made of patented fabric that helps you lose water weight by inducing large volumes of sweat. It’s also windproof and waterproof, making it suitable to wear outdoors.
What you should consider: They run small, so you’ll want to size up for a looser fit.
Top sauna suits for the money
Kutting Weight – SweatTech Neoprene Sauna Suit
What you need to know: With this suit, you get high-quality construction at a low price.
What you’ll love: It’s made with anti-rip neoprene fabric, which the manufacturer says can help you burn calories and increase your metabolism by 20.8%. The breathable mesh panels on the sides increase airflow.
What you should consider: The material is a bit restrictive.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is a more traditional suit made with elastic at the neck, waist, wrists and ankles.
What you’ll love: It includes a long-sleeved top with matching pants made from polyurethane-coated polyester. It has four zippered pockets, and the top boasts headphone holes. It comes in five colors and sizes small to 3XL.
What you should consider: Reviews suggest you wash it by hand to ensure longevity.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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