A daily question plagues many of us: “What am I going to wear?” While it may not be the loaded question it used to be when we were trend-obsessed adolescents, it’s still one we find ourselves addressing as we polish our massage therapy careers.
If you’re an employee who works for a spa, clinic, or other massage therapy establishment, chances are you’re able to avoid this time-consuming dilemma by wearing a staff uniform. You have to admit that not having to devote any thought to assembling attractive and work-appropriate outfits for each workday is liberating. It’s been said that Albert Einstein had a closet filled with identical suits, precluding him from having to devote any energy to the mundane minutia of choosing what to wear. Even Steve Jobs chose a minimalist attire for convenience. If this approach was good enough for Einstein and Jobs, who could balk at its merits?
However, while working in a corporate environment usually involves adhering to a dress code someone else deemed appropriate, those of us who are self-employed need to create a dress code for ourselves. Since venturing into massage therapy nearly a decade ago, I’ve worked in uniform-ruled environments; in smaller, less formal spas and clinics where the dress code was more flexible and relaxed; and in my own practice, where I’ve been able to dress as I see fit. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some of the pros and cons of various styles of dress and have dialed in my own comfortable, yet professional style.
Of course, that’s the great thing about fashion: it’s a personal expression of one’s own unique tastes. But when we’re talking about a professional wardrobe, more than mere style must be taken into account. An appropriate work wardrobe can only be achieved when personal style meets practicality, and form meets function. When choosing your professional massage therapy wardrobe, there are a variety of practical concerns to be considered: the nature of your work environment, the style of massage provided, and the conditions under which you’ll be massaging.
Let’s explore some of the primary areas to consider when choosing appropriate and functional work clothes.  
Focus on Comfort and Functionality
Whatever we wear to work must allow us to move freely as we perform the very physical endeavor of providing massage. Let’s explore a few practical options.

Athletic Wear  
Many MTs find that athletic wear is an appropriate choice for them. The breathability, lightweight nature, and ease of movement athletic clothing offers are all appealing features. If one is working in a gym or athletic club, providing sports massage, or working in a rehabilitative setting, athletic wear seems like a perfectly reasonable choice. However, it’s important to ensure that your sporty togs fit well and are clean and free of stains (whether from sweat or massage lubricant). Remember, in a nongym environment, athletic wear has the potential to appear too casual, informal, or even sloppy, so be mindful of your choices.
Golf clothes have become one of my favorite discoveries as I’ve worked through the process of crafting my own massage wardrobe. They’re often made from athletic performance fabrics that wick away moisture and are wrinkle-resistant (did I mention I have a “no ironing” policy when it comes to my massage wardrobe?). They’re classy, comfortable, modest, and built to accommodate physical activity. They tend to be designed with a somewhat preppy style, making their appearance neat, tidy, and polished.
Many MTs are also yoga enthusiasts, or even dual practitioners (massage therapists as well as yoga instructors). If this is the case for you, it’s reasonable to expect your wardrobe to pull double duty; however, it’s important to be aware of the potential for yoga attire to be overly revealing. Be conscious of the potential for form fitting to cross over into suggestive, provocative, or inappropriate.

Medical Scrubs
If you work in a medical or clinical environment, scrubs can be a perfectly appropriate choice. They are practical and affordable, and their mix and match nature can make dressing a breeze.
Depending on the nature of your practice, however, scrubs may send a message that’s “over the top” to your clients. They also aren’t necessarily the best option for those who prefer to infuse their work wardrobe with a greater degree of individuality, or for those who like to finish up at work and go out immediately afterward without having to change clothes.

Functional Footwear
An MT’s footwear choice is not only dependent on his or her personal style, but also on his or her unique physical requirements. Having studied anatomy, physiology, and the structural mechanics of how our bodies work, we know we each have our own needs in this area.
While some MTs prefer to work barefoot or in stocking feet, this can make it difficult to establish traction with the floor, can appear unprofessional to some clients, and may even be in violation of health codes. If you are an MT who prefers to work without shoes, be sure to study your state’s licensing requirements, and make sure your footwear choice (or lack thereof) doesn’t put your license in jeopardy or make you susceptible to a fine. Your state likely has requirements regarding whether shoes must be worn and what types of shoes are permitted (open-toe shoes, flip-flops, or other types of casual footwear may be prohibited).  

Gotta Love Layers
If you are a person who tends to overheat at work, wearing loosely woven natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen) as opposed to synthetics like rayon or polyester can help you keep your cool. And, as mentioned previously, moisture-wicking athletic performance fabrics can also keep you from burning up. If, on the other hand, you tend to be more cold-blooded, cultivating a collection of cardigan sweaters is something you’ll want to explore.
Either way, the art of layering is something you should become proficient in. My modus operandi is to arrive at work wearing pants; a smart, fitted T-shirt (perhaps even with a tank top underneath in the winter); and a cardigan sweater, jacket, or button-up long-sleeved shirt (all are easy to ditch on my way into the treatment room). By doing so, I’ve made at least three levels of coverage available, and I can therefore adjust my temperature accordingly throughout the day.  
After nine years in the industry, and six years in private practice, mobile MT Ariana La Cour, owner of Now and Zen Mobile Massage Therapy in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area, has learned the importance of layering when designing her work wardrobe. “As a mobile massage therapist who lives in the desert, layering my clothing is crucial to being comfortable at work,” she says. “I might go from 126 degrees outside to 60 degrees inside in the summer.” La Cour likes to layer black with bright colors. She explains, “Often one of my undershirts will be a bright color, but base pieces are always black because I feel it looks professional and functions well as a uniform.”
And 30-year massage therapy veteran Karla Linden, owner of Masterpiece Integrative Medicine and Masterpiece Medical Massage in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has also learned to embrace layering: “I base my outfits around a tank top, jacket, and loose pants or long skirt—and usually Birkenstocks. That way, I can take the jacket off and be down to a tank top when I’m working.”

Reflect Professionalism
Some therapists enter the massage therapy profession after a former life in the corporate world. For those folks, terms like smart casual or business casual are well understood. However, if you don’t have any experience dressing for corporate functions, it can be difficult to grapple with what constitutes a balanced blend of professional dress and casual comfort. This is where a quick Google image search or a stroll through Pinterest can come in handy. Most of the looks you’ll see will have to be significantly modified in order to be comfortable and appropriate for massage therapists, but the images will definitely get you thinking in the right direction.  

Avoid Provocative Attire
As you’ve learned since massage school, it’s supremely important for therapists to avoid dressing in a way that may be interpreted as suggestive, provocative, or flirtatious. Watch out for plunging and/or loose necklines that reveal too much cleavage as you lean forward; shirts that ride up and reveal your belly and low back; pants with waistlines that sag or slip down to reveal your intergluteal cleft; leggings or tops that are too tight; and any clothes that are transparent. It’s important to remember that sometimes a piece of clothing that seems perfectly appropriate in one lighting condition can be somewhat (or even completely) transparent in another. When in doubt, it’s always prudent to have someone else help you with a dress rehearsal instead of risking a disastrous wardrobe malfunction.  
La Cour makes sure what she wears when providing outcall massage is not misconstrued as inappropriate—particularly because she practices in Las Vegas. “It’s important to be somewhat covered up and androgynous when doing mobile massage. You never want anyone to get the wrong idea, whether that is a new, uninformed client or a nosy neighbor. I would describe my professional dress as almost matronly, and, being in my 20s, that isn’t too much fun.”
Hillary Arrieta has been an MT for 11 years and in private practice at Gaia Bodywork in the Dallas area for about four years. She echoes La Cour’s desire to avoid anything that might be perceived as provocative: “I don’t wear anything that shows my cleavage (for obvious reasons) or my legs. I try to eliminate anything that would distract my client from the massage experience.”

Bask in Black
As MTs, we spend our days slathered in wonderful oils, creams, gels, balms, scrubs, liniments, and other rich, hydrating lotions and potions. This is, of course, fantastic for our skin, but alas, not so beneficial for our clothes. Product stains can ruin a perfectly professional outfit in no time.
Arrieta, like many other MTs, has adopted an approach to her wardrobe that is simple and heavily influenced by a desire to conceal stains. “I love wearing all black to work,” Arrieta says. “I use massage oil, and I find that black will hide stains. It also makes me look very polished. I’m a minimalist, so I love having a ‘uniform.’ It cuts down on spending and having to shop for outfits.”
David J. Otto, an MT in private practice at Hands In Motion in the Las Vegas area,  says that after practicing for about three years, he realized black works for him for all occasions. “I realized that when I contracted for gigs, contractors’ common requests for me to dress in all black was not only geared toward uniformity, but also a neutral sense of presence. Black is also very slimming, so for obvious reasons, black remains a conservative and preferable choice.”
Aprons and smocks can also help you dodge product stains on clothing. These uniform pieces have long been staples in spa and salon settings. Some MTs have a lot of fun with their apron and smock choices—they either purchase them or design their own, using unique fabrics that reflect their personalities, feature holiday themes, or correspond to the name of their businesses.

Sharp-Dressed Man
When it comes to what to wear to work, male massage therapists struggle to bridge the gap between comfort and professionalism, just as women do.  
My husband, business partner, and fellow massage therapist, Shane, has tried a variety of wardrobes throughout his many years of practice. Khakis, polo shirts, and black leather loafers ruled his closet when we worked in resort spas (in compliance with the facilities’ dress codes), and black shirts were his secret for foiling stains from oil, scrubs, lotions, and creams.
Now that we’re in private practice, however, he has more autonomy over his wardrobe. Since he does a lot of equipment-facilitated manual work in our clinic, as well as flexibility therapy and fitness training, some of his sessions don’t actually involve the use of any lubricants whatsoever, so these days he is less limited by concerns about product stains.
Of course, mobility is still a priority, so comfort is key. Therefore, most days find him opting for one of two wardrobe choices (depending on the nature of the sessions on his books for the day).
Some days find him sporting athletic wear, such as track pants, microfiber shirts, and running shoes. Other days call for comfortable jeans, a sharp belt, a dress shirt with a T-shirt underneath, and a pair of broken-in dressy cowboy boots. (We are in Texas, after all, and boot wearers know that once a good pair of boots have been broken in, they fit like a glove and are about as comfortable as you can get!) Layering allows him to take his dress shirt off, if need be, to reveal a thick, good quality T-shirt underneath. He’s even been known to add a suit jacket to such an ensemble, which, of course, can easily be taken off throughout the day.
And while it’s not an option that Shane has ever chosen, medical scrubs are yet another functional choice for male MTs.
Any of these options can look professional and smart, provided shirts are ironed (or at least wrinkle-free); jeans are clean and free of distress; and scrubs or athletic pieces are not worn or soiled. There’s no one single way, but rather a wide variety of ways, for a male massage therapist to ensure that he’s a “sharp-dressed man!”   

Have Fun Perfecting Your Style
We’ve talked a lot about the practicality, functionality, and professional appropriateness of your massage wardrobe. But what about fun? Don’t we all desire to inject a little playfulness and individualism into our clothes (whether for work or recreation)? While we may be somewhat limited about how we can express our own individuality in our work environment, there are always ways to put our own signature stamp on any outfit.

Jewelry and Such  
I wear a lot of jewelry. Most days, I wear earrings, a necklace, at least a couple (if not a big stack) of bracelets, my wedding rings, and a watch. I choose earrings and necklaces that won’t interfere with the bodywork I provide (pieces that aren’t too long or dangly so as to avoid them touching my clients when I lean over). I leave those pieces on while I’m massaging, and I have a bowl in which I deposit my rings, watch, and bracelets prior to each session. I’m careful to choose stretchy bracelets and solid bangles that can easily and quickly be slid off as I ready myself for each client.
And don’t forget that personal accessories like eyeglass frames also offer a great way to define your own signature style. If you think you can pull it off, why not opt for the leopard print or rhinestone encrusted frames next time? Paired with an all-black outfit, they can add a spark of spunkiness to your look.
Arrieta is a fan of using baubles and other fun accessories to add a touch of flair to her work outfits: “I infuse my personal style into my work wardrobe by adding a wrap or light jewelry, or in the way I do my hair.”

Hair Accessories
For those of us with long hair, the way we tie up our tresses can help us express our sense of style. Sparkly, jeweled hair clips; ribbons or scarves woven through braids; headbands; or even vintage brooches pinned into our up-dos can become individualized ways to express our style. Securing long hair is a practical and sanitary necessity, and an opportunity to express our individuality.
La Cour is a fan of using hairstyles to inject some personality into her look. “Princess Leia buns? Check! Plaited pigtails and flowers in my hair? Check!”

Funky Footwear
While comfort and ergonomics must be your primary concerns when it comes to shoes, footwear can provide another fun area to put your own individuality on display while maintaining professionalism.
I have a fun collection of Birkenstocks in every pattern from gold lamé snakeskin to aboriginal cave art. I have a pair of metallic gold Keds sneakers (as well as a polka dot pair), metallic silver Vans, and all manner of other fun, functional footwear dwelling in my closet. These funky kicks really add a shot of pizzazz into my otherwise conservative ensembles.
Wearing wacky socks can also inject a little whimsy into your wardrobe. They can even be a fun, subtle way to acknowledge holidays and seasons.

Tattoo or Taboo?
Not all, but some corporate work environments may require MTs to cover their ink with bandages, wristbands, or even makeup. Being self-employed means you can flaunt your body art appropriately and proudly (or keep it concealed if you choose).
Linden says, “I’m very heavily and artfully tattooed, which is my personal self-expression.”    

Promote Yourself
Every time we get dressed, we have the opportunity to promote our professional identity—our brand—as well. Many MTs choose to have shirts, aprons, or smocks printed or embroidered with their company’s logo, even if their company consists of only them. This approach can lend an air of professionalism to your uniform, and wearing these promotional items can be a great way to meet new clients and strike up conversations with folks about what you do.
So, even though we have to be mindful of practical and even legal restrictions on our wardrobe choices, there’s no reason we shouldn’t have some fun and show our clients what makes us creative and unique!

Apparel Discounts for ABMP Members
Log in to www.abmp.com and look under “Discounts” for coupon codes from these ABMP partners!
• Crocs offers ABMP members a 25 percent discount on Crocs Work and Medical/RX shoe lines, both favorite nonslip footwear choices of the health-care community. ABMP is the only massage association in the profession to offer this exclusive deal.
• Pedestrian Shops
offers ABMP members a 15 percent discount for all shoes ordered online at ComfortableShoes.com. Pedestrian Shops stocks Birkenstock, Dansko, Chaco, Clarks, Keen, Merrell, Naot, Teva, Vibram FiveFingers, Wolky, and more.
• prAna clothes are designed to make more than just a fashion statement. By using sustainable materials and partnering with factories and organizations committed to the fair treatment of their employees and our environment, they’re telling the world it’s not just what you make but how you make it that matters. ABMP members receive a 15 percent discount.
• ProMotive.com provides members exclusive access to hundreds of top brands with up to 70 percent off retail. Special offers from brands like Asics, Diamondback, Ogio, ProBar, Timbuk2, and more await you.

Susan Epperly works with her MT husband, Shane, in their East Austin clinical massage therapy practice, Tiger Lily Studios, LLC. Together, they create a variety of educational products in both digital and physical formats (audio books, ebooks, videos, and more) for wellness practitioners, which are available for purchase on their website, www.tigerlilystudios.com.