Massage Therapy Clothing For The Massage TherapistYour overall appearance, including your massage therapy clothing, is important to your business now that you are a massage therapist. As a massage professional, you will want to make a good impression on your clients, and on other medical professionals. The massage therapy clothing you choose to wear must be professional looking, yet comfortable as you will be on your feet for long stretches at a time. Of course, the choice is yours to make, but I prefer to wear scrubs when I am giving massages. If you are not doing massages, but you are going to a professional meeting or to conduct other business, don't wear the scrubs. Dress up in business or business casual attire, depending on the situation. It is good to have a few business suits in your wardrobe, too.
When I was in massage therapy school, the school required us to wear scrubs at all times. I discovered that scrubs are comfortable, lightweight and cool, and very roomy. I loved them from the moment I put on my first set and I still do!
Since scrubs are roomy, I do not feel restricted in my movements while giving a massage. Summers in Texas are so hot and humid, yet because scrubs are so lightweight, they do not make you feel overheated. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and prints. You can go to Wal-Mart and get a set for under $25! You will have quite a selection of massage therapy clothing to choose from in no time at that price. Wearing scrubs makes you look like a medical professional to your clients. (And you are a medical professional!) They are used to seeing nurses, physical therapists, lab and x-ray technicians, and other people in the medical field in scrubs. If you happen to get massage oil or cream on them, you do not have to go to the dry cleaner. Just toss them in the washer.
The right shoes for your massage therapy clothing uniform are vital to your career. You will be standing most of the time when giving a massage. The shoes you wear should be comfortable--the most comfortable shoes you can afford. A good tennis shoe, a medical uniform shoe, or soft, thick-soled sandals are best. I prefer tennis shoes with soft, thick socks as they are comfy and easy to clean if you spill something on them. They cover your feet so your clients do not focus on your toenail polish, or why you didn't trim your toenails. Some leather sandals give off a bad odor when combined with sweaty feet, thus affecting the mood of the client that you are trying to relax during a massage! If you have long hair, pull it back in a ponytail. Take off all jewelry when you give a massage, except for a plain wedding band, so your client is not accidentally scratched. Small earrings are okay to wear, but no watch. In some massage techniques, you will use your forearms. Keep a clock on the wall that does not make a tick-tock noise that will irritate your clients. Keep your fingernails filed short so when your palm is facing you, you cannot see the whites of your nails. If you can, your nails are too long to give a massage. Do not wear perfume or cologne or strong-smelling lotion or strong smelling deodorant as your client may be allergic or may not care for the scent, thus upsetting the him/her. Remember, you are here to relax the client and to help him/her to feel better. When giving a massage, it is all about the client and not about the massage therapist!
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