The 5 Best Sauna Suits, According to Doctors, Trainers, and a UFC Fighter
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Forcing your body to pour sweat during a workout may seem like a negative, but there’s actually some serious benefit to turning up the heat while you train. Sure, hot yoga is great when it’s accessible, but the best sauna suits bring the heat directly to you, any time, any place.
The concept is simple, but a sauna suit is made from non-breathable materials, which, in turn, traps your body heat and causes you to sweat more than usual, says functional medicine physician Shivani Amin, MD. “They help increase your sweat production, which can aid in temporary water weight loss and make your body work a bit harder during exercise, and for some, that added challenge feels like a way to push their fitness routine to the next level.”
The Best Sauna Suits in 2024
“Sauna suits are designed to elevate your body temperature by trapping heat, which leads to increased sweating, and this process can assist in weight loss, detoxification, and improved cardiovascular health,” says Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, a physician double-board certified in family medicine and regenerative, anti-aging, and functional medicine.
UFC Lightweight fighter Matt Frevola swears by sauna suits. “They are a great way to really challenge your cardio and your ability to produce energy no matter what the situation,” he says. “I am always jumping rope with them on, shadow boxing, and then I’ll move to the AirBike, and it’s a great tool for those looking to make the most out of a little amount of time.”
With that in mind, increased sweating can cause dizziness and dehydration if you’re not careful, so start with a sauna suit session no more than 15- to 30-minutes, and limit use to one to three times a week, Dr. Rocco says. “Always pay attention to how your body responds, ensuring you stay well-hydrated, and discontinue use if you experience any signs of overheating.”
What to Consider
Fit and Style
A lot comes down to personal preference when selecting the style of your sauna suit (whether that’s a hoodie, vest, joggers, or entire suit), but it should fit relatively snug to trap the heat without restricting movement, says Dr. Amin. Frevola also says to opt for a suit with elastic around the wrists and ankles to help close in the heat.
As for sizing, always check the size guide of a sauna suit since some options depend on your extract height and weight measurements for a proper fit.
Material
Material is key when shopping for a sauna suit, so Dr. Amin recommends looking for options made from neoprene and nylon since they trap heat while remaining comfortable and flexible. Neoprene, in particular, is a more tear-resistant material better suited for high-intensity training, adds Dr. Rocco. Suits with reinforced seams are also a great pick for enhanced durability to handle the extra stress from intense sweating.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another common material you may see, though this fabric is less durable, more rigid, and may be susceptible to tears and rips, says Dr. Rocco. PVC is also a type of synthetic plastic that traps heat without allowing the body to properly regulate temperature, so it’s easier to feel faint or dizzy with sauna suits made entirely from the material, she says.
How we chose
Men’s Health editors, including contributor Andi Breitowich, consulted two functional medicine physicians to determine what factors make the best sauna suits stand out from the rest. We also researched the bestselling, most popular sauna suits and combed through extensive testing notes to narrow down the top five picks. To build our list, we focused on key features like fit, material, and style.
Ready to break a sweat? Keep reading to find the best sauna suit for your specific preferences, according to experts.
Sauna Suit
Out of all the sauna suits we tested, the HOTSUIT Sauna Suit is our top overall choice thanks to its high-quality design, durable material, and odor-free technology. Dr. Rocco also gives the thumbs up with this suit since it’s designed to trap heat around your entire body, and the windproof, waterproof material sheds light rain and wind effectively to keep you sweating.
The jacket also includes a hood with adjustable drawstrings to trap body heat, and the threaded cuffs lock in temperature. Sizing may run slightly small, according to user reviews, but the elastic waistband and expansive size range caters to a variety of body types. Another perk: the zippered pockets are convenient for outdoor workouts and it’s machine washable.
Read More: The 12 Best Cardio Machines, According to Trainers
Heavy Duty Sweat Suit
The DEFY Heavy Duty Sweat Suit is a high-quality option that won’t break the bank, says Dr. Rocco. The water-resistant suit is designed for maximum durability and the nylon fabric paired with elastic and Velcro gatherings traps heat for a sweaty sauna effect. It also includes an elastic waistband on the pants to block incoming air and an adjustable, anti-rip hood for a total-body effect.
The nylon and PVC-coated material is made to move with you, so restriction is never an issue, and the rubber inner lining protects against tears. The odor-blocking technology within the fabric also nixes smelly apparel.
Khrome Hoodie V4
The Kutting Weight Khrome Hoodie V4 is a newly designed model made entirely from 1.5mm SweatTech elastic neoprene materials, which move with your body during any type of workout. The triple-reinforced stitching also ups the durability, and the black logo adds a bit of reflection for dusk or evening outdoor workouts.
The five colors come in a wide range of sizes, and the hood adds extra warmth and heat when needed. Kutting Weight is also focused on customer satisfaction, so there’s free shipping and free returns with every purchase. Just note that sizing is based on height and weight for the best fit, so always check the size guide before purchasing.
Khrome Joggers V4
Similar to the hoodie, the Kutting Weight Khrome Joggers V4 are made entirely of 1.5mm SweatTech elastic neoprene material for a comfortable fit that maximizes your range of motion. They also include triple-reinforced stitching for a secure, durable wear, and the drawstring offers optimal sizing to trap in heat around the waist.
As for style, the pants sit low on your hips, so they don’t interfere with any movement, and the tapered design reduces incoming airflow from the ankles. They’re also machine washable for easy maintenance and come in three neutral colorways. For a total-body sauna suit, we suggest pairing the joggers with a Kutting Weight Khrome hoodie.
Sauna Sweat Suit Vest
If you’re curious about sauna suits but not ready for the full-body experience, Dr. Rocco says the SaunaTek Sauna Sweat Vest is the perfect introduction. The neoprene material maximizes comfort and flexibility, and the compression technology slims your midsection while still heating your body. It also includes reflective lining to keep you visible and safe during outdoor workouts.
Durability is a driving factor for this vest thanks to the reinforced stitching and full zipper closure, though it doesn’t compromise your range of motion. You also don’t have to worry about unpleasant odor because the antimicrobial neoprene material is made to prevent and kill bacteria.
Heavy Duty Sweat Suit
The MRX Heavy Duty Sweat Suit is a full-body experience that covers you from head to ankle. It’s made with EVA nylon and neoprene for a durable fit, and the high-quality materials are tear-resistant and waterproof for even the toughest workouts. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy cleaning and care which makes it a top pick for Dr. Rocco.
Aside from peak functionality, design is top-notch thanks to the internal drawstrings at each opening for an enhanced sauna effect, along with multiple pockets and a hood. The stripes of color down the side of the pants also offer a hint of style.
Meet The Experts
Shivani Amin, MD, is a functional medicine physician.
Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, is a physician double-board certified in family medicine and regenerative, anti-aging, and functional medicine.
Matt Frevola is a lightweight UFC fighter.
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