What to Wear (And Not Wear) to a Chiropractor

No, you won’t need to get naked—but you’ll still want to dress for the occasion

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 References

Heading to the chiropractor for the first time? We're here to help you figure out just what to wear so you’re comfortable during your appointment. Picking the right clothes gives your doctor access to your body and helps your session go smoothly. There are a couple of rules to follow—plus some do’s and don’ts—and we're here to help you prepare. Read on for our complete guide on what to wear (and not wear) when you visit a chiropractor, plus some answers to your most common questions.

Things You Should Know

Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to move around in. Sweatpants, shorts, leggings, tank tops, baggy t-shirts, and gym clothes are great options.
Steer clear of tight clothes, formal wear, skirts, dresses, or anything that might restrict your movement. No need to dress to impress.
Skip the jewelry or accessories. Wear sneakers or other flat shoes rather than dress shoes or heels.
You won’t need to undress, but avoid putting on too many layers.

1

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Choose sweatpants, leggings, shorts, tank tops, or baggy t-shirts. Gym clothes are great too, as long as they’re loose-fitting and comfortable. The doctor will need to manipulate and move different parts of your body, so you don’t want your clothes getting in the way.^{[1]
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- Avoid jeans, belts, tights, pantyhose, dresses, skirts, or other clothing that could restrict your movement or cause a wardrobe malfunction.

2

Put on an undershirt or sports bra

A tank or comfy sports bra can keep you covered. Your doctor might ask you to remove sweaters or overshirts, so an undershirt allows you to avoid being bare on top.^{[2]
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Research source} If you wear bras, wear a sports bra since they allow a greater range of movement.^{[3]
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3

Stick with a few breathable layers.

Avoid wearing tons of layers. Hoodies and onesies might be comfy, but may not be the best options when you're getting your spine adjusted. Remember: your doctor needs to access your body to do their job.^{[4]
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- You probably won’t need to undress completely. You might be asked to undress for an initial examination, but not during the actual chiropractic therapy.^{[5]
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- If you’re worried about feeling cold, ask your doctor to raise the temperature in the room.

4

Choose flat, comfortable shoes.

Wear sneakers, running shoes, or other flat-bottomed shoes. Don’t wear dress shoes, heels, or anything fancy. This is a casual appointment, after all. ^{[6]
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- You may be asked to take your shoes off anyway. Bring comfortable shoes, regardless.

5

Wear your hair up.

If you have long hair, put it in a bun, ponytail, or headwrap. Your doctor may need access to your neck and shoulders, so you’ll want to keep those locks out of the way. Long hair can also get caught on something, or just get annoying if it keeps falling in your face.^{[7]
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6

Don’t wear jewelry or accessories.

Leave your necklaces, bracelets, and watches at home. They can get tangled or caught on something while the doctor is trying to work. Avoid hoops, dangling earrings, and piercings that protrude.^{[8]
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- Rings, small earrings, and other modest piercings are fine as long as they don’t get in the way.

7

Avoid dressy or professional clothing.

Skip the ties, blouses, jackets, or formal wear. You’re not going on a date or job interview, right? And besides, dressy clothes can restrict your movement or get in the way, just like jewelry. They can also be uncomfortable to wear when you’re lying down, or if the doctor has you sit in an unusual position.^{[9]
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- If you’re visiting a chiropractor after work or a formal event, bring a change of clothes with you.

8

Steer clear of strong perfume or cologne.

Opt for a mild-scented perfume or cologne. If you don’t have something mild, just skip the perfume altogether. The doctor will be in your personal space. Let them breathe easy!^{[10]
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- It's totally fine to use deodorant and/or antiperspirant.^{[11]
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9

Skip the makeup.

Wear very little makeup or none at all. You don’t want your eyeshadow rubbing off on the table where you’re lying down. Or worse: smearing across your face, which could make for a rather shocking glimpse in the mirror when you get home later.^{[12]
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- If you wear makeup to cover scars or for similar purposes, let your doctor know. They may be able to accommodate you, such as by giving you something to rest your face on.

10

Bring any orthotic devices you regularly use.

Bring orthotic supports, orthotic shoes, and braces with you. Your doctor will want to know what you currently use to manage pain and discomfort. This will help them tailor your appointment to your specific health needs.^{[13]
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- Bring medical records and a list of medications you currently use as well. You’ll want your doctor to know as much as possible about your situation.^{[14]
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