What Does “Undress to Your Comfort Level” Mean? A Clear Explanation from The Mark of Massage

When a massage therapist (including me at The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado) says “undress to your level of comfort” during the intake or preparation instructions, it means exactly what it sounds like:

You decide how much clothing (if any) to remove before getting on the massage table. There is no requirement to take off all your clothes—professional massage is always about your comfort, privacy, and boundaries first. The therapist will work with whatever you choose, using proper draping (sheets/towels) to keep you fully covered at all times except for the specific area being massaged.

What This Typically Looks Like in Practice

Here’s how most people choose to undress for different types of sessions (especially common for therapeutic styles like deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point, or structural integration):

•  Most common choice (for best access and results):

•  Undress completely (nude) or down to underwear (briefs, boxers, sports bra/panties).

•  This allows smooth gliding with oil/lotion, full access to the back, glutes, hips, legs, and shoulders, and maximum therapeutic benefit without fabric interference.

•  Women often remove bras to avoid oil stains and for unrestricted back/shoulder work.

•  Men usually keep bottoms on or go without.

•  If you prefer more coverage:

•  Keep underwear on (very common and perfectly fine).

•  Wear loose, comfortable clothing (e.g., yoga pants, shorts, t-shirt) if you want—therapists can adapt by working over clothes or focusing on accessible areas (though results may be slightly less deep).

•  Some people start with more clothing on their first session and become more comfortable removing layers over time.

•  The process is always private and respectful:

•  The therapist steps out of the room (or gives you space in a mobile/in-home setup).

•  You get undressed and lie under the top sheet on the table (face down to start).

•  The therapist knocks and enters only when you’re ready.

•  Draping is used throughout: only the area being worked on is uncovered (e.g., one leg, the back, an arm). Genitals, breasts, and buttocks remain fully covered at all times—no exceptions.

Why This Phrase Is Used

“Undress to your comfort level” gives you full control and removes any pressure or assumption. Massage therapy is non-sexual and professional—your comfort determines everything. Whether you’re new to massage, shy, have body image concerns, or just prefer more coverage, it’s all okay. I’ve worked with every preference over 20+ years, and the quality of care stays the same.

If you’re ever unsure, just tell me in advance (e.g., “I’d like to keep underwear on” or “I’m keeping more clothing today”)—I’ll adjust techniques accordingly. Communication is key!

Whether it’s an in-home mobile session (within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or a private visit to my lower-level space (fully secluded, occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room), your comfort is the priority every step of the way.

Ready to book a session with zero pressure and full respect for your boundaries? Contact The Mark of Massage today!

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 professional guidelines):

•  AMTA & NCBTMB Ethics: Emphasize client comfort, consent, and proper draping (https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-today/appropriate-guidelines-massage/)

•  Healthline & WikiHow: “Undress to your comfort level” is the universal standard (https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-wear-to-a-massage)

•  Therapist blogs & community consensus (e.g., Reddit r/massage): Consistent message of full client control and modest draping

Your comfort comes first—hope this helps you feel completely at ease! 😊