What do you wear in a hotel sauna?

[RevolutionaryBiscuitsOfItaly]

I am in a hotel in Belgium that has a sauna and steam room, but I have no idea of the etiquette to use it and am too embarrassed to ask. The reception say they will give me a gown and slippers, but what do i wear in the sauna itself (i haven't brought swimwear). Just a towel? Pants underneath? It will be mixed sex because it's open to all hotel guests.

Swimwear

Swimwear I'd think, well I would if it's mixed sex.

If in Germany.....nothing. I've even seen signs on the door saying 'no swimwear'.

Don't be embarrassed to ask. Different hotels/spas have different rules, especially in different countries. It's probably a common question.

All the saunas I've ever been to, the norm has been either swimwear or nothing at all, not even a towel (even mixed sex) but the rules have always been displayed somewhere with health and safety info.

Swimwear

It depends where in Belgium you are. If it is in a Dutch speaking part, then just wrap a towel around you. You'll need swimwear if it is a French speaking part.

Swimming costume unless it is "textile free" then you go naked.

Thanks everyone. I'm in Bruges, so the Dutch speaking part, so perhaps could just have a towel round me, but i don't think I'll risk it! Wish I'd brought my costume. Will settle for a hot bath instead!

Ask the receptionist, it's an entirely reasonable question.

Travel can be so freeing, exactly because as a visitor you can't be expected to know the code and anyone decent will not mind clueing you in on what people do 'around here'.

It's like to say that people help 'at home' too, but it's just too tempting for some people to use it as an in and them situation, to feel better about themselves at someone else's expense.

Ask. We are in Austria, you are 100% not allowed to wear swim wear. If you do, some grumpy lady will promptly come and make you leave. All saunas are mixed, all nude.