Issue 049

May 2009

Why use them?

A sauna suit (or sweat suit) is an item of clothing that is designed to increase the amount that you sweat. Normally when you sweat, that sweat evaporates, and it is this that cools you down. A sauna suit is made of waterproof material that keeps the sweat in, so that the cooling effect is lost. As a result, you stay hot and your body continues producing more sweat.  

When would you use them?

The main time when a fighter would use a sauna suit is in the 24-48 hours before a weigh-in, when trying to drop the last bit of weight. Sauna suits help weight loss is by promoting water loss and dehydration. This is a very short-term loss which is used when a fighter is aiming to weigh-in below their natural weight. This is best done as close as possible to the weigh-in so that the fighter is dehydrated for as little time as possible.  

It is sometimes claimed that sauna suits can help to ‘melt’ fat. This is a myth. A slightly more plausible claim is that sauna suits increase the number of calories burnt during exercise by ensuring more sweat is produced. There is little evidence to support this theory though, and at best the effect is likely to be minimal. Some people still like to wear sauna suits for regular cardio training, because it helps them stay warm (especially in cold weather) and they feel they get a better workout. If you do this, then be sure to drink enough water and stay well hydrated.  

Material 

Sauna suits are usually made from PVC or nylon, and occasionally even out of rubber or neoprene. Sometimes these materials are combined by having more than one layer. They usually have a plastic feel to them and are designed to keep water inside.  

Design

Let’s face it, you’re never going to look cool wearing a sauna suit. It’s probably the least of your worries at the time, but some are definitely less cool than others. There are those that are just a step up from wearing a bin bag, while others look almost like a normal tracksuit. Then there are the ones that make you look like a shiny silver helium balloon.  

Fastenings

Sauna suits should be sealed all round to prevent the moisture from the sweat escaping. Some have elasticated wrists, ankles, waist and neck. Others use Velcro fastenings, which may be more comfortable.  

Hood

Some sauna suits come with a hood, usually with a drawstring. This helps to increase your sweat rate from the head and neck, which can be quite significant.  

GENERAL TIPS

Care and cleaning

With a few exceptions, sauna suits and washing machines generally don’t go well together. Usually the best way to clean them is to rinse them out in a shower immediately after use, and leave to dry in a warm (not hot) environment. 

Dangers

There are dangers to using a sauna suit for weight loss, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heart and kidney failure. If you intend to use any form of dehydration when cutting weight then make sure you know what you are doing, and always take someone else with you.  

Durability

Don’t expect a sauna suit to last forever, especially if you are using it frequently. They tend to split and tear quite easily, and often become more brittle after repeated use. In general, the more expensive models may last longer than the cheaper ones, but it’s always wise to get an impartial review from someone who has used the brand before.