Wear a secure swimsuit, bring flip-flops and a robe, skip jewelry, and protect hair with conditioner.
The Blue Lagoon is my favorite place and one of the most beautiful spots I have visited. As a travel writer I have visited in snow, rain, and midnight sun. Toady I will guide you through what to wear to Blue Lagoon with clear, proven advice. Expect a full checklist, expert tips, and real-world examples that help you feel warm, safe, and photo-ready without stress.
What to wear to Blue Lagoon: The essentials
Think warm, simple, and secure. The water is hot and rich in minerals. The air can be cold and windy. You will move between a heated pool and chilly paths, so plan for both.
Essentials I recommend:
- Swimsuit that stays put when you move. Go for snug, chlorine-safe fabric.
- Flip-flops for wet floors and outdoor paths. Leave them at the edge of the lagoon.
- Robe or warm cover-up for the walk to the water. The resort robe works well.
- Hair tie and leave-in conditioner. Silica can dry hair.
- Minimal accessories. Remove rings, watches, and necklaces.
- Quick-dry towel if you have one. The resort provides towels, but extra is nice.
- Waterproof phone case if you plan to take photos. Keep it simple and secure.
Why this works:
- Secure swimwear avoids slips in deep or buoyant spots.
- Flip-flops protect from cold and rough lava paths.
- Robes cut wind chill when the air is below freezing.
- Conditioner shields hair from silica build-up.
Choosing the right swimwear
Pick comfort and function over fashion, then add style. The water is 37–40°C with high silica. Fabrics that resist heat and minerals last longer and feel better.
What to look for:
- Fit: Choose snug straps, waist ties, or racerback tops that do not shift.
- Fabric: Nylon-spandex or polyester blends handle heat and minerals well.
- Coverage: Opt for enough coverage to move and float without adjusting.
- For modesty: Try a short-sleeve swim top, high-waist bottoms, or a swim dress.
- For men: Drawstring swim trunks or jammers with a secure waistband.
Care tips:
- Rinse swimwear well with fresh water right after your soak.
- Wash with gentle detergent at home. Air dry to protect stretch.
PAA-style quick answers:
Can you rent swimwear at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, rentals are available in common sizes. If you prefer a custom fit or plus sizes, bring your own suit for best comfort.
Should I wear a two-piece or one-piece?
Either is fine. Choose what stays secure as you climb steps, float, and wade through steam.
Do bright colors stain in the lagoon?
Colors usually hold, but lighter fabrics may show mineral marks. Rinse well and avoid white if you worry about staining.
Footwear, robes, and what to wear outside the water
You will step outside to reach the lagoon. The ground can be wet, rough, and cold, even in summer.
What works best:
- Flip-flops or slide sandals for paths and changing rooms.
- A warm robe or insulated towel poncho. The standard robe is enough for most days.
- In winter, add a beanie for the walk. Remove it before you get in.
Good to know:
- Most guests leave footwear by the pool edge. You do not wear shoes in the water.
- Bring a small tote to hold your sandals, phone case, and room key.
Hair, skin, and jewelry care
The iconic milky water owes its look to silica. It is great for skin but tough on hair and metal.
Before you enter:
- Rinse and shower with soap. This is required at Icelandic pools.
- Saturate hair with fresh water and load on conditioner. Do not rinse it out.
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and metal hair clips.
In the water:
- Keep long hair tied up if you can. Try not to dunk it.
- Use face-friendly products at the in-water mask bar. Patch test if you have sensitive skin.
After your soak:
- Rinse very well. Double-condition and comb hair gently.
- Moisturize face and body to lock in hydration.
- If hair feels stiff later, use a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner.
What not to wear to Blue Lagoon
Skip anything that can break, slip, or react with minerals.
Avoid:
- Rings, necklaces, and watches. Silica can dull metal and trap grit.
- Cotton cover-ups that get heavy when damp. Choose microfibre or quick-dry.
- Heavy makeup or thick sunscreen layers. They wash off and can clog pores. Use water-resistant, reef-safe sunscreen when needed.
- Loose hair pins or claws. They can fall off and are hard to find in milky water.
- Contact lenses if you have dry or sensitive eyes. Consider glasses to avoid irritation.
Smart packing and locker tips
A smooth locker plan keeps you warm and calm.
What to pack:
- Swimsuit in an easy-reach pocket. You will change fast in busy times.
- Travel-size face wash, moisturizer, conditioner, and comb.
- Flip-flops, compact robe, and a spare hair tie.
- Waterproof phone case and a microfiber cloth for the lens.
- A small dry bag for wet items on the way out.
Locker strategy:
- Keep it simple. Only bring what you need.
- Use the wristband for locker access and purchases.
- Set out your robe and sandals before you step outside, so the exit is quick.
Phone safety:
- Steam can fog lenses and heat can stress batteries.
- Keep photos quick, and hold the case tight with a lanyard.
Seasonal and time-of-day advice
What to wear to Blue Lagoon in winter is not the same as summer. The water stays warm, but air swings fast.
Winter tips:
- Wear a warm base layer to the locker area. Store it dry.
- Add a beanie and thick robe for the walk. Move fast from door to water.
- Watch for icy spots and walk with small steps in flip-flops.
Summer tips:
- Even on mild days, wind can bite. A light robe still helps.
- Use water-resistant sunscreen on face, neck, and shoulders.
- Sunrise or late-night visits feel cooler. Plan a warmer robe then.
Evening and Northern Lights:
- Choose darker swimwear if you want glow-free photos by lagoon lights.
- Bring a soft cloth to dry your phone lens between shots.
Real-world notes from my visits
I learned a few lessons the hard way, so you do not have to.
What worked best:
- A racerback one-piece and drawstring trunks stayed put in deep sections.
- A thick robe was gold in winter wind. The walk felt easy, even at -5°C.
- Leaving hair in conditioner saved me from a week of tangles.
Mistakes I will not repeat:
- I wore a silver ring once. It dulled and needed pro cleaning.
- I tried white swim shorts. They picked up a faint tint until I soaked and rinsed them twice.
- I brought a heavy cotton towel. It stayed damp and cold. Microfiber is better.
Frequently Asked Questions of what to wear to blue lagoon
Can I wear glasses in the lagoon?
Yes, but steam may fog them. Use a neck strap and wipe lenses often to avoid drops.
Do I need to shower before entering?
Yes. A full soap shower without swimwear is required under Icelandic pool hygiene rules. This keeps the water clean and clear.
Is a bikini okay at Blue Lagoon?
Yes. Any secure swimwear is fine. Choose styles that do not shift when you float or climb steps.
Should I bring my own towel and robe?
Towels are included with most tickets, and robes often come with premium options. If you chill easily, bring a spare quick-dry towel or a warm robe.
What to wear to blue lagoon in winter?
Wear a snug swimsuit, flip-flops, and a warm robe or poncho for the walk. Add a beanie for wind chill and move straight from door to water.
Can I wear a smartwatch?
It is not advised. Heat and minerals can affect seals, and straps can trap grit. Leave it in the locker.
What to wear to Blue Lagoon if I want modest coverage?
Try a short-sleeve swim top, high-waist bottoms, or a swim dress. Choose quick-dry fabrics and a secure fit.
Is cotton okay for cover-ups?
It gets heavy and cold when wet. Pick microfibre or technical fabrics that dry fast.
What to wear to blue lagoon for photos?
Choose mid-tone or dark colors that contrast with milky blue water. A simple suit and tidy hair tie look clean in steam.
Can I wear water shoes in the lagoon?
Most guests go barefoot in the water. Use flip-flops for paths, then leave them by the pool edge.
Conclusion
Dress simple, stay warm, and protect hair and skin. What to wear to Blue Lagoon comes down to a secure swimsuit, flip-flops, a cozy robe, and no jewelry. Prep your hair with conditioner, keep gear light, and rinse well after.
Plan your look, pack smart, and enjoy every steamy minute. If this guide helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more Iceland tips, or drop your own Blue Lagoon insights in the comments.
