Plus Size Friendly Spas: A Guide | TCF

For most of us curvy and plus sized women, we never forget our first visit to the spa. It’s either very exciting and engaging, or it’s non-inclusive and demeaning. Of course, none of us are a monolith, but one of the few places that gets discussed far too little when it comes to comfort for the curves… is the spa.
From robes that are too small to gazing eyes that act like they’ve never seen thick thighs saving lives before. However, there’s a way, as a curvy woman, to mentally prepare and find plus size friendly spas!

Here is your guide to navigating plus size friendly spas!

The Prep

Though we shouldn’t have to go the extra mile just to relax, there are some steps you’re attending plus size friendly spas.

Call ahead to be sure of inclusive sizes.

This includes robes and even wide or large enough flip-flops, and more. Curvy, tall women tend to have bigger feet. Can I break the fourth wall? I can recall my mom’s face many times when a place didn’t have her shoe size, and the embarrassment she seemed to feel. This is a real thing. So be sure to ask what sizes they carry, and if they can’t accommodate, find out if you’re allowed to bring your own robe or flip-flops for ample comfort.

Manage your mental health, especially for first-timers.

This isn’t to assume that all of us feel insecure about being seen — a lot of us don’t, and we have no reason to be. Still, as curvy women, we know that with our size and presence often comes the “gaze”. You know, the looks we get when we’re feeling ourselves or daring to show up in spaces that weren’t always welcoming to the plus-size body.

The truth is, shifting your mindset to fully embrace experiences like the spa might take a few tries — but there’s absolutely no shame in that.

Also, while we’d never suggest you prepare for customer service that isn’t up to par, never be afraid to speak up if a service provider is dismissive, unwelcoming, or inconsiderate.

The Experience at Plus Size Friendly Spas

Now, it’s time for your actual self-care service.

Whether it’s a deep-tissue massage, body polish, or facial, remember: you are the client. Your comfort, needs, and boundaries matter. Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications — whether it’s an extra towel for coverage, a chair that better fits your frame, or just time to settle in. High-end spas may appear polished on the surface, but they still need reminders that inclusion is more than just a marketing point — it’s a practice, unfortunately.

Pro tip: If you’re booking a body treatment, ask if you’ll be left with enough time and privacy to undress and dress at your own pace. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel and setting yourself up to truly enjoy your service.

Want to bring the spa home or supplement your treatment with something familiar? Try packing a few of your own products — not because you have to, but because you want to maintain your own wellness rituals before or after a session.

The Treatments

While many of us are aware of the typical massages and facial services that plus size friendly spas provide, we also want you to expand your treatment experiences. Many women who are curvier still shy away from services that may feel a bit more intrusive or just haven’t been marketed to our body types (yet). If you’re looking to expand your spa experiences as a plus-size woman, consider trying:

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: These are great for circulation and inflammation, especially post-travel or during periods of stress in our lives as women. These massages not only feel good, but truly help release toxins and restore your body’s glow from the inside out.

Hydrating Body Wraps: Many spas offer wraps that deeply hydrate the skin. Be sure to ask for an extended wrap or additional coverage if needed ahead of time. Do not feel embarrassed by asking for this, and please be sure to take note of the plus size friendly spas that offer accommodation for your future services.

Facials Using LED or Oxygen Therapy: These are high-tech, often non-invasive, and don’t require you to undress — perfect if you’re easing into spa life. If you’re beginning with facial or oxygen services, and you love them, be sure to inquire about future services that are body-focused to gauge their inclusivity standards.

Foot and Hand Treatments: These are small, low-pressure ways to get pampered without worrying about full-body exposure and at lower prices for budget-friendly visits. As mentioned above, many of these treatments are easy ways to gain insight as to how said spa would handle more personal treatments for you in the future.

The Products (That Love Our Bodies, Too)

You’ve made the calls, you’ve engaged the staff, and you’re ready to experience your service. If you’re bringing your own beauty goods or creating a spa vibe at home, consider these inclusive brands that cater to our skin, our body types, and our wellness journeys. This is always a great option, just in case the spa you’re attending doesn’t have products that are the best for your body and its needs.

Buttah Skin: What we love about Buttah Skin, a melanin-rich skincare brand offering cleansers and moisturizers, is that their products are both luxurious and effective.

Golde: This is a Brooklyn-born, go-to fave for the NYC girlies, and has been expanding for a while. Co-founded by a Black woman and her partner, this wellness-forward brand offers superfood lattes and supplements that complement your glow from the inside out, pre and post your spa treatments.

Hanahana Beauty: Their whipped shea body butters are rich in texture and rooted in ethical sourcing, ideal for moisturizing after steam or sauna sessions, while providing enough slip to cover our plus-size bodies.

Topicals: For those with sensitive skin, eczema, or hyperpigmentation, these body serums deliver results and feel good to use, while making Black and Brown skin and bodies major parts of their business priority.

The Wrap-Up

At the end of the day, the spa is a place for our bodies. Your body deserves rest, indulgence, and care — no matter its size. With a little prep and a lot of self-assurance, your next visit can feel less like a chore and more like the recharge you’ve been craving.

So prepare as best as you can, ask all the questions you need, and take up space when you’re there. The goal is to fully let yourself relax. You’re worthy of the wellness you seek — no robe size should ever make you question that.

Have you attended plus size friendly spas? Share the knowledge in the comments!