Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/640605
88 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 6 AVOID PROVOCATIVE ATTIRE As you've learned since massage school, it's supremely important for therapists to avoid dressing in a way that may be interpreted as suggestive, provocative, or fl irtatious. Watch out for plunging and/or loose necklines that reveal too much cleavage as you lean forward; shirts that ride up and reveal your belly and low back; pants with waistlines that sag or slip down to reveal your intergluteal cleft; leggings or tops that are too tight; and any clothes that are transparent. It's important to remember that sometimes a piece of clothing that seems perfectly appropriate in one lighting condition can be somewhat (or even completely) transparent in another. When in doubt, it's always prudent to have someone else help you with a dress rehearsal instead of risking a disastrous wardrobe malfunction. La Cour makes sure what she wears when providing outcall massage is not misconstrued as inappropriate—particularly because she practices in Las Vegas. "It's important to be somewhat covered up and androgynous when doing mobile massage. You never want anyone to get the wrong idea, whether that is a new, uninformed client or a nosy neighbor. I would describe my professional dress as almost matronly, and, being in my 20s, that isn't too much fun." DON'T DO Hillary Arrieta has been an MT for 11 years and in private practice at Gaia Bodywork in the Dallas area for about four years. She echoes La Cour's desire to avoid anything that might be perceived as provocative: "I don't wear anything that shows my cleavage (for obvious reasons) or my legs. I try to eliminate anything that would distract my client from the massage experience." BASK IN BLACK As MTs, we spend our days slathered in wonderful oils, creams, gels, balms, scrubs, liniments, and other rich, hydrating lotions and potions. This is, of course, fantastic for our skin, but alas, not so benefi cial for our clothes. Product stains can ruin a perfectly professional outfi t in no time. Arrieta, like many other MTs, has adopted an approach to her wardrobe that is simple and heavily infl uenced by a desire to conceal stains. "I love wearing all black to work," Arrieta says. "I use massage oil, and I fi nd that black will hide stains. It also makes me look very polished. I'm a minimalist, so I love having a 'uniform.' It cuts down on spending and having to shop for outfi ts." David J. Otto, an MT in private practice at Hands In Motion in the Las Vegas area, says that after practicing for about three years, he realized black works for him for all occasions. "I realized that when I contracted for gigs, contractors' common requests for me to dress in all black was not only geared toward uniformity, but also a neutral sense of presence. Black is also very slimming, so for obvious reasons, black remains a conservative and preferable choice." Aprons and smocks can also help you dodge product stains on clothing. These uniform pieces have long been staples in spa and salon settings. Some MTs have a lot of fun with their apron and smock choices— they either purchase them or design their own, using unique fabrics that refl ect their personalities, feature holiday themes, or correspond to the name of their businesses. This sports bra may be interpreted as suggestive, provocative, or fl irtatious if worn separately. Better to keep it under layers.