Step up Your Pedicure Game With these Sharp Outfits

By Shelby Bonner Jul 09, 2023

Whether this is your first pedicure or your 100th, certain types of clothes work better for getting a pedicure than others.

You want to be comfortable and have ease of movement while you get pampered. Wearing the right type of clothes will help you to have a relaxing, stress-free experience.

Since your nail technician is working on your feet, ease of access is important. You wouldn’t wear mittens to a manicure so wearing clothes that don’t cover your feet are equally important.

Here are our top picks of what to wear, and what not to wear.

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Material

Material plays an important factor in what you wear to a pedicure. Clothes with natural fibers such as linen and cotton, are more breathable which means less sweat, fewer bacteria, and less smell for you and your nail technician.

Learn more about linen.

Fit

A looser fit for your bottoms is also important. Many pedicures include additional treatments such as an exfoliating scrub, towel wrap for your feet and legs, and a foot and calf massage. Your nail technician needs easy access to these areas which means clothes that don’t cover your lower leg or clothes that can be easily folded back.

Tighter clothes can also restrict blood flow which can extend to your feet, making them harder to work on.

Learn more about styling loose clothing.

So, what kind of clothes should you wear?

Loose Jeans

Loose jeans are a great choice to wear. If you can fold back the bottoms to your knees, they are loose enough for your pedicure.

Find more loose jeans here.

Leggings

Leggings can be a great choice as long as you can fold them back and as long as they are not so tight they restrict blood flow.

For hot temperatures, breathable workout leggings are a great choice, and for colder temperatures, polyester leggings or leggings with a fleece lining will keep your legs warm and accessible.

Discover organic bamboo leggings.

Shorts

A pair of shorts are an ideal choice for your next pedi. They allow full access to your lower legs and toes and are comfortable to sit in.

Make sure they aren’t so tight that they ride up and are uncomfortable to sit in for the length of your appointment. On the other hand, make sure they aren’t so loose that your nail technician can see up them.

Check out these shorts.

Dresses and Skirts

Dresses and skirts can be a comfortable, breathable option for any season. However, there are some things to consider. During your pedicure, your legs will be spread apart and your nail technician will be sitting below you.

Your dress or skirt shouldn’t be so short that your undergarments are visible when you spread your legs. They also shouldn’t be so long or flowy that they constantly fall down your leg or get in your nail technician's way.

Why not try a fair trade dress?

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are a popular choice to wear after your pedicure for a reason. Most nail polish takes up to two hours to fully dry and cure. Flip flops will not only not touch your fresh polish, but they will help keep your foot unbothered so you aren’t rubbing off the lotion and other treatment that was just applied.

Check out these flip-flops

Sandals

Like flip-flops, open-toe sandals are a great choice for footwear. The open-toe part won’t rub or wreck your fresh polish and they are a comfortable choice to walk out of the spa with.

Discover these sandals.

What kind of clothes should you not wear?

Socks

Waiting 8 to 12 hours before wearing socks after a pedicure is recommended. This gives your polish enough time to fully dry and lets any lotion and oils be fully absorbed by your skin.

If it's winter and you’d rather wear socks than freeze your feet, try toeless socks. They won’t rub against your fresh polish. Also opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton that will let your feet air out without overheating them.

You might get some looks walking home, but it will be well worth it for a lasting, flawless pedicure.

Try out these sustainable socks.

Capris

Capris could have been made for pedicures. They are the perfect length to offer coverage while still exposing enough of your leg to be worked on.

Find more pants here.

No Closed Shoes

Just like with socks, closed shoes can ruin your pedicure before you even get home. If you need to wear closed shoes for work or the weather, opt for gel polish that will dry under a UV lamp instantly and won’t rub off later.

Save these sneakers for another day.

No Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are one of the worst items to wear for a pedicure. Not only does the tight fit potentially limit blood flow, but they are impossible to roll up.

Unless you are just getting your toes painted, skinny jeans are hard to work around for your full treatment.

Find more jean styles here.

No Pantyhose or Stockings

Stockings or pantyhose are other no-go items. You will have to take up time to remove them before your appointment. Their tight fit and polyester material easily trap moisture that can lead to fungal and bacteria buildup.

Save these stockings for another day.

No Foot Jewelry

Jewelry for your appointment is fine, just leave the foot jewelry at home. You will have to take time to remove it as will be in the way of your nail technician as they work on your feet. Save it for after your pedi to show off your polish choice.

Save these jewelry brands for another day.

No Heels

Heels, even open-toe heels are not ideal to wear right after your pedicure. They put added pressure on your toes which can cause your polish to crack as it is still drying.

Save these heels to show your pedicure off the next day.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.

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