What to Wear to an MRI: A Complete Guide to Clothing and Safety

Getting an MRI usually triggers a decent amount of anxiety. You are probably thinking about the test results, the enclosed space, or how long you have to hold perfectly still. Picking out an outfit is likely sitting at the absolute bottom of your priority list.

But here is a reality check. Figuring out exactly what to wear to an MRI isn’t just about feeling comfortable on a cold scanning table. It is quite literally a matter of physical safety.

You are preparing to step into a room that houses an industrial-strength, superconducting magnet. This machine is always turned on, and it is thousands of times stronger than the earth’s natural magnetic field. Because of how this powerful technology interacts with different materials, walking in with the wrong fabric can completely ruin your imaging results. Worse, it can actually cause physical harm.

Let’s break down the realities of the scan room, the hidden dangers in your favorite gym clothes, and exactly what needs to stay in your closet on the day of your appointment.

The Problem with High-Tech Fabrics: What to Wear to an MRI?

If you want to know what can you wear for an MRI, your first instinct is probably to reach for something comfortable. Most people grab their favorite moisture-wicking yoga pants, a stretchy athletic top, or high-performance leggings. It makes total sense. They don’t have zippers. They don’t have metal buttons. They seem like the safest choice in the world.

Except, they aren’t. In recent years, high-tech athletic wear has become a massive safety headache for imaging centers.

Many premium athletic brands weave microscopic metal threads—usually silver or copper—directly into their fabrics. These metals act as antimicrobial agents, which is what gives the clothing its “anti-odor” or “sweat-wicking” properties. While this is great for a heavy workout at the gym, it is incredibly dangerous inside an MRI machine.

During your scan, the machine sends out radiofrequency (RF) pulses. These pulses can interact with the invisible metallic fibers in your clothing, causing them to rapidly heat up. Some medical professionals have compared the effect to pressing your skin directly against a hot plate. Patients have sustained severe second-degree burns simply from wearing their favorite jogging pants or athletic shirts during a scan.

Unless the tag explicitly states the garment is 100% cotton, leave the activewear at home. If the label says “silverscent,” “antimicrobial,” or “moisture-wicking,” it absolutely cannot go into the scanner.

So, What Clothes to Wear for an MRI Scan?

The golden rule of clothing for MRI appointments is simple: keep it loose, keep it breathable, and stick to natural fibers. You want to eliminate all metal. That means no zippers, no metallic buttons, no underwire, and no hidden clasps.

If you are trying to figure out exactly what to wear in MRI scan environments without having to change into a drafty paper gown, here is your blueprint.

• Stick to 100% Cotton: Basic cotton T-shirts and standard cotton sweatpants are your best friends here. They do not react to the machine’s magnetic field or radiofrequency pulses.
• Check Your Waistbands: Sweatpants are great, but you need to check the drawstring. Many hoodies and sweatpants have small metal caps (aglets) at the end of the strings. If yours do, find a different pair.
• Rethink the Undergarments: This is where a lot of people get tripped up. Underwire bras are strictly prohibited. Even bras without wire often contain small metal adjusters on the straps or metal hook-and-eye closures in the back. Your best option is a basic cotton sports bra with zero padding and zero plastic or metal clasps.
• Slip-On Footwear: You will have to take your shoes off before you get on the scanning table. Don’t bother with complicated laces or boots. Just wear comfortable slip-on shoes and a standard pair of cotton socks.

Table 1: The MRI Wardrobe Cheat Sheet

Dressing for Your Specific Scan

The exact part of your body being examined will heavily influence your outfit choices. During the procedure, the technologist has to place specialized equipment—called a “coil”—directly over the body part being scanned. This equipment acts as an antenna to catch the signals your body emits, creating the final image.

What to wear to an MRI scan of the knee:

If you are getting a lower extremity scanned, the technologist needs clear, unobstructed access to your joint. The coil they place over your knee is heavy and shaped somewhat like a cage. Because of this, thick fabrics like denim or heavy corduroy will get in the way. The smartest move here is to wear loose, baggy gym shorts (without metal string tips) or wide-leg cotton sweatpants that easily roll up past your mid-thigh. If your pants are too tight to roll up, you will definitely end up in a hospital gown.

What to wear for MRI brain scan procedures:

When your head, neck, or brain is being evaluated, the rules get incredibly strict regarding your face and hair. You have to remove every single metal hair accessory. Bobby pins and metal barrettes will literally fly off your head and stick to the machine’s magnet.

Furthermore, you should arrive completely bare-faced. A surprising amount of everyday cosmetics—especially mascara, thick foundation, and dark eyeshadow—contain trace amounts of iron oxides or metallic minerals. The magnetic field will pull at these cosmetics, which can cause a burning sensation on your skin. Worse, the metal in your makeup will create dark, distorted blobs (artifacts) on the final images, making it impossible for the radiologist to clearly see your brain or facial nerves.

Table 2: Hidden Metals You Didn’t Know You Were Wearing