What to Wear to an MRI
The best thing to wear to an MRI is loose, comfortable clothing with no metal, such as cotton sweatpants and a plain T-shirt. Even so, many MRI centers ask patients to change into a gown, because some everyday clothes contain hidden metal that can heat up in the scanner.
This guide explains which clothes work, which ones to skip, and what else to check before your appointment. Always follow your MRI center's own instructions if they differ from these general tips.
Key takeaways
Wear loose, comfortable clothes with no zippers, snaps, buttons, underwire or metal trim.
Athletic and odor-control fabrics can hide metal fibers, so skip them or plan to change.
Staff may ask you to change into a gown, even if your clothes look metal-free.
Leave jewelry, watches and hair clips at home, and remove them before the scan.
Tell the team about implants, tattoos, medicine patches and any device card you carry.
What to wear to an MRI: clothes or a gown?
MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to make detailed pictures inside the body. Metal can be pulled by the magnet or can heat up during the scan, so clothing matters more than it does for most medical visits.
If your center lets you keep your own clothes on, a loose cotton outfit with no metal parts is a good choice. Many centers still give patients a gown to make sure nothing with metal goes into the scanner. Rules differ from one facility to the next, so ask when you book.
Clothing option | Metal concern | Practical choice |
Loose cotton clothes | Low if there are no metal parts | Wear only if the center allows it |
Athletic or odor-control clothing | May contain hidden metal fibers | Choose another outfit or plan to change |
Jeans, bras with underwire, clothes with zippers or snaps | Metal fasteners and trim | Leave at home or change into a gown |
Gown from the center | Chosen for MRI use | Wear it when staff provide one |
Does the body part matter?
For a knee, back or brain MRI, the clothing advice is the same. Choose easy-on, easy-off clothes with no metal. You may still be asked to change into a gown for the exam.
Why athletic wear can be a problem
Workout clothes often look metal-free, but some fabrics contain metallic threads for odor control or antibacterial effects. These fibers can heat up during a scan. If you are not sure what a garment is made of, plan to change into the gown.
Jewelry and accessories
Leave jewelry at home when you can. Before the scan you will need to remove:
Rings, necklaces, earrings and body piercings
Watches and fitness trackers
Hair clips, bobby pins and metal hair ties
Glasses, hearing aids and removable dental work
Keys, coins, phones and cards with magnetic strips
What should you check before your MRI appointment?
Clothing is only one part of getting ready. A few other details help the day go smoothly.
Food, drink and medicine
Eating and drinking rules depend on the exam. Many people can eat and take their usual medicines before an MRI, but some exams, such as certain abdominal scans, may require you to skip food for a few hours. Follow the instructions from your doctor and the MRI center, and do not stop any medicine on your own. Learn more in our guide on whether you can eat before an MRI.
Deodorant, makeup and skin products
Ordinary deodorant and moisturizer are usually fine, but some products contain metallic or mineral particles. Makeup, glitter, some nail products and powders near the area being scanned may need to come off. For details, read can you wear deodorant during an MRI?
Implants, tattoos and medicine patches
Tell the team about anything in or on your body before you enter the MRI room. Share:
Any implant or device, such as a pacemaker, joint replacement, clips or stimulator
Your implant card, if you have one
Tattoos near the area being scanned
Medicine patches, which may need to be removed
Some implants are safe for MRI only under certain conditions, and the team must check each device first. Tattoos and patches can sometimes cause skin irritation or warmth during a scan. Our guide to MRI and tattoos explains more. If you have questions about size or comfort on the table, call the center ahead of time.
What happens during an MRI scan?
You lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. The machine takes pictures in a series of short sets, and it makes loud tapping and knocking sounds between them. You will get ear protection, and you can ask the team whether music is available.
Staying still is the key to clear images. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath for short periods during some exams. Swallowing is generally fine, but movement can blur pictures of the brain, neck or throat, so follow the technologist's timing. If you need to cough or move, tell the technologist so the scan can be paused.
At Millenium MRI, most patients are in and out in about 35 minutes, depending on the exam. For a full walkthrough, see our complete guide to what to expect before, during and after your MRI.
Frequently asked questions
Do I wear my own clothes during an MRI?
Sometimes. If the center allows it, you may keep on loose clothing with no metal. Many centers ask patients to change into a gown, so plan for that.
Can I wear a bra to an MRI?
Bras with underwire, metal hooks or metallic trim should not go into the scanner. A sports bra may also contain metal fibers. If you are unsure, plan to remove it and wear a gown.
Can I wear leggings or yoga pants to an MRI?
Only if they have no metal fibers or trim. Many athletic fabrics use metal threads for odor control, so these are often not a good choice. Plain cotton is safer.
Can I listen to music during an MRI?
Some centers offer headphones with music, but options vary. Ask the team before your scan begins. You will be given ear protection either way.
What should I not do the night before an MRI?
Do not stop your medicines or start fasting unless your doctor or MRI center tells you to. Food and drink rules depend on the exam, so follow the instructions you receive.
What if I need to cough during the scan?
Tell the technologist. The scan can be paused so you can cough, and then imaging continues.
Related reading
Schedule an MRI at Millenium MRI
Millenium MRI has centers in Ocala, Largo and Tamarac, Florida, and in Jonesboro, Marion, North Little Rock and Springdale, Arkansas. Same-day appointments are often available. Self-pay MRI is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas, with no referral needed. Insurance patients need a doctor's order. Call your nearest center with any questions about what to wear, or request an appointment online.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.
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