Preparing for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan involves several essential steps to ensure the procedure is both safe and yields the clearest possible images. One of the most critical aspects of your preparation revolves around what you wear. Because the MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic field, any metal on or in your clothing can interfere with the scanner, compromise the imaging quality and, in some rare cases, pose a risk.

However, even if you arrive in metal-free clothing, depending on the specific facility’s protocol or the type of MRI being performed (for instance, if contrast dye is required), your healthcare professional may still request that you change into a disposable hospital gown. Ultimately, the golden rule is to follow every instruction provided by your medical team regarding clothing and preparation, as they are tailored to maximize your safety and the efficacy of the scan. Adherence to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and successful MRI experience.

Step 1: Consider metal-free clothing

As Mayo Clinic explains, MRI is a medical imaging procedure that uses strong magnetic fields to generate detailed images of internal body structures. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays) and is used in disease detection, diagnosis and monitoring treatment.

Before your appointment with the medical team, select clothing that is free from any metal. This includes:

  • Hooks
  • Zippers
  • Underwire bras

Consider suitable clothing options such as cotton T-shirts, sports bras without metal and elastic waist pants or shorts. Also, inform your MRI technologist if you have any metal implants or foreign objects, including pacemakers. All these precautions are taken to prevent health hazards that may arise during the procedure and ensure patient safety.

Step 2: Leave jewelry and other accessories behind for your MRI appointment

An MRI is a specialized procedure that requires precision to provide detailed images of the body’s internal organs, including bones and tissues. Metal objects can significantly interfere with the MRI’s magnetic field and pose serious safety risks. Be sure to leave any metal items at home before your appointment. All jewelry, watches or clothes with metal hooks are not to be brought into the scanning room, as they can fly into the scanner, per Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Remove and avoid bringing:

  • Earrings, necklaces, rings
  • Watches, fitness trackers
  • Piercings
  • Clips, metal-containing makeup

Step 3: Follow facility guidelines

As explained by Tunde Rasheed, B.Sc. Researcher, “Usually, before any medical procedure can be conducted, there are clear and strict guidelines that need to be followed. Healthcare professionals and patients must adhere to ethical conduct and perform operations based on medical principles.”

Patients need to follow their medical team’s instructions before and after the procedure. This is not only to improve their safety, but also to ensure that detection and diagnosis are done correctly. While some MRI facilities may provide a gown or specific guidelines for your scan, it’s always important to:

  • Ask your medical team before the MRI if your clothing is acceptable.
  • Arrive early to change if needed by your medical team.
  • Inform your healthcare professional of any implants or devices.

Step 4: Contrast dye requirements

Some MRI examinations use a contrast agent to highlight particular tissues or blood vessels. Contrast dye is a gadolinium-based liquid injected into the vein to help make specific tissues or abnormalities appear more transparent and in more detail.

Before the scan:

  • Inform your healthcare professional if you have a history of allergies, asthma or any chronic conditions.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Provide blood tests (at least within the last three months) to check your kidney function before receiving contrast.

Step 5: Prepare both mentally and physically

Sometimes, MRI machines can feel noisy, which can lead to stress. Preparing before the scan helps reduce stress.

  • If you are claustrophobic, which is the fear of confined spaces, talk to your medical team since open MRI options may be available.
  • Use the bathroom before the scan to avoid discomfort.

Tips and best practices

For a successful MRI scan, follow these helpful tips:

  • Avoid using makeup: Some makeup products contain metallic particles, which can interfere with the procedure and raise safety concerns.
  • Put on light fittings: While MRI rooms can be generally cold, excessive clothing may not be allowed.
  • Avoid lotions: To minimize interference with certain scans, refrain from applying lotions or creams on the day of your MRI, as noted by the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.

Specific tips

MRI scans can be done on different parts of the body. This mostly depends on the condition being diagnosed.

  • For brain MRIs: Avoid hair products, as they contain metallic ingredients.
  • For abdominal MRIs: Your medical team may ask you to fast for a few hours before the scan.
  • For pelvic MRIs: Ask your technician if putting on a pad or liner is necessary.

What is the best thing to wear for an MRI?

Generally, the best thing to wear is comfortable and metal-free clothing. The clothing should also be loose-fitting, such as cotton T-shirts, sweatpants with no zippers and metal-free underwear. Sometimes, depending on the facility, your medical team may require you to put on a gown before the scan. If you are unsure about the most suitable clothing to wear before the procedure, consult your healthcare expert for guidance.

Why can’t I drink water before an MRI?

It is generally considered safe to drink water before an MRI because most scans do not necessarily require you to fast. However, it is essential to limit your fluid intake to avoid discomfort or the need to use a restroom during the procedure. For some MRIs, such as abdominal or pelvic MRIs, your healthcare professional may ask you to fast or limit fluid intake. This precaution is taken into account as it helps to reduce movement in the digestive tract and improves image clarity. As always, follow your healthcare professional’s specific instructions for preparation.

Can I drive myself home after an MRI?

Generally, yes, you can drive yourself home after an MRI because the procedure itself is non-invasive and does not involve radiation or general anesthesia. However, there are crucial exceptions to this rule. You should not drive if you were administered a sedative (medication given to help manage anxiety or claustrophobia) or if you received an intravenous (IV) contrast dye and subsequently feel dizzy, lightheaded or unwell.

Sedatives impair judgment and reaction time, making driving unsafe. It is imperative that you always strictly adhere to the instructions provided by your medical professional or the radiology facility staff where your MRI was performed to ensure your safety.

    Bottom line

    When dressing for an MRI, consider simplicity. Use comfortable and metal-free clothing. Follow your facility’s instructions and avoid metal to ensure a quick, safe and accurate scan. If you have any concerns, call your MRI center ahead of time to clarify what to wear or bring.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I have to take off my clothes for an MRI?

    Not necessarily. You can be allowed into the MRI machine if your clothes are metal-free and appropriate for your scan. Otherwise, your facility may recommend that you change into a gown.

    Can I wear deodorant for an MRI?

    For most MRIs, yes. However, for certain scans, such as breast MRI or head scans, some deodorants and antiperspirants contain traces of metals that could affect image quality.

    Can you wear a sanitary pad during an MRI?

    Most sanitary pads are safe to put on during an MRI. Avoid pads with metallic backing or adhesives. If you are unsure, bring a spare and check with your healthcare professional before the scan.

    Citations

          Mayo Clinic. MRI. Mayo Clinic. Published 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768

          Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Staying Safe During an MRI. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Published July 19, 2023. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/staying-safe-during-mri

          Mayo Clinic. Gadopentetate (intravenous route). Mayo Clinic. Published 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gadopentetate-intravenous-route/description/drg-20074688

          Mittendorff L, Young A, Sim J. A Narrative Review of Current and Emerging MRI Safety issues: What Every MRI Technologist (radiographer) Needs to Know. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences. 2021;69(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.546