Wondering what to wear to a spray tan? You’re not alone. With summer here, it’s time to break out the shorts and swimsuits, and if you want to look a little more tan without the sun damage, spray tans are here to help. Whether you’re a first-timer and aren’t sure what to expect, or you’re a consistent spray tan client who wants to maximize results and get a long-lasting glow, learning how to prepare for a spray tan is serious business and a key part of getting the best, most even, and bronzed version of yourself.
There’s nothing to be nervous about going into a spray tan. “Tanning should feel empowering, not intimidating,” says Isabel Alysa, a Los Angeles-based celebrity spray tan artist and founder of Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin. “Your tan is like makeup. It’s there to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. Embrace the glow and enjoy it!” Her best advice? “Follow all the prep tips and ask questions! A good spray tan artist will walk you through the process and customize your shade.”
Ahead, we asked tanning experts everything you need to know about what to wear to a spray tan, how to prep your skin beforehand, and so much more. Read on for all the tips.
What should you wear to a spray tan?
Getting dressed for a spray tan is quick and easy. “You’ll want to wear loose, dark, and breathable clothes,” says Santa Monica-based Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared + Bronzed. Think colors like black, navy blue, or dark gray, and nothing “tight or clingy,” recommends Alysa.
Specifically, what are some options to wear? “A roomy maxi dress, loose joggers, or an oversized T-shirt are ideal,” Claghorn explains. If it’s chilly, you can also try a “black oversized sweater and sweatpants,” adds Alysa.
If it’s comfortable for you, skipping a bra is recommended, as “tight clothing can rub against freshly sprayed skin and create uneven patches,” says Claghorn, but more on what to wear after a spray tan later.
Last part—don’t forget the shoes! “Slides or sandals are your best bet for your feet,” says Claghorn, and bonus points if they are also loose-fitting and dark-colored.
What do you wear when you get a spray tan?
What do you wear during the actual spray tan? (Do you fully undress for a spray tan? Is it awkward?) Both experts share the same sentiment: It’s totally up to your comfort level. Alysa adds that it’s all about “whatever makes you feel confident and covered.”
And don’t worry—it’s not awkward at all. Spray tan artists see bodies all day, every day, and are there to make you as comfortable as possible. Both Claghorn and Alysa share that many clients go fully nude to avoid tan lines, but others “wear a thong or swimsuit bottoms because they love to see the color difference,” Claghorn adds. “At Sugared + Bronzed, we provide disposable garments for guests who prefer them,” says Claghorn. You can, of course, also wear your own underwear too.
It’s also important to arrive at your appointment with clean, dry skin, sans any lotions or oils. “These can act as barriers and affect the absorption of the solution,” says Claghorn.
While some customers may be looking for an all-over tan, this isn’t always the case: “If you’re tanning for an event and wearing a specific outfit, we can always adjust based on what areas will be showing,” explains Alysa.
Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Mousse
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Dolce Glow by Isabel Alysa Self-Tanning Mist
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Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion
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Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit
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What should you wear after a spray tan?
After your spray tan and while your tan develops, keep your clothes loose and dark like before your appointment. “Avoid bras or anything with straps that could leave lines,” says Alysa. “Think no skin-to-skin contact so your tan can develop without smudging. Avoid anything tight like leggings, sports bras, or jeans.” Wearing loose clothing after will be your best bet for a flawless tan.
How long do you need to stay in your comfy outfit? Not that we’re rushing out of a comfy pair of sweats or a big dress, but you can return to your regular wardrobe after you rinse off your spray tan. “You can rinse as soon as one hour post-spray or as long as 24 hours after,” says Claghorn, but talk to your spray tan artist about what timeline they recommend.
If you’ve gotten spray tans before and feel like they’ve faded too quickly, here’s a pro tip from Alysa: “Post-rinse, stay away from chlorinated pools, saunas, and harsh scrubs for several days to keep your glow intact,” she says.
How do you prepare for a spray tan?
Though what you wear before and after your spray tan is key for good results, the most important step of all is prepping your skin before your spray tan.
First things first: “If you’re planning to get a manicure or pedicure, sugaring, or blowout, do so before your appointment,” says Claghorn.
Prep begins the day before your appointment. “I always tell my clients to exfoliate their entire body 24 hours before their appointment using an oil-free scrub or exfoliating mitt,” says Alysa. “You want to remove any dead skin, product buildup, or leftover tan so the solution can absorb evenly.” Sloughing off any dry skin will ensure the tan doesn’t cling to dry patches and look streaky or blotchy.
Another important shower step: “Shave or wax the day before to avoid irritation,” adds Alysa. “I don’t recommend shaving the same day because this is one of the number one causes for streaks in a tan. It’s the left-over residue from the wax bar.”
Right before your session, avoid oils, heavy lotions, and any exfoliating. If you didn’t get to exfoliation the night before, skip it. “You’ll also want to skip the lotions, deodorant, and perfumes the day of your tan,” she notes.
And what about your skin after a tan? “Post-tan, steer clear of sweating, swimming, or getting wet until your initial rinse and avoid any lotions or oils until the following day,” says Claghorn. “Our biggest tip is that the bronzer layer (what you see right away) is not the final color. You’ll see the fully developed tan the next day.”
Billie Razor
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Billie
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Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
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