Gone are the days of powder white and pale beauty. Today, more and more people are getting hooked with the bronzy, sunkissed look. Beginners and amateurs flock the tanning salons to get a spray tan, since spray tanning provides an easier alternative to UV tanning. Although it’s not fairly cheap, the results are good for your budget.
But, before anything else, you should be aware of the clothes you should wear to a spray tan session. After all, we all want that flawless tan to stick to our skin, right?
What to Wear During a Spray Tan
We know that you have exfoliated and prepped your skin before your spray tan session. You have scoured the internet for the best tanning salon, and now you’re off to your scheduled session. But, as you stand in front of your closet, an important question pops into your head. What should you wear during and after your spray tan session?
Wearing clothes going to your spray tan session is easy. You can wear whatever you want. What you’re going to wear during and after your spray tanning session is the big question.
Wear black or dark underwear
When you’re inside the parlor, and a specialist sprays on your body, some solution may spray to your underwear. Wear black cotton underwear to avoid staining your light-colored undergarments.
Wear old underwear
No one wants a newly bought or favorite underwear to be ruined and stained by a tanning solution, so pick an underwear you’d be comfortable getting stained. Although spray tan solutions can be washed off, don’t take the risk because not all fabrics can be salvaged.
Wear a bikini
If you’re a bit shy, you can wear a bikini during your appointment. Your specialist won’t judge you if you wish to not remove your clothing or your bra. Some clients leave their thongs on while some keep their underwear. It’s all up to you and your level of comfort.
Remember to use a bikini or bandeau top low enough so your tan lines won’t show. Also keep in mind that wearing bikini tops may leave strap marks on your skin.
Wear flip flops or sandals
By wearing flip flops or sandals, it keeps your feet from sweating. Tanning sweaty feet will not set the solution to your skin.
What to Avoid Wearing During a Spray Tan
Your specialists might be cringing on the inside when they find out you are wearing these. They only want what’s best for you and your tanning experience, so we have listed a few notes on what to avoid wearing during a spray tan.
Do not wear makeup
When going to your appointment, it is advised to remove any makeup. Makeup serves as a barrier between the tanning solution and your skin. Also, avoid using heavy moisturizers because it may result in your tan not setting properly.
Do not wear lotions and perfumes
Do not use any oil-based products, lotions, and perfumes. These leave a residue on your body that will not allow the tanning solution to penetrate your skin. Although, you may lather a small amount of lotion on your kneecaps and elbows since these are the areas of the body that are extremely dry, and would appear darker than the rest of your body.
Do not use white and new underwear
We don’t want you to cry your eyes out when the new pair of bikini or lingerie you just bought got stained. Try using dark and old underwear for your session, instead. This would help you easily get rid of the clothing when the stains can’t be removed.
Do not wear accessories
Remove your wristwatch, earrings, necklaces, and piercings to avoid getting sprayed on by the solution and leaving uneven marks on your skin.
What to Wear After a Spray Tan
When you’re looking all bronzed and glowing, here are some notes you may want to know after getting your spray tan. Tanning specialists would not want you to ruin your tan right after you just got them, so follow these tips on what to wear after getting a spray tan.
Wear dark cotton loose-fitting clothes
Use dark clothing because some residue from the tan may rub off on the clothes. Although cotton fabrics can be easily washed off of stains, some fabrics don’t.
Use loose-fitting clothes that will not hug your body too tightly. You may use a loose sweatshirt and pants after your spray tan session. You can also wear skirts when it’s not raining.
Wear a bandeau or strapless bra
Wearing a bra after a spray tan can cause marks on your skin due to the elastic pressing on your skin. To avoid these, make use of a strapless bra or a bandeau. You may also ask your specialist to help you put it on to avoid rubbing your arms and smudging the tan.
Also, do not wear your bra by clasping it in the front and rotating it in the back. This will rub off the tan on your skin.
Wear loose sleepwear to bed
Some get their spray tans before going to bed. With this, use spray tanning sheets and loose sleepwear to avoid rubbing off your tan on the bed sheet. Use loose sleepwear to avoid sweating in your sleep.
Use loose sandals or flip flops
We don’t want you to sweat and smudge your favorite or new shoes. Use flip flops or open-toed sandals to prevent your feet from sweating and the tanning solution to smudge.
What to Avoid Wearing After a Spray Tan
As much as possible, avoid wearing clothing that are tight on your skin and body for at least 24 hours after your spray tan session.
Here are the types of clothing to avoid after a spray tan session.
Do not wear tight jeans, leggings or shorts
Wearing these tight jeans and shorts will rub on your skin, thereby removing the tan on your skin and gaining thick lines all over your legs. As much as you want to wear those new and tight jeans, wait at least a day to put them on.
Do not wear heavy and fitted clothes
Wearing tight clothes would give you a hard time pulling down and up your face and body. This would result to the fabric rubbing on your tan. Tight sleeves are also a no-no, as it would rub on your arms and smear the tan in that area.
Do not wear socks
Do not wear any tight footie and trouser socks, as they would rub on your ankles leaving uneven marks on your skin.
Do not wear bras
We know it’s a bit uncomfortable not wearing a bra, but we recommend not wearing one at least four hours after your tanning session. Your bra straps will rub over your tan as you hook it in your back or as you pull it over your head. You may opt for a strapless bra, but there’s also the risk it may rub on the area, as well.
Do not wear boots, pumps and strappy sandals
We can’t overemphasize that those strappy sandals, boots, and pumps would rub your feet and ankles. It would also make you sweat on the areas of your feet, which are a big no-no.
Do not wear jewelry
Yes, you are still not allowed to wear any jewelry. You can put them on after your first shower, which is six to eight hours after your tanning session. These would rub lines into your skin and get your tanning solution into the accessories. We don’t want you to worry over getting a smudge on your accessories.
Conclusion
Achieving flawless and sunkissed skin does require a lot of preparation, but maintaining it is just as important. What you wear during and after your spray tan will help you achieve the glow you wish to get.
Taking note of all the tips and advice we gave you would help on your next spray tan appointment. But, also remember that comfort is always the key to an enjoyable and lasting tan.