Getting a spray tan always makes me feel like I just got back from vacation—even when I haven’t left the city. But let’s be real: one wrong outfit and you’re risking blotches, streaks, or even ruining your clothes. So today, I’m breaking down exactly what to wear to a spray tan—before, during, and after—along with the comfortable, stylish, and tan-safe picks I swear by.
Why What You Wear to a Spray Tan Actually Matters
You’d think it’s just about stripping down, spraying, and glowing, right? Not quite. What you wear before and after can literally make or break your tan.
Fabrics that cling, colors that stain, or tight bras and waistbands can all mess with the solution. I learned the hard way that friction equals fading, and synthetic fabrics don’t play nice with self-tanner. Trust me, wearing the right outfit is essential for getting that even, long-lasting glow.
What to Wear During a Spray Tan
Do You Go Nude? Let’s Talk Options
Every salon’s different, but most allow you to go nude or wear minimal clothing. If I want no tan lines, I go nude. But if I’m not in the mood (or it’s a newer technician), I bring dark seamless underwear or use the disposable thong and bandeau they usually provide.
Best Options for Inside the Booth
Here are the things I’ve used that don’t leave lines:
- Dark stick-on nipple covers and thongs
- A bandeau bra with no straps
- High-waist cotton briefs if I’m not feeling super brave
Basically, the less coverage, the fewer tan lines. Just make sure it’s dark and doesn’t cling too tight.
What to Wear Immediately After a Spray Tan
Here’s where it really matters—what you wear out of the salon is crucial to keeping that tan looking flawless.
Loose-Fitting Clothing Is Key
I go for oversized tees and flowy pants every single time. No cling, no seams rubbing my skin, and no color transfer. This is my go-to:
🖤 The Dark Sunday Oversized Box Tee ($45)
➤ https://tunercult.com/products/darc-sunday-oversized-box-tee
It’s boxy, breathable, and the dark color doesn’t show any tanning residue.
🖤 W428 Drip Oversized Tee ($35)
➤ https://www.youngla.com/products/w428
Soft and comfy, it’s like wearing a cloud that won’t mess with my glow.
Best Bottoms: Comfy, Breathable, Dark
🖤 Loft Breezy Wide-Leg Chambray Pants ($29)
So light and airy—I barely feel them on my skin.
🖤 Lotus & Luna Black Wide-Leg Cotton Pants ($44.99)
➤ https://www.lotusandluna.com/products/black-wide-leg-cotton-pants
Elastic waistband and breathable fabric? Yes, please.
🖤 AE Sunchaser High-Waisted Knit Pants ($31.46)
Loose enough for airflow and stylish enough for errands after.
Shoes Matter Too
Leave the sneakers and socks at home! Your feet will sweat and smudge the tan.
Here’s what I wear instead:
🩴 Cushioned Open-Toe Sandals ($17.97)
Soft, open, and easy to slide into post-tan.
🩴 Open-Toe Lace-Up Sandals ($15.99)
Let’s air flow without rubbing any tan off the tops of my feet.
🩴 Olukai Aukai Sandals ($72)
➤ https://shoptiques.com/products/womens-olukai-aukai-sandals-in-tan
These are an investment—but so worth it for summer tan days.
Fabrics to Avoid Like the (Tan-Streak) Plague
This one’s simple. If it’s:
- Tight
- Synthetic
- White
- Or has seams or wires
…it’s a no from me. That includes sports bras, leggings, shapewear, and anything that hugs the skin.
Synthetic fibers like nylon or spandex trap moisture and heat, which can lead to splotchy tans. I made the mistake once of wearing yoga pants to a tan appointment. Never again.
Skip:
- Tight bras (even wireless if it’s too snug)
- Jeans (yes, even jeggings)
- Shapewear of any kind
- Seam-heavy leggings
The 24-Hour Rule: What to Wear the Next Day
The tan continues developing and settling during the first day. Here’s what I go for when I need to be out and about but don’t want to ruin the finish:
🖤 Dark cotton joggers or drawstring lounge pants
🖤 Oversized dark tee or tank
🖤 Open shoes or slip-ons with no socks
The key here is still softness and breathability. No elastic digging in!
Extra Tips to Make Your Tan Last Longer
Aside from clothes, here are a few things I always do:
- No workouts, saunas, or hot showers for 24 hours
- Sleep in dark sheets
- Use an oil-free moisturizer twice a day after the first rinse
- Don’t exfoliate for at least 5 days
And hydrate! Dry skin means flaky tan.
What Not to Wear Before or After
Here’s my never-ever list:
- No deodorant, perfume, or lotion the day of the tan
- No jewelry—especially tight bracelets or watches
- No socks or closed shoes until at least 12 hours post-tan
Basically, anything that presses against your skin is a no-go.
My Spray Tan Routine (And Why It Works)
Here’s how I show up and glow up:
- I exfoliate the night before with a sugar scrub
- I wear no makeup, lotion, or deodorant the day of
- I arrive in my Oversized Box Tee and Black Wide-Leg Pants
- I go nude for the tan
- I slip back into my outfit, wear my open-toe sandals, and lounge for the rest of the day
Where I Shop My Tan-Ready Outfits
I’ve found my favorite spray tan wardrobe pieces at:
- Amazon (for affordable oversized basics)
- YoungLA & Tuner Cult (for cotton-rich oversized tees)
- Lotus & Luna (for breezy pants)
- LOFT (light chambray everything)
- American Eagle (loose knits and loungewear)
Search for “oversized box tee,” “cotton lounge pants,” or “dark wide-leg pants” to build your perfect spray tan wardrobe.
Final Thoughts: Dress for the Glow You Want ✨
When it comes to spray tans, your clothes are your armor. You want to protect that flawless finish while still feeling comfy and confident. Loose, dark, and breathable is the magic formula.
Next time you’re booking a glow-up, prep your outfit like it’s part of the ritual. Trust me—you’ll look amazing, feel fresh, and walk out with a tan that lasts.
