Tan-through swimwear is designed to let UV rays pass through the fabric, helping you achieve an even tan while reducing tan lines. Here's what you need to know:
- How it works: Made from micro-perforated fabric, it allows up to 80% of sunlight to reach your skin while keeping you covered.
- Safety tips: Always apply sunscreen beneath the swimwear, as UV protection is limited (UPF 7–15).
- Benefits: Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and reduces tan lines.
- Limitations: Offers less UV protection than standard swimwear and may require careful sizing for best results.
- Care: Hand wash gently, avoid direct sunlight when drying, and store in a cool, ventilated space.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tan-Through Swimwear | Standard Swimwear |
|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | UPF 7–15 | UPF 50+ |
| Tanning Effect | Even tan, fewer lines | Creates tan lines |
| Drying Speed | 3× faster | Standard drying |
| Breathability | High | Varies by fabric |
This swimwear is ideal for those who want a more even tan but requires mindful use of sunscreen and sun safety precautions. Keep reading for detailed tips on how to use and care for it!
Basic Principles of Tan-Through Swimwear
Understanding the Fabric
Tan-through swimwear is made from micro-perforated fabric that allows UV rays to pass through while maintaining a solid appearance. The material is designed with millions of tiny holes woven into its structure.
Brands like Kiniki and Coração Bobo have developed fabrics that let in up to five times more sunlight compared to regular lycra. These fabrics typically have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 7.
The fabric is usually a blend of polyester or polyamide with lycra, offering a mix of functionality and comfort. Key features include:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Ensures comfort |
| Quick-drying | Dries three times faster than regular swimwear |
| Breathable | Helps prevent overheating |
| UV-permeable | Allows around 80% of sun rays through |
This fabric not only boosts tanning potential but also ensures the wearer remains covered.
Coverage and Privacy
The UV-permeable fabric is essential for tanning but also ensures privacy through clever design. As Kiniki explains:
"Quite simply, our unique patented Tan Through swimwear fabric contains millions of tiny square & diamond shaped holes allowing the suns tanning rays to pass through... To counter the transparency we design special prints that confuse the eye and camouflage the skin beneath making any transparency issues melt away like butter in the sunshine you will be lying in!"
Coverage is achieved through:
- Specially designed patterns and prints that mask the micro-perforations
- Fabric construction that maintains opacity when worn
Dr. Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, FAAD, from New York Medical College, highlights an important point:
"Since mesh or tan-through pieces provide minimal protection against UV rays, it is important to treat areas under such swimwear just as you would fully exposed skin - with application and reapplication of sunscreen"
While tan-through swimwear offers some SPF protection - ranging between 8 and 15 - this is much lower than traditional swimwear. Proper sunscreen use is essential to ensure safe tanning.
Effectiveness and Results
Key Success Factors
Getting the best results from tan-through swimwear depends on a few important factors. For starters, adjust the SPF you use based on your skin type - lighter skin tones need higher protection compared to darker ones.
Here are some factors that can influence how well tan-through swimwear works:
| Factor | Impact on Results |
|---|---|
| Sun Intensity | Works best during moderate sun exposure (UV index 3–5) |
| Fabric Condition | Wet fabric reduces its tanning ability |
| Application Area | Sunscreen must be applied evenly under the swimwear |
| Exposure Duration | Gradual exposure helps achieve better results |
| Swimwear Design | Seams and thick trims may cause uneven tanning |
These factors are essential to consider when comparing tan-through swimwear to standard options.
Standard vs. Tan-Through Swimwear
Unlike regular swimwear that blocks UV rays, tan-through swimwear is designed to let some sun through. Traditional swimwear creates noticeable tan lines, while tan-through designs allow about 80% of the sun's rays to reach your skin.
Here’s a quick comparison of their features:
| Feature | Tan-Through Swimwear | Standard Swimwear |
|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | UPF 7–15 | Typically UPF 50+ |
| Tanning Effect | Lets up to 80% of rays through | Blocks most UV rays |
| Sun Ray Penetration | Allows 5× more rays than standard lycra | Minimal penetration |
Customer feedback is mixed. Some TikTok users claim they had no tan lines after just four hours in the sun, while others report varying outcomes.
Different brands offer varying levels of effectiveness. For example, Coração Bobo’s fabric provides a UPF of 7, True Tone Swimwear offers protection similar to SPF 8–15, and Smart Swimsuits boasts coverage comparable to SPF 35.
Safety Guidelines
Sunscreen Requirements
When wearing tan-through swimwear, applying sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin. Since these garments let UV rays pass through the fabric, the skin beneath should be treated as if it's fully exposed. As Cooltan explains:
"You should treat the underlying skin as if it is fully exposed to the sun. In fact, it may be even more vital to wear sunblock under tan through swimwear and clothing because some of that skin has never been exposed to the sun at all."
For best results, use a waterproof sunscreen before putting on your tan-through swimsuit. Reapply it at least every two hours or right after swimming. Keep in mind that many tan-through fabrics, like those from Coração Bobo, provide limited protection with UPF values around 7. If you have light or fair skin, especially if you're blonde or red-haired, aim for a higher SPF (30 or more). Those with medium or dark skin might opt for a lower SPF (around 6 to 10). Choose based on your skin's sensitivity and how much sun exposure you've had in the past.
Pairing sunscreen with other sun safety habits is key to keeping your skin safe.
Sun Safety Precautions
To reduce risks while using tan-through swimwear, stick to these important tips:
- Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM)
- Stay hydrated
- Start with shorter sun exposure periods
- Check the UV index and limit exposure if it’s over 3
Tan-through swimwear allows about 80% of UV rays to reach your skin. Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, from MDCS Dermatology, cautions:
"By allowing sun exposure to penetrate, mesh and see-through clothing leaves the area susceptible to sunburn and the potential for sun damage."
It’s worth noting that while melanoma accounts for only 4% of skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer-related deaths. This underscores the importance of following sun safety practices carefully.
Care Instructions
Cleaning Methods
Taking care of your tan-through swimwear helps maintain its quality and extend its lifespan by removing residues like sunscreen and oils that can harm the fabric.
"Though some swimsuits are specially manufactured to be machine washed, Speedo recommends washing by hand for the best results."
To keep your swimwear in top shape, follow these steps after every use:
- Rinse immediately with cool water to remove salt, chlorine, or sunscreen.
- Hand wash using a gentle detergent specifically made for swimwear.
- Gently roll the suit in a towel to remove excess water without stretching.
- Lay flat or hang to dry, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.
"Soak is amazingly gentle on the high-end fabrics in my collection. Wash after wash, the suits look and feel just like the first day out of the tiny black box! I'm always recommending Soak to all of my retailers and consumers."
If you must use a washing machine, place the swimwear in an Eco Wash Bag and choose the gentlest cycle. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or wool detergents, as they can weaken the material.
Storage Guidelines
Storing your swimwear correctly is just as important as cleaning it. Proper storage prevents mold, mildew, and fabric damage, keeping your swimwear in great condition.
Here’s a quick comparison of storage methods:
| Storage Method | Impact on Swimwear | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic containers | Can trap moisture, causing mold | Avoid unless ventilated |
| Fabric storage bags | Allows airflow, prevents damage | Highly recommended |
| Drawer dividers | Keeps items organized | Good if airflow is ensured |
| Hanging storage | May stretch straps | Hang only from the body, not straps |
Key tips for storage:
- Make sure your swimwear is completely dry before putting it away.
- Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Avoid sealed plastic bags or containers unless modified for airflow.
If you’re using plastic storage bins, leave the lid slightly open or create small ventilation holes to reduce moisture buildup. This simple step can help keep your swimwear in great shape for longer.
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Benefits and Limitations
Main Advantages
Tan-through swimwear is designed to reduce tan lines while still offering coverage. As Luxe Luminous puts it:
"The whole point of getting a tan is to look like we have naturally golden skin. A paper‐white tan line at the end of the day kind of defeats the purpose and gives you that uneven dual‐toned appearance".
The fabric used in these swimsuits brings several perks. For instance, Kiniki's Transol fabric allows up to 80% of UV rays to pass through, dries three times faster than regular swimwear, and improves airflow. These features make it a popular choice, but they do come with some trade-offs.
Common Limitations
One of the main downsides is the reduced UV protection compared to traditional swimwear. For example, Coração Bobo offers a UPF rating of 7, while SWIMSARA provides SPF-equivalent protection between 8 and 10.
The fabric also has design-related challenges. It can appear semi-sheer under certain lighting, thick trims may create uneven tan patterns, and proper sizing is crucial to ensure the material stays in contact with the skin for the best results.
Feature Comparison
Here’s how tan-through swimwear stacks up against traditional options:
| Feature | Tan‐Through Swimwear | Traditional Swimwear |
|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | UPF 7–10 | Blocks UV rays |
| Drying Speed | 3× faster | Standard drying time |
| Sun Ray Penetration | Up to 80% | Blocks most rays |
| Breathability | High (micro‐perforated) | Varies by fabric |
| Vitamin D Production | Increased | Limited |
Despite these limitations, the popularity of tan-through swimwear is clear. Kiniki, for example, sells over £30 million worth of swimsuits annually, demonstrating strong consumer interest in this category.
Does Tan-Through Swimwear Really Work?
BetterTan Product Guide
BetterTan has redefined swimwear with its tan-through technology, offering stylish options that combine functionality and comfort.
MicroTan® Technology
At the heart of BetterTan's swimwear is its exclusive MicroTan® technology. This design uses specially crafted micro-perforations to allow sunlight to reach your skin evenly while keeping you covered. Plus, these swimsuits dry seven times faster than regular swimwear, making them perfect for a day at the beach or pool.
Product Selection and Costs
BetterTan's collection includes a variety of stylish options at competitive prices:
The Le Morne One Piece is currently available at $99.00 (originally $120.00).
| Style Category | Products | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | Kastani, Milos, Barbados | $60.00 |
| Bottoms | Cayman, Ios | $60.00 |
| One-Piece | Le Morne | $99.00 |
All products are crafted with the MicroTan® technology, promoting better Vitamin D absorption while adhering to ethical manufacturing practices. Orders over $90 qualify for free shipping, and BetterTan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a chance to try their swimwear without worry.
Summary
Tan-through swimwear offers a way to achieve a more even tan while still maintaining coverage. Using specialized fabric like MicroTan® technology, it allows up to 80% of the sun's rays to pass through. This helps reduce tan lines and may also support Vitamin D absorption.
While it improves tanning, safety should always come first. Apply sunscreen regularly and keep an eye on the UV index. Extra caution is recommended when the UV index hits 3 or higher.
With the right care and sun protection, tan-through swimwear combines style and practicality. It dries quickly, allows better airflow, and comes in a variety of designs. To keep the fabric in top shape, wash gently and let it dry in the shade.