What to wear after a Spray Tan: Your guide to comfy and stylish outfits!
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Summer is all about being carefree and enjoying the weather. For some of us, that means hitting the beach or pool for a day of relaxation. And I kid you not, that bronzed glow is my way of showing off the sun! If you also love that golden glow but don’t want to bake in the sun, spray tans are your best friend!
If you’ve ever gotten a spray tan, you know the feeling of post-tan euphoria. You feel bronzed, beautiful, and confident. But I have seen so many people struggle with – what to wear after a spray tan – that I had to pull up this guide.
A spray tan is like a second skin, so you need to make sure you protect it as much as you can. Let’s get into what you can and cannot wear after spray tan so that you can have your goddess-like glow for a long time!
Can you wear clothes after a spray tan?
Of course, you can wear clothes after a spray tan. Were you planning on going home naked?
The only thing to remember is that your clothes must be LDC – Loose, Dark, and Cotton (or linen would work too). Be it shoes or undergarments, LDC is your after-spray tan mantra.
Nothing suffocating, tight, irritating, or uncomfortable. Nothing that can leave stains or tan lines. If you want your spray tan to look as consistent as possible, keep your clothing loose-fitted, dark-colored, and made of cotton or linen.
What to wear after a spray tan?
Although there are tons of things to not wear after a spray tan, there are still plenty of options. And what’s a better chance to show off your most comfy clothes out on the street?
So to answer what to wear after a spray tan to look comfy and stylish, here’s what I recommend:
1. t-shirt dresses
A loose, comfy t-shirt dress can be stylish and appropriate for your after-spray tan look. Style it with a baseball cap and sliders for casual attire.
2. maxi dresses
Something like this loosely-fitted, lightweight, fully protective garment can work for a cute outfit to protect as well as show off your new spray tan subtly.
3. skirts + t-shirt
Skirts do not mean tight, body-hugging pieces, but loose and comfortable ones. Pair them with your usual t-shirts, and you are good to go!
4. kaftan
What’s comfier than this piece of clothing? It’s the perfect after-spray tan outfit.
5. loose pants + t-shirt
Pants never go out of style! So get a comfy pair and style it casually. Carry a lovely handbag and don’t forget your sunglasses!
6. jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a tricky little one. They are usually tight. But if you can find a loose-fitted piece, pick that up. You’ll be needing it to slay after tan!
7. flip flops or sliders
No sneakers, boots, pumps, or even sandals. Nothing that is closed-toe! Make sure the footwear you choose is breathable. Sliders and flip-flops are great options!
8. comfy two-piece set
If you are pretty serious about what to wear after a spray tan, a two-piece set will surely rock. With that bronzed glow, you may even set fire to the streets, lol!
What not to wear after a spray tan?
1. bra
Yes, a bra of any type is a no-no for at least 6 hours or until the spray tan dries into the skin completely. You need to ensure nothing rubs off the tan or creates streaks or lines that can look bad later.
1. tight jeans/shorts/pants
Obviously, when loose-fitted is the main keyword, your tight jeans, shorts, and pants need to take the back seat. No matter how comfortable you feel in them, some clothes are meant to leave streaks and rub off the newly applied spray tan.
1. light colored clothes
Unless you want to walk around looking like a walking billboard for your local tanning salon, it’s best to avoid light-colored clothing after a spray tan. The last thing you want is for everyone to know where you got your glow. They can also get easily stained!
1. skip the polyester
This synthetic fabric has a tendency to hold onto stains, so it’s not a good choice for post-tan wear. Instead, choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Also, avoid wool, rayon, silk, lycra, nylon, spandex, and leather if you don’t wanna risk them to staining.
1. any jewelry
As much as you love your little pieces, they are not the best choice to wear after tanning. Unless you want tan lines everywhere your bracelet, watch, or necklaces sit!
1. tight or closed-toe shoes
As already mentioned, your footwear must be relaxing and loose as well. That means no sneakers, pumps, boots, or strappy sandals. They can easily rub off your new tan!
1. socks
Seriously, leave the socks/stocking and the accompanied sweat at home when you go to tan. You don’t want socks to cause sweat, which will mess up your whole spray tan. Remember, water from anywhere is evil.
1. makeup
Additionally, makeup can affect how much your skin will absorb the tan, so it’s better to go commando on it too. It’s all in the good name!
1. perfumes/deodorants
Just like makeup, these can also affect your skin’s absorption levels.
What to wear after a spray tan to bed?
I would prefer going naked 😉 And get your partner obsessed with your new goddess look already, but if you have to wear something duh, opt for your comfiest pajamas or nightgown with cotton or linen material. Don’t think much about it. If it’s already been 6-8 hours, and the tan has dried up absolutely well, you can go for almost anything!
What to wear after a spray tan in winter
Yes, women absolutely do get spray tans in winter because there’s nothing like the feeling of looking a queen, right? And this feeling doesn’t go according to season.
For winter, you can wear a sleeved hooded jacket not made of wool or other harsh fabric. Something like this would work amazingly! It’s warm, safe for the tan, and won’t let any water come in contact with the skin. You can even try plastic or rubber gloves for your hands.
What to wear after a spray tan in the rainy season
The rainy season is literally the worse for getting spray tans, but in areas where the weather is unpredictable, you really cannot postpone much.
So an umbrella is a must. But more than that, I would suggest wearing a rain jacket like this to fully protect the spray tan.
do and don’ts after spray tan
The Do’s of Post-Spray Tan Care
Moisturize regularly. Moisturizing helps extend your spray tan’s life by keeping your skin hydrated. It’s best to use a light, oil-free lotion or cream that won’t clog your pores or interfere with the absorption of the DHA. Apply liberally every day, especially after showering or swimming.
Do exfoliate before your appointment. This is so important!! Exfoliating before you get sprayed will help to remove any dead skin cells on the surface of your skin so that the solution can better penetrate and produce an even, natural-looking tan. Just be sure not to exfoliate too close to your appointment time, as this can leave your skin slightly irritated and more susceptible to staining. Doing it at least 24 hours beforehand is a safe bet.
Wear loose, dark clothing. Once you’re done getting sprayed, you’ll want to put on loose, dark clothing that won’t rub off on your newly tanned skin. Yes, that means no bra – sports, lace, non-padded, padded, nothing for at least 6 hours.
The DHA in the solution will continue to develop over the next few hours, so it’s important to avoid anything that might disrupt the process or cause uneven coloration. This means no tight clothing, no light colors, and no sweating! If possible, try to stay cool and dry until the initial development period is complete.
The Don’ts of Post-Spray Tan Care
Don’t apply any products immediately after getting sprayed. After your spray tan, resist the urge to put on lotion, perfume, or deodorant immediately. These products can interact with the DHA in the solution and cause streaking or cause your color to fade prematurely. Instead, wait at least 6 hours after getting sprayed before applying anything to your skin, including sunscreen.
Don’t swim or shower for at least 8 hours post-spray tan. Water can cause the DHA to react prematurely, resulting in an uneven tan that fades quickly. So make sure you wait at least 8 hours after getting sprayed before taking a dip in the pool or hopping in the shower. And when you do shower, avoid using any harsh soaps or scrubs that might strip away your newly acquired color.
Don’t expose yourself to direct sunlight or UV rays. Sunlight will cause the DHA in the solution to oxidize and turn your skin an unattractive orange color. To avoid this, ensure you stay out of direct sunlight for at least 6 hours after getting sprayed—and don’t forget to apply sunscreen if you’re spending time outdoors!
Can you wear a bra after a spray tan?
It depends. I would not suggest wearing a bra or underwear right after a spray tan. It can be tight and clingy and may even cause uneven color. No, not even sports bras, the ones with a zillion straps, lace, or non-padded ones; their elastics can be irritating too.
How long after a spray tan can you wear a bra?
Wait until the solution is completely dried or at least 6 hours before wearing a bra after a spray tan; that’s an ideal time. Don’t rush it and risk spoiling your bronzed glow just for a bra!
Final thoughts on what to wear clothes after a spray tan
So, what to wear post-spray tan? The only golden rule is LDC – loose, dark, and cotton material. Avoid wearing anything tight, white/light-colored. As for shoes, go with something comfortable that won’t rub against your feet or show any telltale signs of a spray tan job gone wrong. Ballet flats or sliders are always a safe bet.
Finally, stay away from makeup! The last thing you want is your foundation or blush mixing with your bronzer and creating an orange mess on your face. So just relax and let the tan develop naturally – you’ll be looking fabulous in no time!
