What should I wear for a spray tan?

Nobody wants to ask this one out loud, so here is the whole answer in one place.

During the tan

Whatever you are comfortable in. That genuinely is the answer and there is no right choice.

Some people wear old underwear. Some wear a bikini. Some wear nothing. All of it is completely normal and we have seen every version of it thousands of times over sixteen years.

Two things worth knowing. Anything you wear may get product on it, so pick something you do not care about. And whatever you have on will leave a tan line, so if you are wearing a strappy top to a wedding, think about that before you decide.

We will step out or turn away while you get sorted. There is no awkward bit, and if you are nervous, say so. Most first timers are, and it usually lasts about ninety seconds.

Straight after

This is the bit that actually affects your result.

Loose. Nothing tight anywhere. Tight waistbands, bra straps and sock elastic all leave marks in a developing tan.

Dark. The guide colour can transfer before your first shower. It washes out of most things, but not always out of everything.

Old. Same reason. Do not put your good loungewear on.

In practice that means a maxi dress, baggy joggers, an old oversized t-shirt, or pyjama bottoms and a loose top. Most of our clients are in exactly that when we arrive, because that is the whole point of having it done at home.

Things to skip

• Jeans. The waistband and the seams will mark it
• Tight leggings and gym gear
• Bras with tight bands, if you can get away without
• Socks, especially tight ones. Barefoot or loose is better
• Anything white, cream or pale you actually like

Overnight

Sleep in something loose and dark, and put an old sheet or a dark towel on the bed if you are worried. A bit of guide colour on the sheets is normal and comes out in the wash.

Try not to sleep in a ball with your knees up. Skin pressed against skin for eight hours can leave a crease line. It is not a disaster if you do, but sprawling helps.

Jewellery, watches and glasses

Take rings, bracelets and watches off before we start. A white band on your wrist is easily avoided and very annoying once it is there.

Glasses are fine to keep on, and we will work around them.

The one people forget

Think about what you are actually wearing to the event. If it is strapless, backless or short, tell us before we start rather than after. It changes where we pay attention, and it is a lot easier to plan for than to fix.

There is more on the run up in our prep guide, and what to do afterwards in the aftercare guide.