Let’s be honest, no one wants to walk out of a spray tan appointment with streaks, smudges, or tan lines that leave you looking less sun kissed glow and more DIY disaster. What you wear to a spray tan matters more than you might think. From what you slip on pre-tan to what you live in while your tan develops, your outfit choices can mean the difference between a flawless tan and uneven patches that rub you the wrong way (literally).

In this guide, we break down what to wear before, during, and after your spray tan session - so you can focus on glowing, not stressing.

Before Your Spray Tan Appointment

When heading to your spray tan appointment, comfort and preparation are key. You’ll want to wear dark clothing (think black or deep navy) to minimise visible stains from the tanning solution. Choose loose clothing that won’t cling to your skin, like oversized tees, loose fitting dresses, or flowy sweatpants. Tight clothing, like skinny jeans or fitted tops, can rub against your fresh tan and leave lines or marks.

Avoid wearing socks or tight shoes; flip flops are your best bet for keeping your feet tan line–free and letting your skin breathe. Skip makeup, deodorant, and lotions before your appointment - these can act as barriers to the tanning solution and affect the tanning process.

During Your Actual Spray Tan

Most tanning experts will ask you to fully undress or wear disposable underwear to prevent tan lines. But if you prefer to keep something on, make it minimal and dark - something that won’t leave lines or uneven results. The goal is simple: wear as little as you feel confident in to get that perfect tan across your whole body.

After Your Spray Tan Session

Once your spray tan session is complete, it’s all about protecting that developing tan. Slip into loose fitting, dark clothing to avoid rubbing or smudging the tan as it sets. Loose fitting dresses, oversized shirts, or flowy lounge pants are ideal. Avoid wearing socks and tight shoes - again, flip flops win the day here. Tight clothing will rub and could leave uneven patches or lines as your tan develops.

Be extra gentle, no rubbing your skin dry after your first shower, no tight bras or leggings for the first day, and no skinny jeans until your tan has fully set. Comfortable clothing will help your fresh tan stay flawless.

How Long Will My Spray Tan Last?

A spray tan typically lasts between 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type, prep, and aftercare. The better you prep before your spray tan appointment and the smarter you are with what you wear and how you treat your skin after, the longer your tan will stick around. Loose clothing, gentle showers, and regular moisturising will all help extend the life of your tan and avoid uneven results as it fades.

Spray Tan Prep 101

Prepping your skin before a spray tan makes a big difference. Exfoliate gently (but thoroughly) the day before your appointment to remove dead skin cells that could cause uneven results. Shave at least 24 hours before your tanning session to avoid irritation. Avoid wearing lotions, deodorant, or makeup on the day of your tan, these can block the tanning solution and leave marks or streaks.

Choose loose, dark clothing for your appointment and flip flops for your feet. Wear loose fitting clothes after your session to protect your developing tan, and avoid wearing socks or tight shoes that might leave lines.

Final Thoughts

Choosing what to wear to a spray tan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have a big impact on your results. Stick with dark, loose clothing, avoid wearing anything tight that could rub, and keep your skin prepped and clean. With the right prep and wardrobe, you’ll step out with a flawless tan that looks as good as it feels.