11 Best Tan-Through Swimwear – And How They Work

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You no longer have to worry about tan lines when tanning out in the sun, and no, we’re not saying you should accomplish this by going to a nude beach.

Tan-through swimwear options now allow you to sunbathe in your swimwear while developing a tan all over.

These help you tan without tan lines or pale spots, and you’ll still look great in your swimwear!

They work through a revolutionized fabric that allows UV rays to pass through it, almost as if the material weren’t there.

So, what is the best tan-through swimwear?

The best tan-through swimwear is the one that gives you the coverage that you want when out at the beach or by the pool, but still allows you to tan without causing tan lines.

Read more below so you learn more facts you probably did not know about tan-through swimwear, how to choose the right one for you, and the best options on the market right now!

How To Choose The Best Tan-Through Swimwear

You need to give some thought to choosing the right tan-through swimwear to ensure that it is the best option for you!

Here are the things you need to consider when picking out the best tan-through swimwear:

Types Of Swimwear

Tan-through swimwear comes in various types, whether you want a bikini, swim pants, or a full-cover costume.

The type of swimwear you choose will be completely up to you, and the type shouldn’t affect the tan you develop, as the swimwear should be tan-through in all areas.

You can cover up as much as you like or wear a minimal bikini to show off your developing tan at the beach!

Coverage

Tan-through swimwear is made from a fabric that allows UV light to pass through. This fabric is made up of tiny holes all over, which allow the sun to reach your skin.

Your skin stays hidden and private under the costume’s tricky patterns.

The holes still allow UV rays to pass through, but because the patterns confuse the eye, you are left looking as though you are completely covered up!

Some patterns work much better than others, so check if you’re happy with the coverage that the swimwear offers.

Size

You basically just need to pick your perfect size. If you choose one that’s too big or too small, it could affect the tanning.

You need to pay close attention to sizing and read reviews on how the swimwear fits.

Tan-Through Coverage

Make sure all the swimwear is tan-through. Ties or elastic can block UV rays and leave tan lines anyway.

swimming with fake tanner

Look for one that is completely tan-through in the areas you want it to be, so that you are given an even tan all over.

There are some sensitive areas that you might want to protect, and there are many tan-through swimwear options that cover these, so keep this in mind.

The 11 Best Tan-Through Swimwear

Here are the top 11 tan-through swimwear options on the market at the moment, that’ll give you an even tan, free from tan lines and pale spots!

We’ve mentioned a wide range of best-quality options that cater to different needs!

1. Kiniki’s Cropkini Bikini Top

This bikini top is perfect for tanning outdoors, when you want a more modest bikini top, or even when you want a top to work out in outdoors!

The patented Transol Tan-Through Fabric lets UV rays reach your skin, giving you an even tan, swimwear on or off.

The fun and colorful pattern hides anything from showing beneath the cropkini top, giving you full coverage while you are sun tanning.

The fabric dries super fast, up to 3 times quicker than regular swimwear, so it is never compromised and see-through.

It’s ideal for travelling, as it is crease-resistant and lightweight, and nobody will be able to tell that you are tanning beneath it all!

Being a cropkini, this top also offers better support than a normal bikini top, and you can enjoy any outdoor activities in it without worrying about it slipping off or having a wardrobe malfunction!

2. Sherrylo Sheer Bikini

The Sherrylo Sheer Bikini is the best pick for when you want a full-coverage tan from the comfort of your backyard, but you don’t want to have to worry about your neighbors peeking over the fence!

It’s made with sheer material, but its dark color hides most of your skin underneath.

It’s available in a wide range of colors, depending on the color coverage you need.

The bikini has string ties at the back, which offer better support for the tube-style front.

It gives you good coverage in the front, fully covering you up while still allowing you to get that tan.

The micro bikini bottom is in a mini-Brazilian thong style, which gives medium coverage in the front.

There are also string ties on either side, which help the bottoms fit you better.

Made with high-quality stretch mesh, a blend of nylon and spandex, the bikini is comfortable to wear when lying outdoors tanning, or in a tanning bed, and is soft on the skin.

It is also stylish enough to be worn as a statement piece if you aren’t too worried about showing some skin!

3. Amalfi Tan-Through Tankini Top

The Amalfi Tan-Through Tankini Top is a halterneck-style swimsuit top that gives you both support and coverage in one go.

You can mix and match this top with one of the matching bikini bottoms to create your personal swimsuit style!

It’s made from Transol Tan-Through Fabric, which makes it breathable and lightweight, and covers your skin while still letting UV rays penetrate it, allowing it to beautifully tan.

You won’t develop tan lines ever with this tankini top, while it gives you good privacy.

The pattern and colors on the tankini top give it even less transparency and are fun and colorful, perfect for the beach or poolside, making it a wonderful top to take on vacation!

It covers you well in the front, but still leaves your upper back completely open to show off your developing tan.

4. Lifestyles Direct Tan-Through Swimsuit

The Lifestyles Direct Tan-Through Swimsuit is a gorgeous swimsuit that anyone would love to wear, and it also comes with the added benefit of being a tan-through swimsuit!

It is made from 73% nylon and 27% elastane, which gives good support and makes the swimsuit stretchy and comfortable.

It is a skin-friendly swimsuit that will not cause chafing or discomfort, especially when sunbathing or being active outdoors.

The straps are well-made and will stay in place no matter how intensive the activity, giving you the peace of mind you need.

The unique micromesh fabric dries fast, keeping you dry and cool all day long as your skin works to develop a darker tan.

Lifestyles Direct guarantees that the swimsuit will not be see-through, whether dry or wet, so you can enjoy your modesty outdoors, but avoid tan lines and pale patches. The swimsuit also comes in plus sizes, suiting all body types.

5. Storm Tan-Through Leggings

Don’t want to just lay in the sun while tanning? Want to stay active and still get a great tan?

Then the Storm Tan-Through Leggings are exactly what you need!

They are the perfect summer accessory, whether you wear them to a beach yoga session or when out for a walk.

The fabric lets the sun’s rays reach your skin, so your legs will tan just like the rest of your body, even while covered.

The bright, fun colors go great with the matching tops, whether you’re into tank tops or smaller bikinis, there’s plenty to choose from!

These give you great coverage and still help you tan. With the comfy elastic waistband and ankle cuffs, they’re perfect for moving around.

Throw on a pair and go for a quick game of beach volleyball or yoga under the sun!

6. Men’s Havana Tan-Through Swim Micro Brief

Want to tan your whole body without going full-on naked?

The Men’s Havana Tan-Through Swim Micro Brief has you covered, literally!

These Tan-Through micro briefs keep things private but still let the sun do its job, so you get that all-over tan, no tan lines and no pale spots.

The fabric pattern and design give the micro brief darker coverage, stopping anything from peeking through and giving off a beachy vibe.

The lightweight, quick-dry material is your go-to for beach days or poolside hangs, great for those quick dips to cool off!

7. Oneheekini Women’s See Through Mini Micro Bikini Set

The Oneheekini Women’s See-Through Mini Micro Bikini Set is perfect for tanning beds or backyard sun sessions, just enough coverage while still getting that full-body tan!

Made with 100% high-quality cotton, the micro bikini is comfortable to wear, being soft and stretchy.

The top is both see-through and tan-through, so you’ll get an even glow all over, and it’s adjustable to fit your bust just right.

The G-string bottom has a small fabric covering, so you can enjoy the fullest tan possible.

The swimwear is available in a range of different colors, so you can pick the one that you enjoy best and one that suits the coverage that you are looking for.

8. Storm Tan-Through Knee Length Kaftan Cover-Up

Got a little chill in the air or need more coverage?

This knee-length tan-through cover-up keeps you warm without messing up your tan!

The kaftan gives you way more privacy and coverage, but it’s still made from the same tan-through fabric, so you’re naked to the sun, but covered to everyone else.

It’s lightweight and crease-resistant, making it perfect for travel.

If you are moving from the poolside to the cocktail bar or lunch table, this works as the perfect accessory, and you do not have to miss out on any tanning time while wearing it.

It gives you extra coverage while keeping tan lines and pale spots to a minimum.

The bright blue design with colorful accents screams summer and pairs perfectly with other tan-through pieces!

9. Men’s Mykonos Tan-Through Swim Shorts

The Men’s Mykonos Tan-Through Swim Shorts will soon become your go-to for every time you are out at the pool or spending time at the beach.

The funky swim shorts are supportive and flexible, so you can enjoy all the different beach and poolside activities without worrying about the shorts failing you or showing off some parts that you would rather stay hidden!

Being extremely breathable and fast-drying, you will not experience chafing or discomfort when wearing these shorts.

They are longer than micro shorts to provide more coverage, but are still short enough to be stylish and not restrictive.

The pattern and color go well with the vests available in the range, so you can have a complete tanning outfit!

10. Iefiel Women’s See Through Micro Bikini

Made with a blend of elastic, polyester, spandex, and mesh, you can tan in this micro bikini set without leaving too much to be seen!

The bikini set is fairly stretchy and is a good fit for most body types. Made from high-quality fabric, the mesh allows the sun’s rays to reach your skin, giving you a tan without tan lines.

The spaghetti straps can be adjusted to suit your size, both with the top and the bottoms.

This set is a little more see-through than the other options, so it is best for when tanning at home or in a private place.

The darker colors do offer more coverage, so pick the one that you think would give you the best privacy!

11. Santorini Tan-Through High Waisted Bikini Brief

The Santorini Tan-Through High Waisted Bikini Brief is a super cute bikini bottom that gives you full coverage, a little more than a normal bikini bottom by being high waisted, but you will still tan all over thanks to the special tan-through fabric.

The comfortable brief has darker colors and patterns, meaning nothing will show from underneath.

It dries almost three times quicker than normal swimwear, making it a comfortable choice to wear during the day, especially when you plan on swimming and being active.

Match this with one of the bikini tops in the range, and even accessories such as a kaftan cover-up, to complete your beach look and still tan fully without any tan lines!

How Tan-Through Swimwear Works

There’s no magic to it, it’s just special fabric with super tiny holes that let the sun’s rays reach your skin.

There are enough holes in the fabric to give an even tan through the swimwear, but small enough to give coverage with the fabric on your skin.

To prevent these holes from showing the skin underneath, the swimwear is often made with darker colors or intricate patterns, which do not show anything underneath.

While you should wear tan-through swimwear to develop a tan all over, you still need to apply sunscreen to your skin before tanning.

A light sunscreen, such as an SPF 15 or SPF 20, is ideal to offer protection from burning, but it still allows you to tan.

The skin underneath the tan-through swimwear was not exposed to the sun as much as the rest of your skin, so it will burn easily.

Make sure to use a light sunscreen to prevent it from burning and to develop a tan instead.

Tan-Through Swimwear FAQs

Can you tan-through mesh fabric?

Yes, you can! The small holes in the fabric allow UV rays to pass through and reach the skin, instead of the fabric acting as a barrier to the sun’s rays.

Does tan-through swimwear offer protection?

Nope, tan-through swimwear doesn’t protect you from the sun, it just lets the rays through! So yes, you’ll still need sunscreen to avoid sunburn and peeling.

What color clothes should I wear to avoid tanning?

Lighter color clothes can help avoid tanning, as lighter colors reflect sunlight away from the body.

Lighter color clothes will also allow your skin to breathe more, helping you feel cooler in the sun. You should still wear sunscreen under your clothes if spending time in the sun.

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