What To Wear In A Tanning Bed

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

If you are considering tanning in a tanning bed, ensure you wear the right clothing.

Your skin needs to be exposed to UV lights in the tanning bed to tan, and wearing the incorrect clothing can leave you with tan lines that are unappealing.

You might also not want to be naked in a tanning bed that other people have been in, too.

There are several different opinions on what to wear in a tanning bed.

So, what should you wear in a tanning bed?

The best answer is to wear what you are comfortable wearing, and what will give you the least tan lines. You can choose between being naked, wearing a swimsuit, or wearing your underwear.

We have covered all of your tanning clothing options below, and also what is appropriate to wear in a tanning salon!

Appropriate Clothing For A Tanning Bed

With most tanning salons, there are no set rules on what you should and should not wear.

Some salons might have restrictions on clients being completely naked in the tanning bed, but you will have to find this out beforehand.

The clothes you choose to wear in a tanning bed will depend on your own personal preferences, and the complexion and shade you want to achieve will also play a part.

Tan Lines

You need to consider the type of tan lines you would develop with the type of clothing you want to wear, and if these will interfere with the look you want to achieve with your tan.

Consider what you wear frequently, and the swimsuit you typically wear when outdoors.

If the tan line will be visible with the clothes you are wearing or with the swimsuit you plan to wear, then you might want to avoid wearing too much in the tanning bed.

So, the key is to try to avoid wearing clothing that develops tan lines, which will be visible in your clothes and swimsuits when outdoors.

Wearing minimal clothing is best, as this will result in the least amount of tan lines; however, it is ultimately up to your comfort level.

Skin Type

You also need to consider your skin type When deciding what to wear in the tanning bed.

If you have certain areas of your body that burn easily or are sensitive, then these should be covered. While this will cause tan lines, it is not worth burning and damaging your skin.

Fair skin that burns easily probably needs a little more coverage than darker skin that can withstand burning more.

Knowing your skin type and how your body reacts to UV light will definitely help you determine which areas of your body are better off covered up and which can be exposed to the light.

Don’t forget to moisturize your skin with a water-based lotion once you are done tanning!

Tanning Bed Clothing Options

You have several options for what to wear when using a tanning bed.

Consider the look you are after, the potential tan lines, and what you are comfortable wearing when deciding which one would be best.

Continue reading for suggestions on what to wear in a tanning bed.

Swimsuit

Wearing a swimsuit in a tanning bed is probably the most popular clothing choice. This can be a full swimsuit, a two-piece, or even swimming shorts.

You will probably feel most comfortable using the tanning bed when wearing a swimsuit.

If you plan to show off your tan in a swimsuit, this also offers a great way to cover up your intimate areas without creating noticeable tan lines.

By wearing the same swimsuit after, the tan lines will be covered up.

If you are concerned about tan lines around your shoulders, consider opting for a strapless bikini top.

You could also untie the bikini top and just keep it covering your breasts to reduce tan lines, but still feel covered up.

You also don’t have to worry about the UV lights in the tanning bed ruining your swimsuit; it’s just like tanning in natural sunlight and will not damage the material.

Wear Nothing

The simplest option to avoid tan lines is to use a tanning bed without clothing.

Wearing nothing but your birthday suit will give you the most even tan all over, and you won’t have to worry about covering up any areas later on that were missed during the tan.

If you are concerned about hygiene, consider that lying in a tanning bed naked, where others have been, is a common practice.

All reputable tanning salons have very rigorous health protocols and adhere to high standards of hygiene.

They are also inspected regularly, ensuring that they are clean and safe.

You do need to be wary of sensitive skin being exposed by tanning naked in a tanning bed.

Some areas of the body are more sensitive to UV rays than others, and not covering these areas can lead to burning and irritation.

There are options of nipple covers and other intimate covers to use if these are areas of concern.

Choosing to go naked in a tanning bed is also a personal choice, and if you are not comfortable with it, then that is absolutely fine, and you do have other options.

Underwear

You will most likely be attending the tanning salon after work or while running errands, and wearing your underwear in the tanning bed is probably the easiest solution in this situation.

It is perfectly fine to wear your underwear in a tanning bed, and you don’t have to worry about carrying around a swimsuit to change into.

Your underwear will work just like a swimsuit in the tanning bed; you can wear briefs, bras, strapless bras, panties, thongs, or whatever you are most comfortable in, as long as it works best to prevent unwanted tan lines.

It is easy to pop your clothes back on after the tanning bed session if you are in your underwear, too!

What About Eyewear?

It is absolutely essential to wear eye protection in the tanning bed.

UV lights can cause serious damage to your eyes, and simply closing your eyes does not provide sufficient protection.

Your eyelids are thin and sensitive, and they will burn easily, not offering adequate protection to your eyes.

Some salons offer goggles that you can use or hire, or you can purchase your own goggles to take with you.

There are also disposable eye protection stickers that help reduce tan lines around the eyes, while still offering optimal protection.

Do not enter a tanning bed without eye protection, and no salon would allow you to do so anyway.

What Should I Wear After Tanning In A Tanning Bed?

Another important question to ask is what to wear after spending time in the tanning bed.

You obviously won’t be leaving the salon in your swimsuit or underwear, but there are certain recommendations on what to wear immediately after tanning.

It is best to wear loose-fitting clothing after spending some time in a tanning bed. Clothes that are easy to put on and do not cling to your skin are the best options.

This could include sweats, loose shorts, joggers, loose tank tops, baggy T-shirts, and airy, loose dresses.

Wearing loose clothing prevents it from rubbing against your skin and causing chaffing, and it also helps to reduce sweating.

Your skin will be recovering from the exposure to the UV lights, so it is best to give it some space and air to do so.

It is also easier to quickly change into comfortable clothes once your tanning session has ended.

What To Wear In A Tanning Bed