Your outfit might be the last thing on your mind when you book a spray tan, but what you wear before, during, and after your appointment can be the difference between a flawless glow and patchy, uneven results. This is the guide we wish every first-timer had — everything you need to know about dressing for your spray tan session at TANNED TO in Toronto.
Before Your Spray Tan
Skip anything tight or restrictive. Elastic waistbands, fitted bras, tight socks, and skinny jeans all leave indentations on your skin, and those marks can block the tanning solution from absorbing evenly. Wear something loose and easy to change out of — a flowy dress, joggers, or an oversized tee with shorts. You’ll also want to skip perfume, deodorant, and heavy lotions on the day of your session, as these create a barrier on the skin that can cause the solution to develop unevenly or streak.
During Your Spray Tan
It’s completely up to you. Because our booth at TANNED TO is fully private with no technician present, most clients go completely bare for the most even, seamless coverage with no tan lines. Others prefer to wear a dark swimsuit bottom, a thong, or underwear — whatever makes you feel comfortable. For men, we recommend wearing dark underwear or swimwear during your session. Just know that anything you wear during the spray will create a line where the solution can’t reach, so less is more if you want all-over coverage.
After Your Spray Tan
This is where your outfit matters most. The golden rule: loose, dark, and breathable. Think oversized t-shirts, maxi dresses, wide-leg pants, or a flowy jumpsuit without tight elastic. Cotton and jersey fabrics are your best friends — they’re gentle on the skin and won’t cling or rub. Tight clothing is a spray tan’s worst enemy in the first 6–8 hours. Anything that presses against your skin can smudge the solution before it fully develops, leaving you with streaks or patchy spots. If you’re comfortable with it, skip the bra and tight underwear for the rest of the day.
Always go dark with your colour choice — black is ideal. The cosmetic bronzer in the tanning solution can transfer onto fabric in the first few hours, and light-coloured clothing will show every mark. For footwear, flip-flops or slip-on sandals are perfect. Avoid sneakers, socks, boots, or strappy sandals, as they rub against your feet and ankles and cause the tan to fade unevenly in those areas. In colder months, loose-fitting boots or fur-lined slides work well as alternatives. Plan your outfit ahead of time so you’re not scrambling after your session. Want to know how long your tan will last? Read our full aftercare guide. You can also add a complimentary skincare treatment to your session for extra hydration or firming.
