What to wear after a spray tan (and what to absolutely avoid)

Honestly? More spray tans are ruined by what people put on after the appointment than by anything that happens during it. Tight jeans, sports bras, a seatbelt on a long drive — they all leave marks that take days to fade. Here’s the rule of thumb every regular knows: loose, dark, easy.

The 8-hour rule

A standard spray tan needs around 8 hours of development time before you shower. During those 8 hours, anything that presses, rubs or sweats against your skin can affect the final colour. So your aim is one outfit you can stay in from the moment we pack up until the next morning’s shower.

What to wear straight after your appointment

• Loose, dark cotton joggers or pyjama bottoms. Cotton breathes, dark colours hide any bronzer transfer.
• A baggy black t-shirt or oversized hoodie. Looser is always better than fashionable.
• Flip-flops or open sliders — never trainers and socks before the tan has set.
• No bra straight after. Wait until at least the next morning, then go soft and seamless.
• Wide-leg or oversized clothes if you have to leave the house — a maxi dress works beautifully.

What to absolutely avoid

• Tight jeans — leave behind hip and waistband marks that take a week to fade.
• Sports bras and underwired bras — straps create lines, the band creates a stripe across your back.
• Leggings and gym wear — too tight and the fabric sticks to bronzer.
• White or pale-coloured clothing — bronzer can stain it. (It does wash out, but why risk a favourite top?)
• Silk or satin pyjamas — bronzer transfers heavily onto silky fabrics and can leave permanent marks.
• Wool and tight knitwear — friction city.

What about driving home?

If you’ve had your tan elsewhere and have to drive, wear loose clothing and tuck a soft towel behind your back to stop the seatbelt rubbing. Better still: book Sunkissed mobile and you can stay home in your softest pyjamas. That’s the whole appeal of having a mobile spray tan.

Sleeping in your tan

Loose dark cotton sheets, loose dark cotton sleepwear. That’s it. If you’re worried about bronzer on the bedding, lay an old dark towel over your pillow and sheet.

The morning after

Lukewarm shower, no scrubbing, no soaps with strong oils or exfoliating beads. Pat dry — never rub — and now you can put on whatever you like. The colour is set. For everything beyond the first 24 hours, see how long does a spray tan last for the eight habits that genuinely extend it.

Get the first 8 hours right and the rest is easy. For the full picture, see the aftercare guide, or if you’re planning a big day, our wedding tan timing guide covers exactly when to book each appointment.