6 Best Tan-Through Swimwear: Does It Work?
The idea of getting a summer tan sounds great, but it’s a job easier said than done!
Undoubtedly, one of the most difficult things about the process is choosing the right swimwear. And that’s where tan-through swimwear may come to your rescue.
So, today, we’ve reviewed the best ones out there for your convenience. Not only that, but we will also help you choose the right one for your needs. And as a bonus, we will provide some tips and tricks that will give you that gorgeous summer tan the safe way.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Top 6 Tan-Through Swimwear
1. Kiniki Amalfi Tan-Through Tankini Top Swimwear
Made from the brand’s patented Transol fabric, this top swimwear promises to be crease-resistant and fast drying. The fabric technology aims to help users get an even tan on the upper half of their bodies without any harsh tan lines. Moreover, Transol is known to be a naturally lightweight fabric, which makes this top suitable for wear in all weather conditions. This also means you can pack it easily for your holiday trips.
Look-wise, the halter-neck design of this swimwear top should suit the style preference of most users. Although it doesn’t come with a bottom wear, you can pair it with bikini bottoms or tie-side tanagas to create the desired look. Not only is this swimwear top available in different sizes, but it also comes in multiple prints. In hindsight, the prints shield the thin fabric so as to prevent it from being transparent.
Drawback:
Some users reported that the size is a little off, so you may want to get a smaller size than usual.
Verdict:
With vibrant special prints and a stylish appearance, this swimwear top aims to help users get a uniform upper-body tan. Besides, its breathable and fast-drying fabric can keep you comfortable for hours.
2. Kiniki Santorini Tan-Through Bikini Top
Next, we have yet another product from Kiniki, which has similar features to that of its predecessor. Its Transol fabric construction makes it suitable for wearing for long hours, whether you stay inside or outside the water. Furthermore, its crease-resistant property does away with the need for ironing and enables you to pack it in already cramped bags. The top has adjustable back and neck ties paired with sliding cups to facilitate better cup coverage.
One highlight of this tan-through top is its 20,000 holes, which sheds water faster than standard swimwear and keeps it lightweight. Apart from that, the abstract print goes well with most swim bottoms, be it bikini briefs or shorts. You can choose from the different 6 categories of cup sizes (starting from 8 and going up to 20) to find the right fit for you. For instance, if you have a 34D cup size, then the 12-14 size may give you full coverage.
Drawback:
Unlike the Amalfi top, it doesn’t come in multiple colors, which can be disappointing for some.
Verdict:
Affordable and comfortable, this swimwear top strives to strike the right balance between convenience and looks. It may also prevent the formation of harsh tan lines without compromising on an overall sun tan.
3. Kiniki Santorini Tan-Through Tie Side Bikini Tanga
Now, it’s time for us to help the ladies choose a good bikini bottom so that they can get an evenly tanned body. In this regard, you can consider the Kiniki tan-through side bikini tanga, which is both lightweight and fast-drying to prevent you from wearing any extra weight when you come out of the water. It doesn’t crease either, so you don’t have to worry about ironing it before every use.
The tie-on sides help users achieve a fully-customized fit, as they can tie the strings as loosely or tightly as they like. Besides, the strings are tightly stitched to the sides of the main fabric, meaning they won’t come out very easily. However, they are designed to eliminate harsh lines, irrespective of how tight you tie them. And the sheer fabric adds to the breathability of the bottom without putting you at any risk of a wardrobe malfunction.
Drawback:
The back has too much fabric, which is not something all users will appreciate.
Verdict:
This bikini bottom can complement almost any bikini top and is specifically designed to feel like second skin on the body. Plus, the strong ties make for an adjustable fit.
4. Kiniki Elba Tan-Through Tube Swimsuit
If you’re looking for a one-piece swimsuit for your next beach or pool party, then Kiniki may have a solution. Its Elba tan thru tube bathing suit, which has all the features of the brand’s other swimwear (like being crease-resistant and fast drying), saves users from the hassle of buying or putting on two separate pieces. The leg line is higher than many other one-piece swimsuits we have come across, which is meant to complement the lower body shape of most users.
Another feature worth mentioning is the detachable halter neck strap that can be tied on anytime you want some extra support. But even without it, the easy slip-in slip-off design offers a good fit that stays on, no matter how long or intense your relaxing swimming sessions end up being. Lastly, it comes in 7 sizes so that you can find the right fit for your body shape.
Drawback:
The limited size options and premium price tag may not appeal to all potential buyers.
Verdict:
With a faltering fit and bright floral prints, this one-piece swimwear can add to your style quotient. And the removable halter neck strap means you can create two looks with the same piece.
5. Kiniki Men’s Azure Tan-Through Swim Shorts
No, we don’t mean to leave out our male readers, which is why the next entrant on our list today is men’s tan-through swim shorts. This product from Kiniki has a 100% Transol construction, which the brand claims has 3 times faster-drying properties than other fabrics. Hence, users don’t have to go through the inconvenience of wearing drenched, bogged-down shorts trying to spend a fun time on the beach or poolside.
Although there’s no string, the elastic waistband does a good job of keeping the shorts from slipping. And the light blue base with abstract prints all over makes it suitable for pairing with both dark and light-colored vest tops. But you may find different prints and colors according to your preference. Overall, it may be safe to conclude that these shorts are designed to cater to a large user base.
Drawback:
The fit runs somewhat smaller than other swim shorts, so consider getting a larger size.
Verdict:
With style and comfort integrated into the design, the Kiniki men’s swim shorts may well be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Besides, the purchase won’t make you break the bank.
6. Kiniki Amalfi Tan-Through Support Top Swimsuit Swimwear
Don’t feel comfortable in the usual bikini tops or want to break the monotony of swimwear tops? Then this support top may just be what you’re looking for. With a thoughtful design and bright prints that suit most skin tones, this product aims to strike the right balance between a good fit and stylish looks. Moreover, it compliments kaftans and beach wraps, just in case you want to pair it with another piece.
Coming to the design, it has a high leg line that, much like the Elba tan-through swimsuit, can falter all silhouettes. And the upper section features shoulder straps that can offer just the right amount of support to your bust without the bulkiness of padded cups or the inconvenience of underwires. We also liked the extended-V neck shape that suits broad and narrow necklines alike.
Drawback:
The torso area is a little narrower than what most users would like.
Verdict:
With supporting shoulder straps and a V-neck, this swimwear can be a nice compromise between traditional bikini tops and tube one-pieces. And the diverse sizes mean there’s something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Really Tan-Through A Bikini?
Honestly, buying usual swimwear or bathing suits for tanning is just a complete waste of money, as you won’t get desirable results. People who have used their regular swimwear to get a tan have generally ended up with uneven tans, harsh tan lines, and pale spots. That’s why you should opt for bikinis and swimwear made from tan-through fabric.
2. Does Tan-Through Swimwear Work?
We understand that a lot of our readers may be skeptical about the efficacy of tan-through swimwear. And to answer this question in short, we will say yes, tan-through swimwear works, provided it’s made of 100% Transol fabric, which is specially made for the purpose.
Moreover, it’s usually pretty breathable and super stretchy- features that will come in handy when you want to spend long hours outside during hot and humid days.
For the unversed, the concept of Transol was created and patented by the brand Kiniki in the early 2000s. It remains the biggest producer of tan-through swimwear even today, which is why all our recommendations are from Kiniki.
3. How Is Transol Made?
Transol is made by combining the threads of polyester and elastane, which are woven in a diagonally criss-cross pattern. And this weaving pattern makes Trensol stretchy and lightweight, as the threads are spaced apart more than traditional polyester fabric.
The biggest advantage of this criss-cross weaving is that the resulting space allows up to 80% of the sun’s rays to pass through, giving you an even tan without any lines. Not only that, but it also makes the swimwear quick-drying.
Now, you may think that this weaving pattern will make the material completely see-through. However, transol swimwear, whether made for men or women, provides sufficient coverage to make users feel comfortable. So, you don’t have to worry about unwanted exposure.
One thing to remember here is that even the highest-quality Transol fabric won’t give you the same result you’d get by tanning completely nude. In short, this fabric works as a middle ground for people who don’t feel comfortable with nude tanning but still want decent results.
4. How To Choose The Best Swimwear?
Narrowing down the best swimwear for your needs can be a herculean task, especially if you’ve never bought one before. However, here are a few points to keep in mind that will help you make a well-informed decision:
A. The Fit
No brownie points for guessing that one of the most important things to ensure getting the right piece is the fit. Ideally, you’d want to go for a snug fit so that there are no unnecessary gaps anywhere. But in doing so, make sure you don’t end up getting something very tight; otherwise, you won’t feel comfortable wearing it.
Thankfully, all swimwear brands have size charts (containing either individual sizes or a size range) so that buyers can choose the right size. You can also check out the video reviews and other reviews to get a better idea about the fit.
B. The Material
Always ensure that you’re buying only 100% Trancol swimwear tops, bikinis, and bottoms to get that favorite tan look. Check the product description to confirm the material isn’t mixed with anything.
If you don’t find anything mentioned about the material in the product description, it’s better to look for something else.
C. The Type And Style
Swimwear apparels come in different types and styles. While some are only tops, others are just bottoms. Likewise, some swimwear apparel can be one-piece bathing suits. Hence, it’s important for buyers to ensure that they choose the right type according to their needs.
Talking about the style, some of the most common ones include halter-neck (for tops and one-pieces), and the bottom usually comes in the tie-side “tanga” style. You can easily pair these styles or opt for a top that has detachable halter-neck strings to convert it into a strapless upper.
As for men, the swimming vests and shorts look pretty much like the usual ones, but there may be multiple colors and prints to choose from.
D. The Price
Tan-through swimwear is generally more expensive than the usual ones as it uses special materials and weaving techniques. But even then, you may find both uppers and bottoms in different price ranges.
We’d advise against compromising comfort and fit in a bid to save a few dollars. You can consider your tan-through swimwear to be an investment, so pick one that has all the right features.
E. Return Policy
Online purchases always leave the risk of getting something different than what was ordered, be it the style, color, or print. Hence, it’s a good practice to see that the brand or third-party website facilitates hassle-free returns. Some websites may charge a return shipping fee, so take note of that, too.
5. Do Halter-Neck Strings Cause Tan Lines?
Although the halter-neck strings in normal bikini tops or bath suits usually cause tan lines to form, you don’t have to worry about them in case of tan-through swimwear. This is because these strings are also made of Transol, so they will allow the entry of sun rays instead of blocking them.
Going through the customer reviews, we found that some bikini tops and bathing suits may form tan lines, but they aren’t very noticeable.
Many women actually prefer the halter-neck style as the strings offer extra support to their bust area, resulting in a better overall fit. You may also choose an upper wear that has detachable strings to customize the fit as required.
6. Does The Color Of The Swimsuit Affect The Process Of Tanning?
Bright or dark colors like coral green, blue, scarlet, etc., may absorb more of the sun’s UV rays to speed up the tanning process for a better and more even tan. Besides, these colors may make you look more tan, as they contrast with your tanned skin.
7. What Are Some Things You Can Do To Get A Safe Tan?
Sun exposure for prolonged periods can be harmful to your skin, which is why it’s important to take adequate precautions.
Firstly, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UV protection and a minimum SPF of 30. It’s strong enough to prevent your skin from absorbing UVA and UVB rays but not so strong that it will prevent your skin from tanning.
Make sure you apply an adequate amount of sunscreen within 20 minutes of stepping outside to tan, focusing on the areas that will be exposed to the sun. Also, protect your scalp and lips from the sun by applying SPF-infused conditioners and lip balms. We’d recommend wearing large-sized hats and sunglasses to reinforce sun protection.
Never use tanning oils, as they don’t contain any SPF. However, certain natural oils like avocado, coconut, raspberry, etc., can be used underneath the sunscreen to boost sun protection and hydration. If you go in the water, use a waterproof sunscreen and reapply it every 2 hours.
Aside from that, you should change your position every 20 to 30 minutes so that you don’t get sunburns on any part. Take frequent breaks by seeking the shade so that your skin gets respite from the prolonged intense heat. And don’t stay out in the sun for more than 3 hours, as it may cause severe damage to your skin.
8. What Is The Right Time To Get A Tan?
The sun is usually the strongest between 12 noon and 3 PM, meaning you can get an intense tan pretty quickly. However, this is also the time that can increase the chances of skin damage, especially for people with less melanin content in their skin (or fair-skinned people).
So, if you’re wary about sunburns and other damages, we’d suggest tanning in the morning or post 3 PM, when the intensity of the sun rays is low.
9. How To Prep Your Skin For Tanning?
First up, take a bath to take off any lotion, makeup, or perfume. If you plan on using a tanner, taking a cold bath will help shrink the pores so that the product isn’t absorbed by your skin. Then, gently exfoliate your skin to remove any dry patches; otherwise, the tan may look patchy. Finally, apply your preferred sunscreen generously after 20 minutes of being out under the sun.
10. How To Make Your Natural Tan Last Longer?
You can apply aloe vera gel immediately after tanning to make the color last longer. Besides, it will act as an anti-inflammatory and soothe your skin. And refrain from taking hot showers, as the heat can dehydrate your skin, make it dry and peel off.
Use a moisturizing shower oil to help “lock” the color better. Likewise, apply a thick moisturizer, moisturizing lotion, or body butter at least once a day, every day after showering.
11. Can Your Diet Help With Tanning?
According to a 2011 study, there are high amounts of the carotene antioxidant found in certain “superfoods,” like carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, and tomatoes. And consuming them regularly can warm up your skin tone to give you a natural sun-kissed glow from within.
Similarly, dark-green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach have high quantities of beta carotene, which can also help with the same.
Final Words
With that, we will leave you to take the pick for the best tan-through swimwear. And we hope our suggestions above will help you get that beautiful tan even without hitting the beaches of Miami or Hawaii!
But before we leave, here’s one last tip- keep yourself hydrated in the sun by consuming plenty of water and fresh juices. Avoid alcohol, as it can make your body and skin extremely dehydrated.
See ya next time!