Materials Used To Make A Tan-Through Shirt
A tan-through shirt is intended to allow a uniform tan on the wearer's body. These shirts are made from special materials that offer good tanning while still providing protection from ultraviolet rays. Some key materials in a tan-through shirt include:
- Tan-through fabric: This is lightweight and porous, allowing a lot of sunlight to pass through. The shirt's fabric has tiny spaces that help the skin get more UV rays for tanning. However, this material also keeps the shirt from being too heavy or hot.
- Quick-dry materials: Most tan-through shirts are made from materials that dry off quickly. When swimming, sweating, or being in humid conditions, the shirt shouldn't stay wet for long. Fabrics like nylon and spandex dry off faster than regular cotton.
- Soft and stretchy fabrics: To ensure that a tan-through shirt feels good when one wears it, the materials used must be elastic enough to fit closely to the body without being tight. Fabrics such as lycra blend well with ultra-fine microfibers to ensure the shirt is comfy and durably stretchy.
- Light and breathable materials: Apart from allowing UV rays to penetrate, the fabric used should also not trap heat. Light and breathable fabrics like nylon and spandex keep air moving across the shirt's surface. This stoppage will minimize heat buildup, making the shirt comfy to wear in direct sunlight.
Designs Of A Tan-Through Shirt
Tan-through shirts are available in various designs, each offering a unique level of UV exposure and comfort. Some popular designs include:
- Collared shirts: These are more casual and allow a cooler tan. They usually have a collar and are button-down shirts providing more shade on the skin.
- Tank tops: These are the most exposed and allow for a quicker tan. Tank tops have wide armholes and no sleeves, which will give an even tan on the shoulders and arms.
- Button-up shirts: These are the classic beachgoer shirts and are very loose and flowy. They include long sleeves and button fronts, which reduce the sun's rays but still provide some tan-through capability.
- Rash guards: A rash guard is a tight-fitting shirt, usually made from spandex and nylon. It protects the skin, doesn't get sunburnt, and allows a little sun for even tanning.
- Sleeveless shirts: These are better than tank tops because they cover the shoulder and allow the whole arm to tan. They are simple and easier to wear under other clothes.
How To Choose A Tan-Through Shirt
- Fabric composition: Most tan-through shirts have a combination of nylon and spandex. Nylon is super durable and has great water-resist properties. Spandex allows the shirt to stretch and fit the body well so as not to restrict movements.
- Design: A simple design will make it perform better in tanning. Basic tank tops or sleeveless shirts won't have any resistance to tanning, while shirts with collars may provide a small degree of protection yet still allow tanning through the fabric.
- UV exposure: Check the UPF rating on the shirt. UPF is a measurement of how much UV radiation can pass through the fabric to reach the skin. A higher number means better protection from UV rays and less tanning. For an even tan, it's better to go for shirts with low or no UPF ratings.
- Texture: Lightweight fabrics work better in hot weather. They help water evaporate and keep the body cool and dry. A light and silky shirt won't feel heavy and uncomfortable after long exposure to the sun.
- Fit: Tight-fitting clothes reduce the chances of uneven tanning on the skin. When a shirt is loose, it may shift positions and allow different parts of the skin to get varying amounts of sunlight, which can cause uneven tan lines. A fitted shirt will stay in place and provide an even exposure to sunlight across the body.
How To Use A Tan-Through Shirt
- Swimming: When using a tan-through shirt for swimming, it will help keep the body a bit cooler and offer protection against sunburn while still allowing the skin to absorb sunlight for tanning. Even while swimming, the shirt dries off fast due to the special fabric it is made of. This keeps it from feeling heavy or cold.
- Beachwear: While at the beach, a tan-through shirt is great for lounging and working on a tan because it allows the sun to pass through and reach the skin. Unlike regular shirts that block UV rays, this shirt gives a nice, even tan without burning if left on for short tanning sessions.
- Sports outdoor activities: When participating in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports, a tan-through shirt will keep sweating away from the body and help the wearer stay dry and cool. The lightweight and breathable material does not hold heat or sweat like thicker workout clothes might do.
- Casual outdoor wear: During walks or picnics, a tan-through shirt permits mild sunlight exposure that gradually builds up a healthy tan over time without adverse burning effects. Wearers get a nice, natural tan without harsh sun damage to their skin as long as the shirt is designed to filter some UV rays out.
Benefits Of A Tan-Through Shirt
- Allows even tanning: Unlike normal clothes, which stop all UV rays, tan-through shirts let some sunlight get through the material. This partially penetrated sunlight helps the skin to absorb more sunlight and gives a person an overall tan without burning.
- Quick drying: These shirts are made of thin materials like nylon, which dry very fast when they get wet. This keeps the shirt from feeling soggy or heavy when doing activities like swimming, sweating, or being in humid weather.
- Lightweight: The ultra-light materials used don't weigh much at all. This lightness aids in keeping cool and allows full movement without the shirt gripping or tugging at the body. Such flexibility makes it easier for a person to stay active.
- Breathable fabric: The tiny pores and mesh-like structure of tan-through fabrics let air and moisture pass right through. This prevents overheating by allowing sweat and heat to escape, even in very warm temperatures.
- Stylish design options: Many variations, like tank tops, collared shirts, and rash guards, provide great choices depending on preferred styles and needed sun exposure. This makes it possible for anyone to find a fashion they enjoy while still getting a safe tan.
Q&A
Can one get sunburnt while wearing a tan-through shirt?
Yes, it is possible to get sunburnt if there is prolonged exposure to the sun. Although the shirt provides some protection against UV rays, it does not fully shield the skin like regular shirts.
Will wearing a tan-through shirt eliminate the need for sunscreen?
Wearing a tan-through shirt does not eliminate the need for sunscreen. It is recommended to wear sunscreen on exposed parts of the skin, especially if spending a lot of time outdoors, to prevent skin damage.
Do tan-through shirts have any UPF protection?
Tan-through shirts have low or no UPF protection since they are meant to aid tanning; nevertheless, they provide some protection against sunburn.
Can a tan-through shirt be used for water sports?
Yes, tan-through shirts can be used for water sports. The quick-dry fabric allows fast drying after swimming or other water activities, making it comfortable to wear.
Are tan-through shirts suitable for all skin types?
Tan-through shirts are suitable for all people; however, people with sensitive skin or those prone to sunburn need to exercise caution and use sunscreen as needed.