Learning how to sunbathe safely is the single best thing you can do for your skin before a holiday — and it needn't mean giving up that golden glow. With a little planning, the right SPF routine and clever tan-through swimwear, you can enjoy the sun while protecting yourself from burning and long-term damage. Here is our practical guide to sunbathing safely and getting a smoother, more even tan.
Why safe sunbathing matters
A tan is your skin's response to UV exposure, and while a light glow feels lovely, sunburn is a sign of genuine damage. Repeated burning increases the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer, so the goal is always slow, protected colour rather than a fast, painful burn. The good news is that sunbathing safely is mostly about a few simple habits, repeated consistently through the day.
Always wear (and reapply) SPF
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and apply it generously around 15 to 30 minutes before you head outside so it has time to absorb. Most of us under-apply, so be generous: a full shot-glass amount is a useful guide for covering the whole body.
Crucially, reapply at least every two hours, and always after swimming, sweating or towelling off — even products labelled "water resistant" wear away. Don't forget the spots that are easy to miss: ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, the hairline and the backs of the hands.
SPF and tan-through fabric
Our tan-through swimwear is made from a specially perforated fabric that lets a portion of sunlight pass through the material, helping you tan more evenly and reduce harsh tan lines. It's important to understand that this fabric offers only partial sun protection. You should apply and reapply SPF sunscreen over your whole body — including the areas covered by your swimsuit — just as you would on exposed skin. Think of tan-through fabric as a way to tan more evenly and comfortably, not as a replacement for sunscreen. If you have any questions about how the fabric works, our FAQ page has more detail.
Avoid the hottest part of the day
The sun is at its most intense between roughly 11am and 3pm, when UV levels peak. Sunbathing safely means being especially cautious during these hours — seek shade, take a break indoors, or plan your beach and pool time for the gentler morning and late afternoon. Checking the daily UV index (most weather apps show it) is a quick way to judge how careful you need to be.
Build your tan gradually
A deep, lasting tan is built over several days, not achieved in one long session. Start with shorter periods in the sun and increase gradually. This approach is not only safer, it actually gives you a more even, longer-lasting colour, because skin that hasn't been burned holds its tan better. A statement one-piece like our Black & Gold one-shoulder tan-through swimsuit lets you look and feel your best while you take that slower, smarter approach.
Stay hydrated and cover up
Heat and sun exposure are dehydrating, so drink water regularly throughout the day — it helps you feel better and supports your skin. Between sunbathing sessions, reach for a wide-brimmed hat, UV-filtering sunglasses and a light cover-up. A pair of good sunglasses protects the delicate skin around your eyes as well as your vision, and a hat shields your scalp and face, where skin is thinner and burns easily.
Look after your skin afterwards
Once you're out of the sun, a cool shower and a generous layer of after-sun or a rich moisturiser will soothe and hydrate your skin, helping your tan last longer. If any area feels hot, tight or looks red, treat it as mild sunburn: get out of the sun completely, cool the skin and keep it moisturised until it settles. Never try to "top up" colour on skin that is already burnt.
Your safe-sunbathing checklist
To recap, sunbathing safely comes down to a handful of reliable habits: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ generously and reapply every two hours (and after swimming); cover your whole body, including areas under tan-through fabric; avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm; build your tan up gradually over several days; stay hydrated; and finish with after-sun care. Follow these and you'll come home with a healthy, even glow rather than a burn.
Ready to tan more evenly this holiday? Explore the full range of statement tan-through swimwear and find your new favourite piece.
