Why “Tan-Through” Swimsuits Are Dangerous for Surfing

What Are “Tan‑Through” Swimsuits—and Why They’re Trending

“Tan-through” or “smart” swimsuits are lightweight, micro-perforated garments designed to let UV rays reach your skin—promising a no-mark, even tan while still providing some coverage. Social media hype around these makes them popular for beach photos and quick sunshine sessions.

How Tan‑Through Suits Work (And Why They Don’t Work for Surfing)

• Made with ultra-thin, porous fabrics that do not block UVA or UVB, unlike UPF 50+ standard swimwear.

• The fabric is breathable but does not protect against intense UV exposure, especially when wet.

• Water saturation increases UV transmission, so wet tan-through suits can expose you to more harmful rays.

• Brands often market circular UV-permissive fabrics as innovation, but they're closer to a mesh than protective swimwear.

5 Reasons They're Not Surf-Safe

1. Amplified UV Exposure

   • Water reflects over 80% of UV rays, doubling exposure. Without proper UPF protection, surfers risk severe sunburn, pigmentation, and premature aging.

2. Long Sessions in Harsh Environments

   • Surfers spend 1–3 hours in sun, wind, and saltwater. A tan-through suit offers zero protection in these conditions.

3. Stretched Fabric Means More UV

   • When wet, micro-pores widen dramatically, boosting UV penetration.

4. Lack of Security and Support

   • These suits often shift or twist during pop-ups, wipeouts, and maneuvers, causing discomfort and wardrobe instability.

5. Fragile Materials

   • Thin fabrics wear out quickly against board wax, salt, paddling stress, and sun exposure.

Bottom line: Great for tanning poolside—but not for surfing, where protection, durability, and secure fit matter most.

The Marketing Illusion Behind the Trend

• Faux-tech appeal: They’re just lightweight, thin fabrics—no real UV filter—reminiscent of sheer pantyhose.

• Photo-perfect hype: Instagram images promise flawless tans—but real-world conditions produce uneven burns and sunspots.

• Risk glossed over: Brands rarely mention prolonged UV exposure, especially in surf conditions where UV penetration increases.

• Cultural pressure: The “bronzed without tan lines” look is a social media trend—not a health-conscious decision.

What Surfers Should Wear Instead

1. Full-Coverage One-Piece Suits (with sleeves)

• Offer UPF 50+ protection, secure fit, and padding during wipeouts—ideal for long surf sessions.

2. Rashguards

• Lightweight, sun protective layers worn alone or over a bikini/swimsuit. They reduce chafing, wick water, and stay put while surfing.

Best JOYS BRAND Surf-Safe Picks

• Imsouane Ribbed Khaki – one-piece with high neckline, tight cut, high UV-defense fabric

• Manu Top + Surf Shorts – secure surf combo with support and comfort

• Rashguard Coco – feminine yet athletic sun protection top

• Cloud 9 Silver – versatile for surf & seaside hangouts

These all stand up to real surf testing—from Bali to surf camps worldwide. No compromising function for photos alone.

Final Take: Surf Beautifully—but Responsibly

Surfing is culture and self-expression—and with that comes responsibility:

• Don’t sacrifice safety for aesthetics. Tanning suits may give good photos, but offer zero UV protection and won’t survive wipeouts.

• Choose gear made by surfers, for surfers. JOYS BRAND gear delivers fit, protection, and durability so you can ride waves with confidence.

Ride waves. Look good doing it. But first—surf smart.
JOYS BRAND: Freedom, function, and thoughtful design.