Two separate questions, and the second one is the one people actually mean.
During the appointment
As much or as little as you’re comfortable in. Disposable undergarments are available if you’d like them.
That’s genuinely it. There’s no right answer and nobody minds either way. Some people wear their own swimsuit or underwear, some use the disposables, some wear nothing. It changes nothing about the result except tan lines — which is a preference, not a problem.
If you’re going strapless for an event, mention it. Straps are easy to work around when someone knows they need to.
Straight after
This is where clothing genuinely affects the outcome, because the colour is still developing and anything tight will rub it.
Wear:
- Loose, dark clothing
- Open-toe shoes or flip-flops
- Long sleeves and trousers to bed if you tanned in the evening
Avoid until you’ve rinsed:
- Tight bras — the bands leave visible lines
- Leggings and anything compressive
- Sneakers and closed shoes, which crease the tops of your feet
- Socks
Dark because the bronzer in most solutions will transfer before you rinse. It washes out of fabric, but light-coloured clothing will look alarming in the meantime.
Loose because pressure equals pale patches. Anywhere fabric is pulled tight against skin for hours, colour develops unevenly.
Sleeping in it
If you’re rinsing in the morning, put something between you and your sheets — old pyjamas, long sleeves, trousers. Darker bedding if you have it.
The transfer washes out. It’s still better on an old duvet cover than a new one.
After you rinse
Once you’ve had your first shower you’re free — wear whatever you like.
From there the only clothing rule that matters is avoiding anything that rubs repeatedly in the same place across the week. Bag straps and waistbands are the usual suspects on a tan that fades unevenly.
Packing list for the appointment
- Loose, dark outfit to change into
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Hair tie
- Your own underwear if you’d rather not use disposables
- Deodorant to put on after you rinse, not before you arrive
That’s everything.