When summer hits, we’re all chasing that sun-kissed glow. Some people are blessed with it naturally, some just need a few days in the sun, and then there’s the rest of us—relying on a trusty self-tanner to fake it ‘til we make it. No shame in the game.
Choosing the best swimsuit colors for your skin tone and swimsuits that enhance your tan is the ultimate glow-up move. When you pick the right shade, your skin looks instantly brighter, and your tan — whether natural or from a self-tanner — pops like never before. (Check out our top favorite self tanners here.)
Skin Undertones
Before we talk skin color, we’ve gotta talk skin undertones. There are three main types:
- Warm
- Cool
- Neutral
If you’re not totally sure which one you are (no shame, it’s confusing), we’ve got a whole other post that breaks it down for you: The Best Color Swimsuits For Pale Skin.
This blog is all about the colors that boost your tan—or show off the one you’ve already got.
First things first: knowing your undertone is key. Once you’ve got that figured out, the trick is to go for swimsuit colors that contrast with your undertone. It’s all about making your skin pop, not blend in.
Check out the skin tone color wheel below for a quick reference. Let’s find your glow-up shade.
General rule? Lighter colors = instant tan boost. But the magic’s in picking the right shade to flatter your skin tone.
Keep It Light
If you're trying to fake that 'just got back from vacation' look, go for lighter suits. Think baby blue, lavender, dusty pink—those soft, dreamy hues are basically highlighters for your skin. The contrast does all the heavy lifting and lets your glow take center stage.
Peony Tankini + BikiniGeorgia Tankini
Agave One Piece Swimsuit
Havasu Tankini
Santorini One Piece Swimsuit
Serena One Piece Swimsuit
Rose One Piece SwimsuitMonroe Tankini
Warm It Up
Another go-to trick for looking more tan? Lean into warm tones. If you’re on the paler side, chances are you’ve got cool undertones—which means your glow-up shades are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Think fiery reds, bold oranges, sunny yellows. Basically, anything that brings the heat is your new best friend.
Sandstone Top + Jasmine Bottoms
Choose Your Neutrals Wisely
Last thing to keep in mind: unless you’re rocking a neutral undertone, neutral colors usually don’t do much for your tan—and some can even wash you out if you’re not careful.
If you’re all about that beige life with a closet full of neutrals, no judgment- stick with what you love. Just know some neutrals will make your skin pop, and others... not so much. A solid taupe or a classic beige? Always a safe bet if neutrals are your jam. And don’t sleep on crisp whites, especially against sunkissed skin. A clean white can make your tan look next-level golden and glowy, no bronzer required.
Daisy Bikini + Skirt + One Piece Swimsuit
Magnolia Bikini + One Piece Swimsuit
Finding a swimsuit that fits and flatters is one thing. But picking the right color to match your skin tone and amp up your tan? That’s the real glow-up move.
Lucky for you, Geode Swimwear has plenty of suits designed to make you feel like your absolute best, most beautiful self.
-Xoxo