Swimsuit Colors That Make You Look Tan

Posted by Morgan Robins on

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.

Seaside Tankini + Swim Skirt

Peony Tankini + BikiniGeorgia TankiniAgave One Piece SwimsuitHavasu TankiniSantorini One Piece SwimsuitSerena 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.

Coral Tankini + Bikini

Paisley One Piece Swimsuit

Sonora Tankini

Flora Tankini

Mauna Loa One Piece Swimsuit

Sol Tankini

Phoenix One Piece Swimsuit

Sandstone Top + Jasmine Bottoms

Kokkini Top + Mica Bottoms

Ginger Tankini

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.

Stella Tankini

Iris One Piece Swimsuit

Cabo Bikini

Cabo One Piece Swimsuit

Myrtle Tankini

 

Daisy Bikini + Skirt + One Piece Swimsuit

Florence One Piece Swimsuit

August Tankini

Magnolia Bikini + One Piece Swimsuit

Rio Tankini

Miami One Piece Swimsuit

Terra 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 

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