When it comes to finding the perfect swimwear, it’s not just about style and fit; it’s about functionality too. I’ve spent my fair share of summers struggling with annoying tan lines and the discomfort of staying in a wet bikini for hours.
So when I heard about BetterTan Swim, a swimwear line claiming to let you tan evenly while keeping you comfortable, I was intrigued. But like any smart shopper, I needed to dig a little deeper before making a purchase.
Let’s talk about my experience with BetterTan Swim, why you might want to reconsider buying it, and what other options you might have.
My Experience With BetterTan Swim
I was initially excited to try out BetterTan Swim.
The idea of a swimsuit that could help me avoid those frustrating tan lines while drying quickly sounded like a dream.
The BetterTan fabric supposedly allows sunlight to pass through its micro perforations, leading to a more even tan and a boost in Vitamin D absorption.
Plus, who wouldn’t want a bikini that dries seven times faster than regular swimwear?
But, after wearing it a few times, my excitement quickly faded. The fabric, which was supposed to be innovative and effective, turned out to be quite disappointing.
Pros of BetterTan Swim
Let’s start with the positives, because despite the issues, there were a few things I liked about the product.
- Conceptually Appealing: The idea behind BetterTan Swim is solid. The idea of getting an even tan without having to worry about tan lines is something that anyone who spends time in the sun would find appealing.
- Quick Drying: One of the claims that held up was the quick-drying nature of the fabric. It’s true, the bikini did dry faster than my other swimwear, which was great when transitioning from the pool to lounging.
- Design Variety: BetterTan offers a range of designs inspired by the Greek Sporades. They’re chic, and the colors are vibrant, making the swimwear visually appealing.
Cons of BetterTan Swim
Unfortunately, the cons far outweighed the pros in my experience.
- See-Through Fabric: The most significant issue I had with BetterTan Swimwear was that the fabric is incredibly sheer. I noticed it immediately when trying it on, and it became worse when wet. The last thing anyone wants is to feel self-conscious at the beach or pool, and this swimwear did not provide the coverage I needed.
- Poor Quality: The material felt cheap and uncomfortable. After just a couple of wears, it started to stretch and lose its shape. For a product marketed as durable and luxurious, this was a huge letdown.
- Terrible Customer Service: I wasn’t the only one who had a bad experience with BetterTan’s customer service. Many others have reported that the company is nearly impossible to contact, especially if you’re trying to return an item. The lack of a reliable return policy is a major red flag.
- Sizing Issues: The swimwear runs very small, which was another issue I encountered. Even though I followed the sizing guide, the fit was off, and since returning it wasn’t an option, I was stuck with an ill-fitting bikini.
- Misleading Marketing: The claims about the fabric allowing for a better tan were overblown. While you do get some sun through the fabric, it’s not enough to prevent tan lines entirely, especially in areas where the fabric is thicker.
Tips For BetterTan Swim
If you do decide to give BetterTan Swim a try despite the drawbacks, here are some tips to help you maintain your swimwear:
- Hand Wash Only: The fabric is delicate, so avoid putting it in the washing machine. Hand washing with a gentle detergent will help preserve the material and prevent it from stretching further.
- Avoid Rough Surfaces: The micro perforations in the fabric make it prone to snagging. Be careful when sitting on rough surfaces like concrete or wooden benches.
- Dry in Shade: To prevent the vibrant colors from fading, dry your swimsuit in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. This will also help maintain the elasticity of the fabric.
- Store Properly: Avoid folding the swimsuit when it’s wet. Instead, lay it flat to dry and store it in a cool, dry place.
Comparison With Other Brands
After my disappointing experience with BetterTan Swim, I decided to compare it with some other swimwear brands that offer similar products but with better reviews.
- CoolTan
CoolTan is another brand that offers tan-through swimwear. Unlike BetterTan, CoolTan’s products are known for actually delivering on their promises.
The fabric is lightweight, and while it is slightly see-through, it’s not as sheer as BetterTan’s. CoolTan swimwear is also much more durable and comfortable to wear. The brand has a better reputation for customer service, making returns and exchanges easier.
- Kiniki
Kiniki is a UK-based brand that has been in the tan-through swimwear game for quite some time. Their products use a unique fabric that is specifically designed to allow 80% of the sun’s rays to pass through.
The swimwear is well-made, comfortable, and offers a variety of styles and sizes. While it’s slightly more expensive than BetterTan, the quality difference is worth the investment.
Additionally, Kiniki has a solid return policy and responsive customer service, which is crucial when purchasing swimwear online.
- Lands’ End
If tan-through swimwear isn’t a priority but quality and fit are, Lands’ End is a great alternative. Their swimwear is known for being durable, stylish, and inclusive of all body types.
While you won’t get the same tanning benefits, you will get a swimsuit that lasts for multiple seasons and comes in a range of sizes and styles. Lands’ End also has an excellent return policy, so you can shop with confidence.
Where To Buy BetterTan Swimwear?
If you’re thinking about trying BetterTan Swim for yourself, you might be tempted to head straight to their official website. While this seems like the obvious choice, I’d advise you to hold off.
Unfortunately, BetterTan Swimwear has received a slew of bad reviews regarding their customer service, return policy, and overall product quality. People have reported significant issues when trying to return items or even get in touch with the company.
So, while you could buy directly from them, you might want to explore other retailers where you have more protection as a consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, tan-through swimwear can work, but its effectiveness varies depending on the brand and the fabric used. Some brands like CoolTan and Kiniki have developed fabrics that allow a significant amount of sunlight to pass through, which can help reduce tan lines. However, BetterTan Swim’s fabric is less effective in this regard, and you may still end up with some tan lines, especially in areas where the fabric is thicker.
Bright colors like white, yellow, and neon shades tend to make your skin look more tan. These colors create a stark contrast with your skin, enhancing your tan. Conversely, darker colors like black or navy can make you appear less tanned. When choosing a tan-through swimsuit, keep this in mind to maximize the tanning effect.
Tan-through clothing is made from specially designed fabrics with tiny perforations that allow sunlight to pass through. These fabrics are typically lightweight and breathable, enabling UV rays to reach your skin even through the material. This can result in a more even tan with fewer tan lines. However, the effectiveness of tan-through clothing depends on the density of the fabric and the size of the perforations.
Yes, you can tan through mesh, but the degree to which you tan will depend on the thickness and density of the mesh. If the mesh is tightly woven, it will block more sunlight, resulting in a less noticeable tan. On the other hand, a more open or loose mesh will allow more sunlight to reach your skin, leading to a more even tan. With BetterTan Swimwear, the mesh-like micro perforations are intended to allow tanning, but the overall effectiveness is questionable based on user reviews.
Conclusion: Should You Buy BetterTan Swim?
After trying BetterTan Swim and reading through countless reviews, my advice would be to skip this purchase. While the concept of tan-through swimwear is appealing, BetterTan fails to deliver on its promises.
The fabric is too sheer, the quality is subpar, and the customer service is practically nonexistent. For something as personal and important as swimwear, you deserve a product that not only looks good but makes you feel confident and comfortable.
If you’re serious about getting an even tan without tan lines, consider exploring other brands like CoolTan or Kiniki. These companies have been in the business longer, and their products are more reliable.
Alternatively, if tanning isn’t your main concern, there are plenty of high-quality swimwear options out there that offer better fit, comfort, and durability.
In the end, your swimwear should be something you feel great in, and unfortunately, BetterTan Swim doesn’t quite hit the mark. Save your money and invest in something that truly lives up to its claims.