FAQ – Atelier Palacios 

1. How does tan‑through fabric actually work?

Atelier Palacios uses genuine SunSelect®, a patented, scientifically developed fabric that filters most of the burning UVB rays while letting some tanning UVA rays reach the skin.
The fabric is knitted and finished in a way that controls the size and number of microscopic holes, letting a precisely measured amount of UV through based on medical and scientific data. This allows you to build a tan under the swimsuit while reducing the risk of burning compared to bare skin.

2. Is it safe for my skin compared to regular sun exposure?

SunSelect is designed as a selective UV filter: it blocks the most harmful UVB wavelengths (those that cause burning and much of the DNA damage) and lets through enough UVA for tanning. The manufacturer builds in protection factor into the fabric by limiting how much UVB can pass through.

That said, it is not a medical device and not a replacement for dermatologist‑recommended sun protection. You should still:

• Use broad‑spectrum SPF on exposed skin (face, shoulders, chest, legs, etc.). I recommand 50 SPF

• Avoid peak UV hours when possible

• Listen to your skin and avoid overexposure

3. Do I need sunscreen under the swimsuit?

No. SunSelect does not recommend applying sunscreen under the fabric.
Sunscreen underneath would block the UV that is meant to pass through and would significantly reduce or cancel the tan‑through effect. The concept of SunSelect is a built‑in, constant level of UV filtering in the fabric itself, which does not wash off or rub off like creams.

Use sunscreen only on areas not covered by the swimsuit, following normal sun‑safety guidelines.

4. Will this completely eliminate tan lines?

SunSelect is designed to significantly reduce tan lines, not to guarantee absolutely zero lines in every situation.

What you can realistically expect:

• A much softer, more blended transition between covered and uncovered skin

• Far fewer harsh, contrasting lines than with a standard swimsuit

• Better results if you:

  • Wear your tan‑through suit consistently

  • Maintain similar exposure times across your body

  • Avoid constantly changing swimsuit shapes

Your final result will still depend on your skin type, how long you stay in the sun, and overall sun habits.

5. Is the swimsuit see‑through, especially when wet?

No. Although the fabric has microscopic openings, it is not see‑through to the human eye. The holes are so small they cannot be seen without magnification, and the knit and print keep the swimsuit visually opaque, even when wet.

You get normal coverage and modesty, with the added benefit of UV transmission for tanning.

6. How long does it take to see results?

To notice tanning under the fabric, you need a sensible but consistent amount of sun exposure.

For safety, especially with American UV indexes often being high:

• Start with shorter sessions (for example 30–60 minutes, with breaks and shade) and avoid too strong sun. 

• Increase exposure gradually based on how your skin reacts

• Always protect exposed skin with SPF

7. What level of protection does SunSelect provide compared to SPF?

According to SunSelect, the fabric’s selective filtering effect builds in a protection factor of at least 8, by allowing only a small percentage of burning UVB rays through the textile.

Important notes for US customers:

• Think of this like roughly an SPF 8 equivalent built into the fabric, not as a high‑protection sunscreen

• It is lower than the SPF 30+ generally recommended by dermatologists for exposed skin

• On areas covered by the swimsuit, you have more protection than bare skin, but you can still tan

• On uncovered areas, you should use a proper broad‑spectrum SPF, ideally SPF 30 or higher

8. How is SunSelect different from other tan‑through fabrics?

Many tan‑through products are essentially mesh or micro‑hole fabrics that let more UV through but do not necessarily control which wavelengths or how much.

SunSelect stands out because:

• It is a patented, scientifically developed fabric with a specific UV‑filtering concept

• The fabric engineering controls both the size and number of microscopic holes to let through a pre‑defined amount of UVB based on scientific data

• The protection level is integrated into the knit and does not depend on coatings that could wash off

Atelier Palacios chooses SunSelect specifically for its balance of tanning performance, comfort, and controlled UV transmission.

9. How durable is SunSelect? Will the micro‑holes stretch, clog, or lose effectiveness?

SunSelect is designed as a performance textile for repeated outdoor use:

• The microscopic openings are created and fixed during knitting/finishing, so they do not “grow” into visible holes with normal wear

• The UV‑filtering effect is intrinsic to the structure, so it does not wash off like a coating or cream

• With proper care (rinsing after salt/chlorine, gentle hand wash, air dry away from high heat), your suit should keep its tan‑through and protective properties over many uses

Heavy buildup of oils or very greasy sunscreens on the outside of the fabric could, over time, slightly affect how UV penetrates. This is why it is best to:

• Use non‑oily, fast‑absorbing SPF on exposed skin

• Let products absorb fully before putting the swimsuit on

10. Is SunSelect suitable if I have very fair or sensitive skin?

If you burn easily, have a history of skin cancer, or are under dermatological care, you should treat any tanning—through fabric or not—with extra caution.

SunSelect can reduce the likelihood of burning compared to bare skin by limiting UVB, but it still allows UV to reach the skin so that tanning occurs. For very fair or sensitive skin:

• Start with short, controlled exposure times

• Combine the swimsuit with high‑SPF protection on uncovered areas

• Avoid peak UV hours and seek shade regularly

• When in doubt, ask your dermatologist whether tan‑through swimwear is appropriate for you