Tan lines

The phrase tan line refers to an area or areas of pronounced comparative paleness in relation to other areas of the body due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as from the sun. The tanned or sunburned area is such that it becomes visually clear where on the body the person was exposed to the sun versus the place(s) s/he covered up while being exposed to the sun. Tan-line areas can occur more generally in almost any context where the human body is exposed to comparatively more sunlight in certain areas than in other areas.

Background

In men, a "farmer's tan" refers to this phenomenon as regards the neck and forearms experiencing sunburn or tanning while the upper arms and torso remain comparatively pale. A farmer's tan is generally obtained by often-unintentional prolonged exposure to sunlight while wearing a short-sleeved work shirt such as a tank top/A-shirt/muscle shirt or a t-shirt.

A farmer's tan is not representative of or limited to farmers: Hank Hill has a farmer's tan in the animated TV show "King of the Hill" [ [http://www.fox.com/kingofthehill/pics/pic15.htm FOX.com - King of the Hill ] ] .

In some cases very little sunlight is required: people can sometimes pale even further than the skin tone of the rest of their body may naturally be. In women, paling further than natural skin tone sometimes occurs in the areas of the breasts typically covered by the brassiere, or a bathing suit top. Paling can also occur in regard to coverage around the buttocks or groin area where coverage is especially taut.

Common lines

A driver's tan is associated with extensive driving while hanging one arm out the window. The biker's tan is a tan line that goes up 3/4 of leg, where lycra bike shorts would normally begin to cover. Also, depending on the activity, the inner side of the arms may be paler than the outer side.

Some of the common tan lines associated with a farmer's tan include:
* forearms (from a short-sleeve shirt or t-shirt)
* neck (from shirt collar)
* thighs (if shorts are worn)
* ankles (from socks, only if exposed)
* forehead (if a hat is worn)
* wrist (if a watch is worn)

One of the common uses for tanning beds is to reduce the appearance of tan lines. Because an individual has the option of tanning completely nude in a tanning bed, and most public areas do not allow nude tanning, it has been seen as an alternative for those who are actually seeking a tan.

Intentional tan lines

In contrast, some people prefer to have tan lines, and will wear undergarments or swim wear in a tanning bed or outside for the sole purpose of creating a sharply defined tan line. Sometimes this may be the bikini bottom area only, or a complete bikini cover up. Some people find this more sexy than a full body tan, although this varies from culture to culture.

Additionally, tan tattoos can be purchased that are simply stickers that attach to your skin while tanning. Common designs are a heart, playboy bunny and dolphins, but many different designs exist. These are typically sold on a roll of 500 to 1000 as single use, disposable sticks. People can place the sticker on the same area each time they tan (indoors or outdoors) and this will leave the covered area pale, while the rest of their skin tans normally. This allows the individual to see their tanning progress, and allows others to see as well if the tan tattoo is used in an exposed place. [ [http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Tan-Tattoo How to Get a Tan Tattoo - wikiHow ] ]

It is also possible to use sunscreen to intentionally create tan lines that form patterns or words, to make a statement or simply create a wanted design.

ee also

* Sun tanning

References