Tan line

A tan line is a visually clear division on the human skin between an area of pronounced comparative paleness relative to other areas that have been suntanned by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or by sunless tanning. The source of the radiation may be the sun, or artificial UV sources such as tanning lamps. Tan lines are usually an inadvertent result of a work environment or of recreational activities, but are sometimes intentional. Many people regard visible tan lines as unsightly and seek to avoid tan lines that will be visible when regular clothes are worn. A "farmer's tan" (also called "golfer's tan", "sailor's tan" , or "tennis tan") refers to the typical tan lines developed by regular outdoor activity when wearing a short sleeve shirt. The farmer's tan usually starts with a suntan covering the exposed parts of the arms and neck. It is distinct in that the shoulders, chest, and back remain unaffected by the sun. Tennis and golf additionally cause recognizable tans on the middle section of the legs, due to the wearing of shorts and socks for prolonged hours in the sun. The "Texas tan" is similar, with the exception that the shoulders are also affected by the sun, caused by working outdoors while wearing a sleeveless shirt. Some of the common tan lines associated with a farmer's tan include: elbows (from a short-sleeve 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) eyes (if sunglasses are worn) A "driver's tan" (or similar terms such as "trucker's tan" or "taxi driver's arm") is a tanning pattern where one arm from the sleeve downward is tanned significantly more than the other arm, due to extensive driving of a motor vehicle with the window down. A "sandal tan" is a set of distinctive tan lines on the feet, resulting from the straps of sandals worn throughout the summer by such different professions as lifeguards and monks. Wearing a bikini in the sun results in the uncovered skin becoming suntanned and creates a "bikini tan".