Abstract: An improved tanning system involves the use of a film of material which is permeable to ultra-violet light and which is adapted to be laid on part of a human body, for example the torso. The film is covered in certain desired regions with a material which is impermeable to ultra-violet light which regions are surrounded by regions which are only slightly permeable to ultra-violet light. When a person wearing the film is subjected to tanning, the result is improved appearance of the torso, for example, the person may look fitter, slimmer and/or more muscular. The tanning may be achieved by either natural sunlight or by means of a sunbed.