These sheer prints are stretchy nylon Lycra. All the prints will allow the sun to penetrate, allowing tanning. The busy prints, and bright colors, will be bright in the sunlight and will trick the eye in seeing the print, but not what's behind it, allowing it to be worn in public. However, it's your judgment as to whether you are comfortable wearing the certain print in public, because some are a little showy. You will also need sunscreen, since these do not have any SPF factors.