Remember when our parents made us wear long-sleeve swimsuits when we were younger and hating it? As adults, we’re changing our tune—especially after seeing the variety of chic options out there these days. Not only are long-sleeve swimsuits stylish, but they also protect us from the sun (and painful sunburns). So, if you’re looking to buy a new suit ahead of the season, consider one of these 20 long-sleeve options over your standard one-piece or bikini.
Summer's Calling: Here Are 20 Long-Sleeve Swimsuits That'll Keep You Protected
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Published Apr 11, 2023
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Why Should I Wear a Long-Sleeve Swimsuit?
If you’re spending long hours in the sun, a long-sleeve swimsuit is a great alternative to have in your wardrobe for several reasons.
- It offers sun protection: According to a 2022 report by Tech Navio, there’s been an increased demand for long-sleeve swimsuits “as swimmers are becoming more conscious about their skin health and look for swimwear that can cover up a major portion of their bodies.” The report also states that “the harmful impact of UV rays can lead to skin tanning, rashes, sunburns, and in extreme cases, skin cancer.” While wearing a long-sleeve swimsuit doesn’t give you an excuse to skip out on sunscreen altogether, it will offer more coverage and reduce the chances of getting sun damage, especially when compared to other styles.
- It’s great for activities: If you’re into any water sports like surfing, snorkeling or beach volleyball, a long-sleeve swim top provides more support and chest protection. Translation: You won’t have to worry about those pesky straps snapping off or coming loose when you’re mid-serve or wave.
- It reduces friction and increases efficiency. It’s no surprise that long-sleeve swimsuits are a hit for athletes. In the ’90s and early ‘00s, brands began introducing swimwear that helped swimmers move faster in the water and reduce the drag that regular swimsuits bring along.
- It keeps you warmer. Simply put, the extra fabric keeps your body warm in the water and in colder weather.
- It offers some modesty if you’re looking for that. Whether it’s for religious reasons or personal preference, a long-sleeve top offers more coverage while still remaining stylish.
Where Can I Get a Long-Sleeve Swimsuit?
A quick Google search can help you discover the top long-sleeve swimsuits out there. But if you need some help narrowing down your options, our favorite sites include Amazon, Cupshe, Vitamin A Swim, Summersalt and Madewell. (We’ve also pulled together our favorite selections from each brand on this list below.)
How We Chose the Best Long-Sleeve Swimsuits
We don’t just look at long-sleeve swimsuits for style (though it’s certainly important to us). We also consider a few other factors like:
- Coverage: Does the piece have full, moderate or minimal coverage? How about cutouts, ties or deep v-necks?
- Body Type: Are we providing a wide selection for long torsos, wide hips, large busts, etc.?
- Promising Reviews: We spend time scouring the internet for top reviews from shoppers just like you who have tried-and-tested these selections.
- UPF Protection: Also known as ultraviolet protection factor, this number dictates how much UV radiation is able to reach your skin and how effective it is at blocking UVB/UVA sun rays. The average UPF number usually falls between 20 to 50, which signals that you’re in good hands.
- Style: While most long-sleeve swimsuits are made from the same materials (i.e., elastane, nylon, spandex, polyester, etc.), we look at the style, too. From neutral colors to bold prints, we want you to look and feel like a million bucks when you’re on vacay.
The Top Five Long-Sleeve Swimsuits At a Glance
Cupshe/Eloquii/Summersalt
- Comfiest Fit: Nike Essential Hydroguard Swim Shirt
- Most Customizable: Good American Sexy Boost Top
- Cutest Retro Style: Cocoship Tankini
- Most Sustainable Material: Lively The One Piece
- Favorite One-Piece: Cupshe Floral One Piece Swimsuit
Tops
- Why We Love It: nylon and spandex fabric, heart neckline, great for small busts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Wear It With: LSPACE Cabana Bitsy Bikini Bottoms
This top proves long-sleeve swimsuits can look comfortable and stylish. It’s designed with nylon and spandex fabric for a stretchy and flattering fit. Plus, the keyhole design (with a fun gold accent in the middle) and heart-shaped neckline makes it a great choice for those with smaller busts.
- Why We Love It: two color options, quick-drying material, UPF 40
- Size Range: XS to 2XL
- Wear It With: High-Waisted Swim Bottoms
- Promising Review: “It’s very comfortable and has great material. I thought it might be too hot as it’s black, but it breathes nice.”
Whether you enjoy surfing, swimming or snorkeling, this swim shirt from Nike should be on your radar. It’s designed with their signature Dri-Fit technology that promises to keep you dry, comfortable and protected in the water. It even offers UPF 40 protection to ward off UVA and UVB rays.
- Why We Love It: three print options, mock neck, cropped design
- Size Range: XS to 2XL
- Wear It With: Sexy Sport Mid-Rise Bikini Bottom
This sporty number is great for those long active days spent in the sun. It’s made of a stretchy elastane material that keeps everything snug and secure while you move. Plus, the cropped style and back cutout adds a touch of flair to the look.
- Why We Love It: two print options, crewneck design, recycled polyester material
- Size Range: XS to D
- Wear It With: Gemma Ruched Bottom ($115)
A swim tee that’s slim-fitting, stylish and protective is a winner in our books. This one is crafted with recycled polyester and offers a high neck design for even more coverage in the sun.
- Why We Love It: two color options, front tie style, stretchy fabric
- Size Range: XS to 5XL
- Wear It With: Compression Swim Briefs ($70)
- Promising Review: “Great coverage on the arms, and the tie in the front really allows you to choose your level of coverage. I’ll tie it loosely for a natural, semi-covered look, and I’ll tie it tightly for a little push-up! Best of both worlds!”
Looking for a sexy and supportive top? This Good American pick features a plunging neckline and front ties that makes it customizable to fit all chest sizes. Plus, the stretchy material (nylon and elastane) makes it easy to lift and support the girls.
- Why We Love It: two color options, UPF 50+
- Size Range: XS to 2X
- Wear With It: The High Leg Bikini Bottom ($45)
- Promising Review: “It provides extra sun protection without being too tight or too hot. It goes on and off easily. The cut is great-it tapers in at the waist preventing a boxy look. Runs true to size.”
A day of paddleboarding requires a comfy rash guard, don’t you think? Composed of recycled polyamide and elastane, it’s made to withstand chlorine, sunscreen, salt and sand. It also has UPF 50 to keep you protected under the sun and a half-zip style for extra breathability.
- Why We Love It: recycled material, cropped fit, bold print
- Size Range: 2 to 12
- Wear With It: The Low Rise Bikini Bottom ($45)
- Promising Review: “Love the color! Fits true to size and I'm excited to have a long sleeve swim alternative for lake and beach days.”
If you’re looking to make a bold statement in the water, this leopard print swim top will deliver. It’s crafted with recyclable polyamide and elastane for a comfortable and secure fit. The cropped design and ruched sides also make it extra stylish for pool parties and summer fêtes.
Two-Pieces
- Why We Love It: three print options, adjustable ties
- Size Range: Reg 4 to Plus Size 34
- Butt Coverage: moderate
If you’re looking for more coverage on top, but still prefer a bikini bottom, look no further than this vibrant pairing. The top has adjustable side ties for a comfy fit and a built-in bra to secure your chest while you swim. And the bottom has a high-waisted design for extra coverage on your stomach and rear.
- Why We Love It: 43 print options, UPF 50+, quick-drying material
- Size Range: S to 3XL
- Butt Coverage: full
- Promising Review: “This set fits so good, was comfortable and I got so many compliments on how pretty it is. I wore this snorkeling and paddle boarding and it didn't ride up or bind.”
This two-piece is a fan favorite on Amazon. Shoppers say the long-sleeve top and shorts are a great choice for a day spent at a waterpark, resort or swimming pool. Its quick-drying material (aka nylon and spandex) makes it easy to wear—plus the UPF 50 provides all the sun protection you need. One tip: Shoppers suggest sizing up and removing the paddings for a more comfortable fit.
- Why We Love It: nine print options, high waist bottom, built-in padding
- Size Range: 4 to 20
- Butt Coverage: full
- Promising Review: “Beware, this swimsuit will look phenomenal on you. I am coming to you as a friend here. Watch out. Are you lean and lithe? Thick as a brick? It's a uniquely trendy and fashionable cut that suits all body types.”
You’ll want to listen to the 3,000 five-star reviews that rave about this tankini. The retro style catches your eyes, as does the flattering silhouette. The top has built-in padding and the high-waisted bottoms slim your lower half so you can enjoy your day at the beach without having to worry about sucking in.
One-Pieces
- Why We Love It: full coverage, crewneck design, machine washable
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Butt Coverage: full
- Promising Review: “It’s an excellent rash guard. It fits well even though it's a little high cut for my liking but it looks good and not too revealing.”
Your next vacation is calling and this one-piece from Roxy should go with you. The punchy floral design will brighten up any beach and the crewneck design offers extra protection when you spend hours under the scorching sun.
Most swimsuits are usually made from the same materials, but this one-piece takes things a step further. In addition to 20 percent spandex, it’s crafted with 80 percent recycled nylon for a smooth and stretchy fit. It also includes UPF 50 and offers full coverage for any activity.
- Why We Love It: 28 print options, built-in bra, UPF 50+
- Size Range: XXS to 22 Plus
- Butt Coverage: full
- Promising Review: “[I have] a very long torso and relatively short arms. I usually can’t wear one-pieces because they aren’t long enough, but this swimsuit makes me feel great. It’s a little snug lengthwise and a little loose width wise, but overall way better than I usually find for my proportions.”
If you’re in the market for your first long-sleeve swimsuit, reviewers swear by this one. It has over 900 five-star reviews that boast about its breathable material and stretchy fit, especially for those with longer torsos. It’s designed with a deep zipper so you can easily slip in and out of the suit, as well as a built-in bra for maximum support.
- Why We Love It: round neckline, removable cups, floral print
- Size Range: S to XL
- Butt Coverage: minimal
If you have a large chest and need more support, this one-piece will become a great addition to your swimsuit collection. It also gets bonus points for style—from the rounded neckline to the black-and-white floral print and the deep bikini cut.
- Why We Love It: v-neckline, molded cups, high leg cut
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Butt Coverage: minimal
This sexy number is meant to make you shine in the sun. The unique design features a deep v-neck, high leg cut and back cutouts that will turn up the heat during your summer getaway.
- Why We Love It: unique design, removable cups, high leg cut
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Butt Coverage: moderate
This one-piece might just be the most stylish suit of the bunch. It’s designed with sultry cutouts that are tied together with an o-ring for a modern finish. The swimsuit also has a high leg cut to show off your gams.
- Why We Love It: removable cups, high leg cut, machine washable
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Butt Coverage: moderate
If you’re looking to spice things up from your regular one-piece suit, this trendy pick has side cutouts and a high leg cut that accentuates your figure for a more sculpted look.
- Why We Love It: two color options, full coverage, front zipper
- Size Range: XS to 5XL
- Butt Coverage: moderate
Whether you have wider hips, a large bust or both, this swimsuit from Good American has you covered. It’s made with polyester and elastane that feels soft and smooth on your skin. It also has a zipper in the front so you can slip into it easily and it gives you the option to show as much (or as little) skin as you want.
- Why We Love It: recyclable material, UPF 50, front zipper
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Butt Coverage: full
This Madewell pick is a top contender on our list. Made of recyclable materials like nylon and elastane, the one-piece promises full support and UPF 50 sun protection. The front zippers also give you the option to cover up—or show some skin.
- Why We Love It: adjustable waist ties, foam bra cups, high rise bottom
- Size Range: 14 to 32
- Butt Coverage: moderate
Are long-sleeve swimsuits fashionable? Hell yes. See: This one piece from Eloquii. It’s designed with long fitted sleeves, a jazzy knot detail, a high leg cut and side cutouts to show off your figure.
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