Plus Size Long Sleeve Swimsuit: Embracing a New Kind of Sexy
Long sleeve swimsuits are my jam.
The simultaneously keep you (slightly) warmer in the water while giving you a little extra sun protection while somehow making you feel like an underwater goddess.
Not to mention, there are plenty of styles and colors to choose from—so, whatever your style, chances are you can find something that fits.
Honestly, I didn’t know plus size long sleeve swimsuits were a thing until I saw Melissa McCarthy rockin’ a few of them in Amazon Prime’s Nine Perfect Strangers.
OMG, they were gorgeous.
When it came to buying one, I wasn’t sure I was ready to go full-body wetsuit (yet).
But I was pretty sure I could find myself one that I liked.
Turns out I could and I did — technically I found three — and they are my absolute favorite suits to wear.
I would highly recommend you give one a try, so let’s find you one!
This content contains affiliate links. As an affiliate for a number of brands, and an Amazon Associate we may earn commissions on qualifying sales. You can read the finer details about what that means here.
What is a long-sleeved swimsuit?
A long sleeve swimsuit is exactly what it sounds like: a swimsuit with long sleeves.
You can get them in a single piece, or you can go with a two-piece if you want a little more versatility.
I have several long sleeve swimsuits and they are my absolute favorites, especially when it comes to my nightly swim.
One piece long sleeve suits
Image: Amazon | 16 – 24
Zipper surfing swimwear
Sticking to your budget is important when it comes to grabbing a new suit.
There are a lot of places that charge A LOT of money for a simple swimsuit, Hanna Nikole is not one of them — in fact, you can get your hands on one for less than $40.
This particular suit features five different color patters — each feature floral sleeves and a solid body.
You can get this suit in up to a size 24, and it’s made of a combination of polyester and spandex, so there’s a little extra stretch.
This suit also features UPF 50+ to help keep the sun off.
Boho short wetsuit
I LOVE the tropical floral pattern on this boho-themed long sleeve bathing suit.
Unfortunately, it only goes up to a 3X, but for less than $25 it could be a good choice if it fits.
It features a front-zip with a folded collar. Mixes black panels on the side with a tropical floral pattern on the main section.
It can also help keep you safe from the sun rays with UPF 50+ built right in.
I happen to have a short-zippered suit like this that I love. But mine has t-shirt style sleeves, and I kind of wish I could trad it in for this bad boy.
Positive Thoughts swim bodysuit
Ulla Popken’s Positive Thoughts is a white and black long sleeve swimsuit that delivers on a sleek, classic look.
This plus size long sleeve swimsuit features a stand-up collar and long sleeves.
Unlike the last one we just looked at, the zipper is on the back. But similarly, it has UPF 50+ to help keep the sun off.
Whether you’re spending the day in a cool pool or splashing around in the ocean, this suit a gorgeous and fun pick.
Zip-front all black one piece
If you’re looking for an all black long sleeve swimsuit, this Lands’ End chlorine, sun and sweat resistant pick fits the bill.
Made of LYCRA® Xtra Life™ spandex, this suit is designed to last up to 10 times longer than your average swimsuit — hello, budget friendly!
It features a functional front-zip and lower leg cut openings that provide a little extra coverage.
The sewn-in cups means that your breast support won’t swim around while you’re enjoying the water (my suits have this problem).
This suit also features UFP 50+, so where your body is covered by fabric the sun rays should stay away. Though, you’ll still want to protect yourself with a good sunscreen too!
Allover print swimsuit
I have a few long sleeve rash guards from Shein. While they don’t last forever (or even a full season), I can’t deny how cute they are.
I truly LOVE their Allover print suit. The teal and yellow color combination is stylish and summer appropriate.
This sporty suit is made of a combination of polyester and elastene. It features a wireless bra set up, which most likely means removable cups.
It has a closed neck with an open back — both sexy and conservative.
If you have a small budget and really want to try out a long sleeve swimsuit, this could be a great opportunity for you.
Chiffon sleeve swimsuit
If you’re looking for something with a little more sex appeal, I highly recommend this GabiFresh chiffon swimsuit.
This v-neck suit is a great choice if you’re looking for something that has built-in support. It goes up to a size 26 G, and has a G-hook back closure with three adjustments.
This tops the list of cute tummy control swimsuits with long sleeves, especially if you’re not looking for something that’s particularly sporty.
This suit is fully-lined, and provides modest bottom coverage. It’s definately at the top of my list!
Two-piece long sleeve suits
Image: Amazon | XL – 3X
Long sleeve shirt and shorts bathing suit
You don’t need to get a one-piece if you’re looking for a long sleeve rash guard. You can also get them in two pieces!
This LALAGEN tankini features long sleeves and a short-style bottom.
Two pieces makes your suit a lot easier to slip on and off. Plus, you can mix and match tops and bottoms.
It’s made of a combination of nylon and spandex, and has 50+ UPF/SPF sun protection.
This swimsuit comes in seven different colors and goes up to a 3X.
Tropical two-piece suit
Another budget pick by Shein, this tropical floral swimsuit features a front-zip high neck.
This suit has removable padding in the cup area. It’s made of a combination of polyester and elastene.
Despite the fact that it features a feminine pattern, this long sleeve swimsuit carries a very sporty look and feel to it.
I also particularly like the adjustable side strings that create a ruched look on the shorts.
Showoff long sleeve
If you’re looking for a sexy long sleeve bikini, Good American’s Showoff is for you.
This two-piece suit doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. While I love the gold pick, it also comes in a black.
Made of a satin shine material, this suit provides real support with a full underwire.
The neck and bottom band are both adjustable, which helps provide maximum comfort.
With this swimsuit in your arsenal this summer, you’ll truly be able to show your curves off!
Colorblock bikini
I’m wildly into colorblock these days.
This sexy three-piece long sleeve bikini features a zip-up top, bikini bottom, and small cover-up.
It comes in five different colors, all of which I would 100% add to my collection.
Made of a combination of polyester and spandex, this suit has built-in tummy control. I also particularly enjoy the stand collar.
Charming and sexy, this is a truly fun pick for the summer.
Long sleeve swim tops
Ambition cropped bikini top
Swimsuits For All has a number of long sleeve swim crop tops, but I like this Ambition one.
Made of a combination of nylon and spandex, this scoop neck suit features a fun, floral pattern.
Because this is a solo piece, you can pair it which whichever bottoms you want to.
You’ll have to take extra care when washing this suit.
Cropped rash guard top
I LOVE this sleek green top from Old Navy.
The shiny fabric and grey-green shade makes it feel like a classy gunmetal top.
It features a deep scoop neck with removable cups, and features a cropped banded hem.
This top is quick-drying, has a comfortable stretch, and features UFP 40 for some added sun protection.
Cute, classy and under $40.
Rash gaurd vs long sleeved swimwear
Rash guards are athletic tops made with water-friendly material originally designed to be worn by surfers. Made of spandex, nylon, or polyester, these tops are designed to act as compressive clothing to avoid any unwanted and flailing fabric.
The purpose of a rash guard is to help protect a surfer from both rashes and harmful UV rays while they’re in the sun. A surfer is in the water for an extended period of time, allowing for their sunscreen to wash off, and a long-sleeved rash guard helps to solve that issue.
When it boils down to it, a long sleeved swimsuit is a rash guard. There isn’t any difference between the two, save for the fact that you can get top-only rash guards — though, to be fair, I also have a two-piece long-sleeve bathing suit.
However rash guards/long-sleeved swimsuits vary from a traditional swim shirt in the fit. You’ll most likely find that your plus size long-sleeve swimsuit fits tighter than your swim shirt. Swim shirts are built for comfort, whereas a rash guard is designed for utility.
Why go with a long-sleeved suit?
I’ll be the first to say that long-sleeved swimsuits are not for everyone. But for those of us that are into them, they work REALLY well. Here are a few reasons why you might want to give this bathingsuit style a try:
The look
Not that I want to personally recreate the whole scenario, but Blake Lively is rockin’ an adorable long-sleeved suit in The Shallows. Besides Melissa McCarthy’s wetsuit collection, Blake Lively’s suit really caught my eye and compelled me to grab one for myself.
These type of suits really do give off a surfer vibe — even if you aren’t particularly sporty (guilty). For me, there’s a certain sexiness that comes with purposeful modesty and shape-revealing clothing (though I’m also a “less is more” fan too).
Great for watersport activities
Besides the surfer look, having longer sleeves are also great for water sports and water-based activities. And it’s not just surfing either!
Whether you’re headed out on a snorkelling trip or you’re jumping into a kayak, wearing a plus size long sleeve swimsuit can be a real asset. Not for the warmth, but to help give you a layer of protection if you smack the water, or something else.
Good for cold water
While you want to keep in mind that you’re not wearing an underwater snowsuit, long sleeves can keep you warmer in cold water. How warm will depend on whether or not you go full-on wetsuit, and the type and thickness of material used to make it.
Either way, I live ocean beachfront with an unheated pool, both sources of some chilly water. When it comes to picking out a suit, my long-sleeve choices tend to get used a lot more frequently. None of them help cut the cold completely, but it does make a difference.
Nip slips are unlikely to happen
Granted a full-on wetsuit will help ensure nip slip and other accidental unmentionable sneak peeks don’t happen, but next to that a long-sleeve suit can get the job done.
There won’t be any boobs accidentally falling out with a full top. Further to that, if you go with a full leg or even a one-piece short suit, you can help secure it even better. But compared to a bikini, it’s a better coverage choice.
Plus size long sleeve swimsuit FAQ
What is the point of a long-sleeve swimsuit?
A long sleeve swimsuit is great for helping provide sun protection, and can protect those doing water sports from beating themselves up too much in the water.
Do you wear a bra with a rash guard?
You could wear a sports bra underneath your long-sleeve swim top if you want, but you certainly don’t need to.
Do rash guards make you hot?
My biggest concern for wearing something long-sleeved to swim in was whether or not it would be too hot — it turns out it’s not, so long as you’re actually swimming. It is not pleasant to hangout on the beach in the beating sun in a clingy long-sleeve top. But when you’re splashing around in the ocean or a pool, it’s quite refreshing. In fact, depending on how cold the water is, the cold, wet, clingy material could make you chillier than you anticipated.
