A plus-size model wearing a short-sleeve swimsuit on a graphic background

This Season, the Hottest Swimsuits Have Sleeves

A new era in warm-weather fashion has arrived, and it’s centered on—you guessed it—swimsuits. Gone are the days when you’d wear a bathing suit solely for the purpose of swimming or getting a tan. Swimwear has become its own section of fashion—and more and more, we’re seeing one-pieces, bikinis, and even tankinis worn as real clothes. After all, a bodysuit is basically a swimsuit you can wear with jeans, so turning swimwear into outfits was the obvious next step. This is one theory we have as to why we’re seeing so many plus-size swimsuits with sleeves these days. They’ve basically become swimwear and summery tops in one. And frankly, we’re kind of into it.

Of course, there are all types of plus-size swimsuits with sleeves. You can have short-sleeve suits that flutter in the wind or long-sleeve swimsuits that are reminiscent of surfer gear (and sometimes called “rash guards,” in case you’ve seen that term floating around). And not only are these swimsuits actually great for lounging by the pool—and even protecting your skin a little bit more than traditional swimwear, considering they cover more of your body—but they’re also super cute. We love when fashion meets function!

While you may have some preconceived notions as to what a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves looks like, let us assure you that there are plenty different styles from which to choose. You definitely don’t have to go with a long-sleeve swimsuit if that’s not really your vibe. You can opt for a short flutter sleeve or even a cap sleeve. The choice is yours, but once you see just how adorable—and, in some cases, sexy—these swimsuits are, you’re going to want to jump on the trend faster than middle schoolers cannonball into the pool this season.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. If you end up buying one of the products we’ve featured, we may receive a small commission.

1. Puff Sleeve Tie-Front Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a floral bikini with sleeves

shop the top — $89.95 from Eloquii

shop the bottoms — $79.95 from Eloquii


2. Helen Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a black one-piece swimsuit with long sleeves

shop the swimsuit — $13.99 from Fashion Nova


3. BFF Sequin Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a white sequin bikini with sleeves

shop the top — $80 from Alpine Butterfly

shop the bottoms — $80 from Alpine Butterfly


4. One-Piece Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a hot pink zip-up swimsuit with long sleeves

shop the swimsuit — $34.99 from Target


5. Rib-Knit Tie-Front Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a blue bikini with sleevs

shop the top — $28 from Old Navy

shop the bottoms — $22 from Old Navy


6. Mixed Media Cutout Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a long-sleeve one-piece tropical print swimsuit

shop the swimsuit — $159.95 from Eloquii


7. Ocean Dive Wrap Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a black wrap-tie swimsuit with sleeves

shop the set — $17.99 from Fashion Nova


8. BFF Psychedelic Paisley Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a blue printed bikini and a matching headband

shop the top — $90 from Alpine Butterfly

shop the bottoms — $90 from Alpine Butterfly


9. Gigi 3-Piece Bikini Set

A plus-size model wearing a hot pink zip-up bikini with long sleeves

shop the set — $20.99 from Fashion Nova


10. Long-Sleeve Swimsuit

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $52 from ASOS


11. BFF Striped Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a striped bikini with sleeves

shop the top — $90 from Alpine Butterfly

shop the bottoms — $90 from Alpine Butterfly


12. Long-Sleeve Pink Daisy Goddess Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a cutout floral swimsuit with long sleeves

shop the swimsuit — $160 from Alpine Butterfly


13. Head in the Clouds Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the set — $24.49 from Fashion Nova


14. Villa Drinks Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a black wrap swimsuit with ruffle sleeves

shop the swimsuit — $20.99 from Fashion Nova


15. Corset Puff-Sleeve Toile de Jouy Swimsuit

A plus-size model wearing a tie-dye swimsuit with sleeves

shop the swimsuit — $65 from ASOS


16. Collared Tie-Front Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a collared swimsuit with sleeves

shop the top — $25.75 from ASOS

shop the bottoms — $23 from ASOS


17. Wild Fable Puff-Sleeve Bikini

A plus-size model wearing a floral bikini with sleeves

shop the top — $22 from Target

shop the bottoms — $20 from Target