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. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)
1. Saint Somebody Life in the Fast Lane One-Piece

shop the look — $189 from CoEdition
2. Tropical Desire Cheeky Swimsuit
shop the look — $39.99 from Fashion Nova
3. Tatum Top
shop the look — $80 from Alpine Butterfly Swim
4. Marseilles Rose Red One-Piece
shop the look — $40 from Alpine Butterfly Swim
5. Belize Babe Long-Sleeve Mesh Bikini
shop the look — $39.99 from Fashion Nova
6. Hot in Here Off-the-Shoulder Swimsuit
shop the look — $20.25 from Nasty Gal
7. ASOS DESIGN Broderie Off-Shoulder Swimsuit

shop the look — $18.35 from ASOS
8. Marseilles Black Houndstooth One-Piece
shop the look — $40 from Alpine Butterfly Swim
9. Blue & Pink Zebra Tie-Front Wireless Swim Crop Top
shop the look — $59.50 from Torrid
10. Mimi Top in Satin
shop the look — $75 from Alpine Butterfly Swim
11. Peak & Beau T-Shirt Bikini Top
shop the look — $18 from ASOS
12. Miami Art Long-Sleeve One-Piece
shop the look — $39.99 from Fashion Nova
13. BFF Crop Swimsuit Top
