plus-size swimsuit with sleeves

PSA: The Hottest Swimsuits Are the Ones That 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. 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. ASOS Design Curve Long-Sleeved Swimsuit

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $50 from ASOS


2. Smocked Front Bikini Top With Puff Sleeves

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $89.95 from Eloquii


3. ASOS Design Curve Cut-Out Sleeved Swimsuit

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $46 from ASOS


4. Long-Sleeve Cropped Rashguard Swim Top

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $39.99 from Old Navy


5. Tie-Front Wireless Swim Crop Top

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $59.50 from Torrid


6. Peek & Beau Cap Sleeve Bikini Top

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $45 from ASOS


7. Long-Sleeve Cropped Rashguard Swim Top

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $22 from Old Navy


8. ASOS Design Curve Flutter Sleeve Bikini

a model wearing a plus-size sleeve swimsuit

shop the look — $32 from ASOS


9. Knot Yours Long-Sleeve Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $19.99 from Fashion Nova


10. Mimi Top

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $128 from Alpine Butterfly Swim


11. Water Sports Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $34.99 from Fashion Nova


12. Tropical Desire Cheeky Swimsuit

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves in tropical print.

shop the look — $19.99 from Fashion Nova


13. Tatum Top

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves in rust.

shop the look — $80 from Alpine Butterfly Swim


14. Water Sports Long-Sleeve Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $44.99 from Fashion Nova


15. Head in the Clouds Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $39.99 from Fashion Nova


16. Water Sports Bikini

A model wearing a plus-size swimsuit with sleeves.

shop the look — $34.99 from Fashion Nova