The best long-sleeve swimming costumes for beach coverage

Spend time in the sea with these gorgeous swimsuits.

best long-sleeve swimsuit

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Long-sleeve swimming costumes have become a popular, flattering swimwear choice for trips to the seaside, and cannot get enough of the sleek swimwear. We know that sometimes going to the beach can have you filled with dread, and it shouldn't. All the healthy eating and fitness regimes you planned in winter fell short, and now summer is here. If the idea of getting into a bikini is enough to have you cancel plans, don't worry, we have all been there.

Another benefit of a long-sleeved swimming costume is that it is great for water sports. If you are planning a summer holiday, this is a fantastic investment as it offers more protection from the sun. It is ideal for anyone who burns in the sun as you don't want to have to worry about topping up sun cream every few hours. Secondly, they are great for people who wish to spend time in the sea as they offer more protection from the cold elements. It is why many of the options we have included have been created for bodyboarders and surfers.

Long-sleeved swimming costume shortlist:

Best long-sleeved swimming costume for curvy women: Floral Print Long Sleeve Swimsuit
Best for water sports: Island In The Sun - Roxy

Here at Yours, we want to encourage you to feel body-positive, but we know it's not always that easy. Long-sleeve swimming costumes are fantastic for anyone who feel slightly self-conscious about their arms or stomach.- much like tummy control swimsuits. This style of swimsuit gives an athletic look whilst hiding any lumps or bumps you may feel a bit conscious of. It is a very flattering plus-size swimwear option for curvy women. It's time to be confident this year in your long-sleeve cozzie.

So we have found all the best long-sleeve swimming costumes available to shop this summer.

The best long-sleeve swimming costumes

Best long-sleeve swimming costume for curvy women

Floral Print Long Sleeve SwimsuitSimply Be
Price: £34.20 (was £40)

www.simplybe.co.uk

If you are looking for a long-sleeved swimming costume for curvy women this is our favourite option. This floral print swimming costume from Simply Be has inclusive sizing from size 12-32. This gorgeous floral print costume also has a slimming high neck as well as a padded chest.

Our review: "I absolutely love this swimming costume. Since having children I have become very self-conscious about my midriff. So when my husband booked a surprise spa, I was delighted that I could pull this out of my wardrobe. It is so comfortable and supportive. It looks fantastic and I received so many compliments. I was a little apprehensive about the padding as I already have a large chest area but it looked great and gave me a bit of an extra boost."

Pros

  • Comfortable fit
  • Padded
  • Gorgeous design

Cons

  • Can be tricky to do up the zip on your own
Size: 12-32
Material:82% Nylon, 18% Elastane, Lining: 100% Polyester

Best for water sports

We love this Roxy long-sleeve costume.  It is made of recycled nylon and is super soft. This swimming costume has a simple yet chic design which we cannot get enough of. The patterned arms are beautiful and flattering.

Customer review: "This is a stunning piece. Great fit and quality. Saved my daughter from sunburn as well as fitting under her wetsuit. Great purchase."

Pros

  • Fitted
  • Stretchy material
  • Made of elastane and recycled nylon

Cons

  • Not many online reviews

Best swimming costume with side ties

BERRI SWIMSUITWhite Stuff

This zip-front swimming costume is a brilliant option if you're searching for a swimsuit that provides flattering coverage. It is easy to get into and looks very elegant. We love the side ties which also help to create a flawless fit.

Customer review: " I love this costume. It looks amazing."

Pros

Cons

  • Hand wash only
Size: 6-22
Material:79% repreve nylon, 21% elastane; Lining : 86% polyester 14% elastane; MESH: 87% polyamide 13% elastane

Best long sleeved swimming costume for holidays

Simply Be -Mix and Match Long Sleeve SwimsuitSimple Be
Price: £21.60 ( was £36)

www.simplybe.co.uk

We cannot get enough of this eye-catching blue and floral print. These vibrant colours will have you looking fabulous on holiday this year.

Our review: "This is another staple in my swimwear drawer. I love wearing this on holiday as it has a bright floral design which looks great with a tan. It is very comfortable and is great for protecting my shoulders from sunburn."

Pros

  • Stunning design
  • Buttons
  • Inclusive sizing

Cons

  • Can be difficult to take off
Size:12-32
Material:82% Polyamide 18% Elastane Lining: 100% Polyester

Best three piece long sleeved swimsuit

This three piece swimsuit comes complete with a long sleeve bathing suit, swimming bra and boy short bottoms. It has removable padding in the t-shirt, perfect for anyone wishing to have a bit more shape. We love the boy shorts which offer more coverage.

Customer review: "I love this! I’ve worn it for wild swimming twice within this month and it’s kept my temperature stable and eased the transition between getting in and out and much easier to get on/off than a wet suit. Very easy to swim in and looks really good."

Pros

  • Padded
  • UPF 50+ protective fabric
  • Quick-drying

Cons

  • Shorts are small
Size:S-XXL (8-22)
Material:82%Polyamide, 18%Spandex

Best surf suit

This long sleeve full-body costume is perfect for people who require full coverage. It is 50+ SPF/UPF sun protection.
We can't get enough of this front-zipped full costume which is ideal for surfing, swimming and beach games.

Customer review: "Really nice fit. I am a size 12 and the medium was fine. It is a nice colour. "

Pros

  • Long sleeved and long bottoms
  • All in one

Cons

  • Not warm enough for winter
Size: S-XL
Material:82% nylon and 18% spandex

Best modest swimsuit

This modest swimsuit is for women who wish to wear a more conservative swimsuit whilst enjoying the beach or the pool. But just because it is less revealing than other types of swimming costumes does not mean it has to be boring. We love this pretty floral pattern. The material is less clingy and can be great for those who lack confidence in other swimwear.

Customer review: "Loved it - looks lovely on, very comfortable and pretty. Was lovely for a spa day where facilities were mixed. I didn’t wear the cap as looked a bit naff but the rest of it was awesome. Highly recommend and will buy another at some point in diff pattern."

Pros

  • Modest
  • Full coverage
  • Conservative

Cons

  • May not be to all tastes
Sizes:6-20
Material:80% Polymides, 20% Elastane

Best tight long sleeved swimming costume

This front zip long-sleeve swimming costume is quick-drying and waterproof. It is made of 82 per cent polyester and is available in an array of styles. Its design extenuates curves and is flattering on the eye.

Customer review: "This is just perfect for swimming in the sea, especially when it’s rather chilly. I love it."

Pros

  • Front Zipper 
  • Highly elastic
  • Durable
  • Quick drying

Cons

  • Sizing is slightly confusing
Size:4-XL
Material:82% Polyester

Long-sleeve swimming costumes FAQs

Can you swim in long sleeve swimsuit?

Yes, a long sleeve swimsuit is just like a standard swimming costume. It should not restrict your movement in any way.

Should you wash your swimsuit after every swim?

We recommend washing your swimsuit after each swim if possible. As a rule, you should wash your swimsuit after three wears. Then leave it to air dry.

Hannah James is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that makes her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.

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