If over the last few years, it feels as if swimwear has got more itsy-bitsy with every passing summer, well, that’s because it has.
Thong bikinis à la Love Island, sultry cut-outs and barely-there bandeaus flood our social media feeds, modelled by celebrities and influencers who are unafraid to show some skin.
However, we are starting to witness subtle push-back against said styles. Noughties-inspired tankinis are on the up, as are blouson swimsuit silhouettes and billowing sarongs. Leading the wave of more modest swimwear is the long-sleeved swimming costume - a piece designed for women wanting to cover up while channelling surf chic.
Whether a long-sleeve swimsuit appeals because of personal preference, faith or skin health reasons, there’s never been a better time to get ahead of the trend curve. We’re only just starting to see ripples of interest in shielding swimsuit silhouettes. Brands such as Free People, Whistles and Boden are leading the charge, stocking long-sleeved pieces boasting brilliant colours and prints. Who said demure equalled dull?
If tanning isn’t on your agenda, then long-sleeved swimwear should be. Elle MacPherson, Nicole Kidman, Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Cameron Diaz are just a handful of women who have long-sleeved swimsuits in their arsenal, proving that the design has made an impact already.
With greater awareness of the damaging effect of UV rays, the onus is shifting away from sun-soaking and moving towards shade-bathing. Sleeve-baring swimwear is fashion and function rolled into one, providing protection as well as dynamism for water sports. Not to mention, the sleeved designs are really quite cute with a surfer girl aesthetic.
Without further ado, your new swimsuit awaits. Hone your Sporty Spice meets swim-chic aesthetic with a modest yet contemporary one-piece to provide comfort and confidence on the beach.
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Whistles Long Sleeve Texture Swimsuit
Feel at ease on the beach wearing Whistles’ long-sleeved swimsuit with a textured, teal finish. Ideal for days spent lounging or snorkelling, the more covered-up one-piece features a highly flattering fit and zip detailing.
Buy now £95.00, Whistles
Melissa Odabash Ocean Sports Swimsuit
Embrace your inner Bond Girl in Melissa Odabash. A favourite among celebrities like Amanda Holden, the chic label stocks an array of long-sleeve pieces like this sleek black garment for beachside bonanzas.
Buy now £170.00, The Outnet
La DoubleJ Iconic Floral-Print Surf Suit
Surf suits are a brilliant option for those seeking a touch more modesty on the beach. Slip into Double J’s floral-clad number and radiate summer energy. Fern green, blossom pink and honey yellow hues make for a romantic gardenscape design to wear with confidence.
Buy now £370.00, Matches
Marysia Scalloped Edge Long-Sleeve Swimsuit
Marysia’s covetable collection of scalloped-edge swimsuits has flown off the shelves. Grab yours before they are all gone and make the most of your new, sophisticated beach ensemble complete with long sleeves and a vibrant cherry red hue.
Buy now £546.00, Farfetch
Watskin Lola Bodysuit
Watskin’s Lola Bodysuit stands out from the crowd as a result of its unique hooded detailing. Keep the sun off your face with the handy feature, which is complemented by a dark green and neon yellow colour scheme, long sleeves and fabric with ultraviolet protection. A win for your skin.
Buy now £298.00, Free People
Boden Piped Raglan Sleeve Swimsuit
Indulge in some vibrant colour-blocking thanks to Boden. The British brand’s swimsuit comes in five varying colourways and designs to pick from. Enjoy ample coverage from the long sleeves, zip-up detailing and padded cups that provide support where needed.
Buy now £75.00, Boden
Jil Sander Long Sleeve Swimsuit
Fashion followers, this is your time to shine. Exercise your style vocabulary with a Jil Sander one-piece, available in a crisp white hue with the brand’s iconic text insignia. For those who want to steer away from beachy botanical prints.
Buy now £459.00, END.
Acacia Ehukai Piped Surf Bodysuit
Show up in a dreamy tropical moment in Acacia’s piped bodysuit. The surf-ready silhouette features beige and blue florals to catch the eye, while a modest shape and high neckline stylishly shield the body from the sun.
Buy now £228.00, Free People
Agua Bendita Mei One-Piece Surf Suit
Modest yet adventurous, Agua’s Bendita surf suit is for the bold beach dresser. A tattoo-like print spanning text to eclectic illustrations makes for a unique add-to-bag moment, while a high neckline, long sleeves and cheeky cut accentuate the form to perfection.
Buy now £198.00, Free People
Roxy Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit
Swim, surf and shade-bathe in Roxy’s All About Sol one-piece. Sixties-inspired, mod-like florals pepper the item, which features short sleeves and a playsuit structure. A tie-back closure promises the perfect fit, while the sunny design offers a playful number for active wearers.
Buy now £60.00, Roxy
Duskii Floral-Print Zip-Up Swimsuit
Transform into a Baywatch babe with Duskii’s floral-print swimsuit in a sleek shade of midnight black. Subtle white blooms line the long sleeves, while a figure-hugging fit sculpts the curves.
Buy now £148.00, Farfetch
Whistles Suncheck Long Sleeve Swimsuit
Checkerboard has proven to be a Gen-Z favourite, so Whistles’ checked swimsuit is a surefire hit. Available in lime and forest green pigments, the jazzy number showcases a half-zip design that you can easily slip on and off when kicking back beachside.
Buy now £59.00, Whistles
Seea Swamis Playsuit
Opt for a playsuit silhouette for maximum coverage. Seea’s swim-appropriate number is double-lined for extra coverage and opacity, in addition to featuring ultraviolet protection to help block harmful UV rays. Wear yours year-in, year-out without the risk of the piece losing its stretch.
Buy now £158.00, Free People
Speedo Women's Long Sleeve Swimsuit
Turn heads in tie-dye. Speedo’s colourful swimsuit comes in dreamy shades of candyfloss pink and sky blue, ideal for the girlish dresser. Hit the waves, volleyball court or beach bar in the eye-catching piece, which further boasts a frontal zip opening and bust shelf liner for support.
Buy now £58.00, Speedo
