Long-sleeve swimwear for sun protection
Protect your skin from the sun in these long-sleeve swimsuit and swimming top
ZONE3 Women’s Long Sleeve Swimsuit
£70
Pro: Exceptionally comfortable and chafe-free
Con: Short back zipper
Zone3’s Long Sleeve Swimsuit is the business. Made from Xfinity Renew fabric, its updated fit includes an integrated shelf bra with a secure internal clasp and increased coverage. It’s my go-to swimsuit for distance swims. It’s exceptionally soft, comfortable and chafe-free for two hours plus, while offering superb UPF50+ protection from the sun. Available in sizes 6-22, the sizing has been properly graded too, meaning a supportive, true-to-size fit – and it feels great on. We only wish the zip was a bit longer – with broad shoulders, I needed assistance to get out of the suit!
M&S GOODMOVE Scuba Padded Long Sleeve Swimsuit
£46
Pro: Thick, insulating fabric
Con: Shoulder mobility is not technical enough for long distance front crawl
This fabric of this M&S’s Goodmove swimsuit feels thick and soft. With removable bra cups and tailored structure, it felt supportive to wear, and we were pleased to find a decent length front zip, making it easier to take off after our swim than other long sleeved suits. It comes in sizes ranging from 6 to 24, although you may need to try a couple of different sizes to get the right fit. It’s not a technical swimsuit; we found the fit on the shoulders less than ideal for swimming crawl. But it’s warm and comfortable, so ideally suited to dipping when you need a little extra insulation.
SOLBARI Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50+
£69
Pro: Exceptional fabric quality
Con: Unsuitable for layering under a wetsuit
The Solbari long sleeve top serves as a lightweight alternative to skin-tight rash vests. Rather than being engineered for warmth, it’s explicitly designed to offer reliable, breathable sun protection during active water sessions without a wetsuit. It performed exceptionally well during extended periods of swim coaching in intense heat, keeping my skin shielded from UV exposure while remaining incredibly comfortable. The premium fabric boasts a super-fine weave that dries rapidly. It’s also chlorine resistant so it won’t deteriorate in pool environments.
NIKE SWIM Hydralock Fusion
£79.99
Pro: A supportive, comfortable, and practical fit
Con: Sizing runs noticeably small
Designed with the sun in mind, this swimsuit offers UV protection and sweat-wicking technology, while Nike Hydralock fabric promises to “keep everything in place”. It’s the kind of technical design you’d expect from this sporting giant. I appreciated the comfortable fit, and the supportive coverage, which keeps off the sun while adding a layer of protection against the cold. I also loved the thumbholes, which helped kept the swimsuit streamlined as I swam. The sizing in inclusive, available up to size 24/26, although I found that it ran small.
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Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
