I used to think that wearing a long sleeve swimsuit meant I was basically giving up on looking cute for the sake of not getting a massive sunburn. It always felt a bit too much like I was heading to a middle school swim lesson or something. But honestly the sporty look is everywhere right now and I realized that if you style it the right way it actually looks way more high end than a tiny bikini ever could. There is just something about that sleek athletic silhouette that feels really intentional and expensive if you get the fit right. I started experimenting with different textures and ways to wear them out of the water and it is basically my entire summer personality now. It is such a relief to finally have an outfit that works for actual swimming but still looks like something you would see in a high fashion magazine.
It is all about the fit of the zipper
If you want to avoid looking like a scuba diver then the zipper is the most important part of the whole suit. I always look for those chunky metal zippers because they add a bit of an edge to the look. The best part is that you do not have to zip it all the way up to your chin like you are in a wetsuit. I usually leave mine halfway down to create a bit of a V-neck shape which makes the whole thing feel much more relaxed and way less stiff. It breaks up that solid block of fabric on your chest and gives you a bit of a breatheable vibe while still keeping that cool sporty energy going.
Why you should try a high cut leg with sleeves
The biggest mistake I made at first was buying a long sleeve suit that was also really modest on the bottom half. It just felt like way too much fabric and I ended up looking kind of boxy and short. Now I always look for a long sleeve top paired with a really high cut leg. That contrast between the covered up arms and the long lean line of your legs is what creates that high fashion look everyone is obsessed with lately. It balances out the proportions perfectly and makes the whole outfit feel way more daring and modern instead of just functional.
Use a neutral color palette to keep it classy
I know it is tempting to go for those crazy neon surf prints but if you want to look high end then neutral colors are definitely your best friend. I am talking about deep forest greens or a really rich navy blue or even just a solid matte black. These colors make the sporty design look much more sophisticated and less like a costume. I recently got one in a soft sand beige color and it looks so incredibly chic with some gold hoop earrings. When you stick to these understated tones the focus stays on the silhouette and the quality of the fabric which is the real secret to looking expensive.
Throw on a sheer wrap skirt for the beach bar
One of my favorite ways to transition this look from the water to a drink at the bar is by adding a sheer midi skirt. Since the top half of your body is already covered by the sleeves adding a long flowy layer on the bottom feels really balanced and elegant. I usually go for a skirt in a matching color to create a monochromatic look that looks like a designer set. It is such an easy way to hide the fact that you are wearing a swimsuit and it honestly feels more like a bodysuit outfit. Plus it is way more comfortable than trying to squeeze into denim shorts when you are still a little bit damp from the ocean.
Do not forget the sporty accessories
To really lean into that athletic aesthetic you have to get the accessories right too. I’ve been wearing mine with a simple baseball cap and some chunky slides which just ties the whole thing together. It makes it look like you are actually an active person even if you are just lounging by the pool with a book. I also love adding a pair of sleek sporty sunglasses to finish it off. It is all about those little details that make it look like a curated outfit rather than just something you threw on to avoid getting a tan. Once you start treating your long sleeve suit like a piece of fashion you will never want to wear a regular bikini again.
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