Collection: Long Sleeve Tops

Sun protection on the beach: Pull a relaxed long sleeve cotton top over your swimsuit for effortless all-day sun coverage at the beach or pool. Add a cotton sarong tied at the hip and a woven beach bag for a complete beach look that keeps you protected without overheating.

With skorts for an active day: A long sleeve top paired with our stretch cotton skorts is the ideal outfit for active shore excursions, market days, and long walks in the sun. The long sleeve provides arm coverage while the skort gives you freedom of movement.

With beach pants for resort dining: Pair a non-stretch cotton long sleeve top with our wide leg linen or cotton beach pants for a relaxed resort dinner look. Loose at both the top and bottom, this combination maximises airflow in humid evenings while looking effortlessly styled.

Layered under a cardigan: On cooler cruise evenings or in heavily air-conditioned spaces, layer your long sleeve top under one of our lightweight cotton cardigans for extra warmth without bulk. Both pieces pack flat and the combination works from a ship's dining room to an open-air bar.

Cruise packing: Two long sleeve tops can do serious work in a cruise wardrobe — sun protection by day, layering piece by night. Pack alongside beach dresses, beach pants, and a cotton sarong for a complete capsule wardrobe that covers every occasion and packs entirely flat.

Why long sleeves in the tropics? It sounds counterintuitive, but a lightweight cotton long sleeve top is one of the most practical pieces you can wear in strong tropical sun. Cotton allows air to circulate around the body while shielding your arms from UV exposure — meaning you stay cooler and more comfortable than you would in bare arms under direct sun all day.

Stretch cotton: Soft and flexible with a little give — stretch cotton long sleeve tops move with you throughout the day without pulling or restricting movement. Ideal for active travel days, shore excursions, and anywhere you need freedom of movement. The same stretch cotton runs through our skorts and beach dresses so your whole outfit works together.

Non-stretch cotton: A relaxed, flowing drape with a slightly more structured look. Naturally breathable and printed in our signature Caribbean-inspired patterns. Sits beautifully over our beach pants or tucked loosely into our skorts for a pulled-together resort look.

What we don't use: No polyester, no synthetic blends. Synthetic long sleeve tops trap heat against the skin — exactly the wrong choice for tropical humidity. Every West Indies Wear top is 100% natural cotton, no exceptions.

Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry for best results. Our prints are designed to hold colour wash after wash.

Are long sleeve tops comfortable in hot weather?

Yes — and more comfortable than most people expect. A relaxed fit long sleeve top in breathable cotton allows air to circulate around the body while shielding your arms from direct sun. In high UV destinations like the Caribbean, a lightweight cotton long sleeve is often more comfortable all day than bare arms with repeated sunscreen application. Browse our full range of long sleeve styles above, or explore our complete island tops collection for all sleeve lengths.

What is the difference between stretch and non-stretch cotton long sleeve tops?

Our stretch cotton long sleeve tops have a little give — they move with you and are forgiving across a range of body shapes, making them ideal for active days, shore excursions, and travel. Our non-stretch cotton styles have a cleaner, more relaxed drape with a slightly more structured look. Both are equally breathable and designed for warm, humid climates. Use the By Fabric filter in our island tops collection to browse by fabric type.

Can I wear a long sleeve top as a swimsuit cover up?

Yes. A relaxed fit long sleeve cotton top worn over swimwear is one of the most practical beach and pool looks you can pack — particularly for long days in strong sun. Pair with one of our cotton sarongs tied at the hip for full coverage, or with our skorts or beach pants for a complete beach outfit.

Are your long sleeve tops suitable for a cruise?

Yes — a long sleeve cotton top is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack for a cruise. Wear it for sun protection on open deck days and shore excursions, layer it under a cardigan for air-conditioned evenings, or pair it with our linen beach pants for a relaxed resort dinner look.

How do I style a long sleeve top for tropical travel?

Our long sleeve tops are designed to mix and match across the full West Indies Wear range. Pair with our cotton skorts or beach pants for a complete outfit, or wear over a swimsuit with a sarong tied at the waist for an easy beach-to-lunch look.