A long-sleeved bodysuit for women

Short answer: A bodysuit cannot ride up because it closes at the crotch. That makes it the cleanest base layer under tight dresses and high waisted trousers, and the long sleeved version adds warmth in winter.

It cannot ride up

That is the whole point of a bodysuit. A normal top rides up when you lift your arms, bend over or sit down, and then you have to pull it back into place. A bodysuit closes at the crotch, so it stays where it is all day.

Under tight clothes

Under a close fitting dress or a high waisted skirt, a bodysuit lies flat against the body. There is no edge at the waist and no folds gathering when you sit down. The result is a smooth line on the outside that a top rarely gives you. See the bamboo bodysuit for styles made for exactly that purpose.

The sleeve length

The long sleeved version is mostly worn in winter as a base layer under a cardigan, a blazer or a knit. The sleeves keep your arms warm, and scratchy wool does not sit directly against your skin. In summer a short sleeved style is more practical. If you prefer a loose top, see the long sleeved bamboo T-shirt for women.

The crotch fastening

Press studs at the crotch are standard on most bodysuits. Check that the studs sit in a reinforced piece of fabric so they do not tear loose after a few months of wear. They should open and close without effort, or they become annoying in daily use.

Size is about length

A bodysuit has to fit in length, not only in width. If it is too short in the body, it pulls down on the shoulders and up at the crotch, and it becomes uncomfortable over a long day. If you are tall or long in the torso, it can be worth going up a size. Measurements are in the size guide.

The fabric against the skin

A bodysuit sits close to your whole upper body, so the fabric needs to feel soft and not cling. Bamboo viscose is smooth against the skin and gives when you move. It can also move moisture away from the skin, so you do not feel clammy if you get warm during a long day indoors.

Choosing a colour

Black is the most common choice because it works under dark skirts, trousers and dresses. Under light and thin dresses, a nude or light bodysuit is better, since black can show through. A white bodysuit is often more visible than people expect.

The alternative

If you do not want a crotch fastening, a long top is the closest you get. It can be tucked into trousers and usually stays in place as long as you do not move too much. It is easier to put on and take off and works well if you change often during the day. See bamboo tops for women for long styles.

Washing and care

Wash your bodysuit at 40 degrees in a laundry bag so the studs do not catch on other clothes in the drum. Avoid the tumble dryer, because the heat can shrink the fabric in length, and then it no longer fits. Let it dry flat or on a hanger. More advice is in the washing guide.

How many you need

If you wear a bodysuit several times a week, two or three is a good starting point. You always have a clean one while the others are in the wash, and each one is worn and washed less often. That helps them keep their shape for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose a bodysuit over a top?

Because it cannot ride up when you move. It stays in place all day and gives a smooth line under close fitting dresses, skirts and high waisted trousers.

Is a bodysuit uncomfortable to sit in?

Not if the length is right. A bodysuit that is too short in the body pulls on the shoulders and at the crotch, so go up a size if you are long in the torso.