Sheer sarongs, maxi dresses, and tunics, oh my!
Planning a vacation? Sure, durable luggage and quality toiletry bags are practical must-haves — but any fashion enthusiast can agree that the best beach cover-ups are key when hitting a sandy locale.
What to look for in the best beach cover-ups
When it comes to spending a day by the water, stylist Jaclyn Patterson suggests building out your outfit with a few necessities. “My recommendation is to style your bathing suit with a hat, sunglasses, and beach cover-up,” she says. Her advice for selecting the latter? Opt for pale colours and breathable fabrics.
Linen, for instance, is lightweight enough to keep you cool, but is also substantial enough to give you a reliable layer of sun protection. If your top priority is staying shielded from the sun, a trustee button-down will do the trick. But if you’re looking for experimental styling statements, a crochet number can offer semi-coverage while showing your bathing suit off.
A sarong, she adds, is a particularly good choice because of its versatility. “[Wear it] around your waist as a skirt or draped over your shoulders,” she explains. “Combined with sunglasses and a hat, you’ll be dressed to feel your best.”
The best beach cover-ups to buy now
Long crochet cover-up
This crochet cover-up is perfect for any poolside day. With a scoop neckline and double slits, it’s stylish and easy to move around in. The simple pull-on styling makes it perfect for packing into your beach bag on a sunny day.
It can be seamlessly paired atop a matching shorts set for a statement evening look.
Pros
- Available in 23 colours
- Easy pull-on styling
- One size fits XS-L
Cons
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Chiffon high-waisted pleated maxi skirt
Mini skirts may have their moment, but maxi skirts are forever. The versatility of this summer essential simply can’t be beat — and this skirt proves why.
With an A-line cut and dainty floral pattern, it’s a perfect grab-and-go cover-up and even wedding guest attire.
Pros
- Suitable for machine wash
- Two-tier fabric for extra coverage and sun protection
- Available in 33 colours/styles
- Inclusive sizing up to a 3X
Cons
- Though this style is plus-size friendly, some reviewers note that it runs small, so consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes
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V-neck cover-up shirt
Introducing: the easiest type of cover up. The tunic top is a classic when it comes to throwing something on at the beach because it actually offers sun protection and it involves zero styling work. Here, looking unfinished is the objective.
The collared neckline gives it a touch of chicness, while the flowy design communities OOO energy. Available in up to a 3x, this is one of the best beach coverups out there.
Pros
- Available in 14 colours/style
- Inclusive sizing up to a 3X
- Wrinkle-resistant material that makes for easy packing
Cons
- Openings cannot be adjusted
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Colourful beach caftan
Looking to step into your Dolce Vita lifestyle? This vibrant modest-friendly pick is the obvious choice. Crafted into a maxi free-flowing cut and airy sleeves, it’s luxurious elements are reminiscent of a coastal Italian getaway. Made of polyester, it promises durability and a lightweight feel.
Plus, the styling opportunities are endless. Wear it as is for free-flowing ease or pair it with a belt for cinched styling.
Pros
- Lightweight fabric that doesn’t take up much space when packing
- Can be taken from day to night
- Available in 32 colours and patterns (yes, really!)
Cons
- Only suitable for hand wash
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Amazon two piece summer set
The best thing about this two-piece set, apart from the palatable price tag? It’s versatility is perfect for lazy days spent lounging on the couch or sun-filled beach outings.
Made from a high-quality blend of rayon and linen, it’s both durable and soft. The sleeveless round-neck top cinches comfortably at the waist, while the high-rise pants feature a double band for a secure all-day fit. Whether or not you wear it with a bathing suit, this coverup is an outfit in and of itself.
Pros
- Available in 18 colours
- Flowy pants silhouette with deep pockets for extra storage
- Reviewers rave about the breathability of the lightweight linen material
Cons
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Sarong swimsuit cover-up
When it comes to the categories of best beach cover-ups, sarongs are an endlessly easy choice. Crafted from polyester and nylon, this asymmetrical-cut skirt is semi-sheer and silky soft.
What’s more, it’s fast-drying, breathable and stain-resistant. (In other words, no risk of sunscreen smears). With an extra tie length, it’s easy to customize so you can style how you choose, whether you wear it as a slitted skirt or a strapless long top.
Pros
- Stain-resistant, breathable material
- Available in 13 colours/patterns, from plain black to cheetah print
- Adjustable tie for versatile styling
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that they wished it was stretchier
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South Beach beach kimono
This chocolate brown kimono exudes wind-down energy. Its deep V-cut neckline is crafted to show off your bikini top, while its flowy cut keeps you feeling relaxed all day long.
Featuring an adjustable empire waistline, it’s easy to throw on and style. The textured woven fabric creates a vertical pleating effect, meaning you can toss it in your bag without worrying about wrinkles.
While many swimwear options exclude larger sizes, this is designed specifically for curvier bodies.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing up to a 3X
- Suitable for machine wash
- Easy to pack, wrinkle-resistant fabric
Cons
- Only available in one colour
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Mikoh Samaya jumpsuit
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: jumpsuits are the key to styling success. And yes, this absolutely applies to beach coverups.
Made of 100% cotton, this comfy linen one-piece is easy to slip on with a sheer fabrication that keeps you feeling breezy.
Pros
- Reviewers appreciate that it is true to size
- Available in 2 colours
- Free of hardware like buttons and zippers for easy slip on styling
Cons
- Because it’s meant to cover a bathing suit, there is less coverage on the sides of the chest. If you’re looking for full chest coverage, it may not be the best option for you
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Long sleeve crochet coverup
Made of a crochet knit fabric, this lightweight throw-on dress provides a little more coverage with its long-sleeve styling. It’s got a loose silhouette, but it is in no way boxy. The hole-filled design is universally flattering, covering your chest and waist and leaving your legs free to frolic in the sand.
It’s both lightweight and resistant to wrinkles, making for the perfect packing companion.
Pros
- Available in 28 colours/styles
- One size fits from S-L
- Reviewers love that some options come with gathered waists, so you have th option for a cinched fit and a flowy silhouette
Cons
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Casual short-sleeve button down
Is there anything more blissful than wearing a long breathable garment on a hot sunny day? This button-down maxi dress has a simple straight fit, hitting just at the ankles and not clinging annoyingly to your body in any way.
Thanks to its fully-lined button-down length, it can be easily customized.
Pros
- Available in 13 colours
- Versatile design that can be worn both as a beach coverup and a casual dress
- Made of polyester, reviewers love that it is lightweight enough for days in the heat while durable enough for beachside dining out
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the lighter hues are sheerer than expected
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Reformation Zoey linen shorts
In case you haven’t heard us yelling it from the rooftops, Reformation has a linen line. And yes, these pieces are just as chic as the rest of their cult-favourite offerings. These lightweight shorts are the perfect addition to your packing list if you want a no-fuss coverup option.
Designed with a relaxed fit, this 100% linen piece features a drawstring waistline and pockets. It’s perfect when paired with a swimsuit or make it into a sporty look alongside a crisp white tee and some dad sneakers. And if you love this style but want a longer fit, they also have pants.
Pros
- Available in 3 colours
- Suitable for machine wash in cold water
- The weight of the linen is beloved for feeling surprisingly substantial
- Sizes ranging from XS through XL
Cons
- These shorts are designed to run large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes
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Intimately Godet Girl mesh slip
Indulge in a more glamorous beachside get-up with this sheer maxi skirt. Featuring a secure elastic waistband and a free-flowing silhouette, it flows into a subtly paneled style for extra visual intrigue.
Pros
- Available in 11 colours
- Reviews love it for its ultra-soft feel
- Suitable for machine wash in cold water
Cons
- Be sure to take into consideration that this is designed to be sheer, so it won’t provide much coverage. It will, however, accentuate your adorable bikini
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Amazon Essentials short sleeve crew neck dress
Want to get the most out of your beach cover-up? Consider the straightforward T-shirt dress. This option is more modest than its sheer counterparts, meaning it’s extra versatile.
Crafted of 100% cotton, it’s soft and lightweight, with a simple panelled design that hits just above the knees. Throw it on before hitting the beach and let it take you straight through to dinner.
Pros
- Available in 5 colours/patterns
- Made of thick yet lightweight cotton
- Comes with pockets for extra storage
Cons
- Some reviews says it runs large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes
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Superdown Elektra crochet pant
Do you prefer wearing pants? Consider this easy-breezy pair for your next seaside outing. (Where else could you debut sheer bottoms?!)
Crafted to be partially see-through, these slip-on bottoms are perfect poolside choice. Crochet pants are immediately comforting and universally flattering.
Pros
- Ribbed drawstring waist for easy adjustment
- Available in both white and beige
- Open crochet fabric for easy breathability
Cons
- Only suitable for hand wash
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Billabong Beach Vibes floral mini dress
Sometimes, you just want to go full flower girl. This dress gets that. Adorned with light flowers, it’s cut in a relaxed silhouette with a v-neckline and a low-cut back.
With adjustable spaghetti straps and a subtle pleated bottom panel, it exudes that surfer ease. We support riding that wave.
Pros
- Easy slip-on styling
- Adjustable straps for low-slung look or higher-cut fit
- Made of breathable, wrinkle-resistant material for easy packing
Cons
- Only available in one pattern
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