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Stylish beachgoers and poolside-rs know it’s not all about your new bikini and one-piece swimsuit when on vacation — your swim cover-up is just as important.
A cover-up is a “resort wear piece, such as a sarong wrap skirt, tunic, or sundress, that works well over a swimsuit to provide coverage and polish for your swim moment,” says Creative Director of Everything But Water Sabra Krock. Cover-ups are ideal for keeping you comfortable and covered when you want to eat, walk around, go in and out of a hotel, or head from the beach or the pool to dinner al fresco — when there’s no time for an outfit change, Krock adds.
Whether you’re visiting Saint Tropez or your neighborhood pool, there’s no shortage of trendy beach cover-ups that provide a cool factor and coverage. From breezy linen dresses and button-downs to summer pants and sarong wrap skirts, there’s a bathing suit cover-up for every style and occasion. The best part is designers are now making pieces that look more like stylish ready-to-wear pieces, but with materials that can stand up to the water, sun, sand, and sunscreen. And it’s not just swimwear designers making cover-ups either; brands like Madewell and Pucci are creating gorgeous pieces that can be worn year-round on and off the beach and styled with everything from beach bags and sunglasses to crossbody bags and cute wedge sandals.
Before you head on your next well-deserved beach escape, keep scrolling: We rounded up the best swim cover-ups with expert tips and product picks to help shoppers find the best option for their personal style. Plus, we discuss the importance of UPF clothing and share the best swimsuit brands offering the best cover-up options of the season.
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Top Swim Cover-Ups for 2023
- Agua by Agua Bendita Verano Road Marine Tassel-Embellished Logo Pareo
- Tularosa Crochet Pants
- EBW X Vitamin A Shirt Dress
- J.Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt
- Monday Swimwear Barcelona Tunic
- Lemlem Eshe Woven Caftan
- Madewell Double-Gauze Drawstring Wide-Leg Pants
- Skims Swim Sarong Skirt
- Summersalt Terry Button-Down Shirt and Shorts Set
- Vitamin A Wide-Leg Pant
- Lunya Washable Silk Wrap Sleep Skirt
- Allison New York Fringe Crochet Tunic
- Simkhai Domingo Crochet Lace Coverup Maxi Dress
- Ekouaer Sarong Cover-Up
- Pucci Printed Cotton Pareo
- Andie Swim Corvo Button Up and Madeira Pant
- Melissa Odabash Lace-Up Linen and Cotton Dress
- Robin Piccone Natalie Tunic Dress Cover-Up
- Everyday Ritual’s Maxi Shirt Dress
- Summersalt Palazzo Pant With Ties
- Valimare Florence Maxi Caftan Coverup
- Blackbough Paloma Skirt and Matching Bikini
- Watskin Sasha Top
The Best Button-Down Cover-Ups
J.Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt
- Sizes: XXS to 3X
- Colorways: Navy & White Stripe, Desert Sand Stripe, White, Yellow, Sheer Flax, Light Sage, Retro Blue, Navy, and Black
- Materials: Cotton, linen
- Retailer availability: J.Crew
If you prefer a button-down cover-up that feels more like a classic shirt, J.Crew’s Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt has the structured appeal of a collar and cuffs with relaxed linen fabric and a slightly elongated silhouette. Available in a wide range of colors, from navy stripes to light sage, this staple can not only be worn as a cover-up over your swimsuit, but on its own as a regular top — which makes packing for vacation much easier. The navy and white stripe style is especially perfect for channeling your best Coastal Grandmother life this summer. One reviewer said they would also wear it for Zoom calls, writing, “easy beach cover-up and suitable for online meetings too.” What better way to balance remote working with a quick summer dip in the pool?
EBW X Vitamin A Shirt Dress
- Sizes: Petite/Small, Medium/Large
- Colorways: White
- Materials: Eco-linen
- Retailer availability: Everything But Water
When you’re not swimming, an easy, breezy cover-up can help protect your skin from the sun and add a touch of glamour to your beach look. Choose a flowing button-down with eye-catching details like the EBW X Vitamin A’s Shirt Dress. “This piece is an excellent choice because it’s light, sustainable, and versatile,” says Krock. It’s made of sustainable linen fabric and features natural shell buttons and long sleeves that it can easily be rolled to any length you choose. “Wear it as a cover-up, belted as a dress, or styled with comfortable pants or shorts,” Krock suggests.
Monday Swimwear Barcelona Tunic
- Sizes: Petite/Small, Medium/Large
- Colorways: Ivory, Black, Cerulean Blue, Peach Floral, Sangria Crinkle, Jaguar, and Snake Prints
- Materials: Linen
- Retailer availability: Monday Swimwear
It doesn’t get more classic (or chic) than wearing an oversized button-down shirt as a bathing suit cover-up. Monday Swimwear co-founder Natasha Oakley recommends this tunic for an effortless, easy-to-style cover-up. “I never go on vacation without packing an oversized linen shirt,” Oakley says, citing the Barcelona Tunic as her favorite for summer 2023. “It’s easy to wear and super versatile,” she adds. Made of 100% linen, this airy style features side slits, flowy sleeves that can easily be rolled up, and seashell buttons. The collarless design gives it a more laidback feel without losing the cool, menswear-inspired look. Wear it open over a bathing suit, tie it up with a pair of beach pants, or buttoned up as a dress — the styling options are endless. Oh, and it’s available in a ton of colors and prints, so there’s something for every swim look.
Watskin Sasha Top
- Sizes: XS to L
- Coloways: Black and White
- Materials: 82% polyester, 18% spandex
- Retailer availability: Watskin
Be smart about the sun, and it will be easier to soak up the fun when you’re outdoors. This long-sleeved UPF 50+ top is made with a quick-dry polyester-spandex fabric blend that delivers four-way stretch for comfort. While it fits tight, it’s still a great swim cover-up to throw over a bathing suit. Plus, the enlarged side zipper appeal adds visual intrigue — this piece doesn’t sacrifice style.
Best Crochet Cover-Ups
Tularosa Crochet Pants
- Sizes: XXS to XL
- Coloways: Ivory and Sage
- Materials: 93% cotton, 7% spandex
- Retailer availability: Revolve
Also combining two trends in one (crochet and beach pants), this style by Tularosa is a no-brainer for summer. Take it to the next level by pairing it with a white bikini or one-piece for a monochromatic, matching look. The open-knit crochet fabric design offers a high, ribbed waistband, wide-leg silhouette, and a little stretch that makes pulling them on and off much easier (a must for navigating the beach and pool). Made of 100% cotton, the pants are also available in a light sage color if all white isn’t your thing.
Simkhai Domingo Crochet Lace Cover-up Maxi Dress
- Size: XS to L
- Colorways: White
- Materials: Polyester, viscose, nylon
- Retailer availability: Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman
Some trends are meant for going bold, and crochet is one of them. Opt for a long bathing suit cover-up with Simkhai’s long-sleeve, maxi length crochet dress that takes beach glam up a notch (or two). Featuring V neckline, adjustable self-ties, and front keyhole cutout, this cover-up lends that luxe, put-together vacation look that feels like it belongs in the South of France. The white color is easy to pair with any color or print swimsuit, serving as a neutral base for any style, and works for any age, especially as a beach cover-up for over 50. Even more, this is one of those cover-ups that you can really wear straight from the beach to dinner afterward and not feel weird about it.
What reviewers say: “It’s the sort of cover-up that you you can wear around the Resort, with a great hat and your shades.”
Allison New York Fringe Crochet Tunic
- Sizes: S to L
- Colorways: Hot Pink, Black, White, Blue
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- Retailers availability: Everything But Water
It’s the season of crochet, and cover-ups are the perfect piece to have fun with this trend. “This exclusive style is a perennial favorite as it doubles as a cover up and a dress,” says Krock. “And, since it’s crocheted, it’s on trend for 2023.” Ideal for throwing over a swimsuit or wearing to a sunset dinner, the mini crochet dress features a high neckline, a sleeveless cut, and a tassel trim along hem. Pack it for any warm weather getaway to make an instant statement.
Best Sarong Wrap Skirts
Ekouaer Sarong Cover-Up
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Colorways: Available in 38 colors including white, black, red, orange, blue, and a range of prints.
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- Retailers availability: Amazon
The sarong wrap skirt is one of the most timeless swimsuit cover-ups, dating all the way back to the 19th century (yes, really). And while it’s always a reliable cover-up option, this summer, the sarong is back in a big way. It’s a no-brainer as a swimsuit cover-up for plus sizes, as the wrap-skirt style gives a flattering, waist-defining silhouette that can be worn several ways. This top-rated Amazon sarong cover-up comes in just about every color and print under the sun (38, to be exact!). With a nearly 5-star rating, reviewers love it for its no-fuss ease and slightly longer silhouette that fully covers the butt, while still acting as a mini. And with this price point, you can stock up on a few to match different swimsuits.
What reviewer say: “Love this. Perfect with my swimsuit. I like that the length is longer than others I’ve purchased.”
Agua by Agua Bendita Verano Road Marine Tassel-Embellished Logo Pareo
- Size: One-size
- Colorways: Multi
- Materials: Rayo
- Retailer availability: Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve
Colombian-based brand Agua by Agua Bendita knows how to deliver on statement prints and summer-ready pieces. Handmade by local artisans in Colombia, the brand’s range of cover-ups and beach clothes are special no matter your destination. The rayon fabric makes this piece standout from others with its luxuriously silky smooth sheen. The brand also offers swimsuits with matching cover-ups for a head-to-toe look.
Pucci Printed Cotton Pareo
- Size: One-size
- Colorways: Red
- Materials: 100% Cotton
- Retailer availability: Net-A-Porter
If you’re looking to go wild with your cover-up, Pucci offers a ton of colorful and playful printed sarong wrap skirts. (The brand also delivers on equally bold swimsuits to match them.) Made of 100% cotton, this front-tie pareo taps into the season’s bright color trend without feeling like too much at once. Whether you’re headed to Tulum or the coast of Italy, this statement piece is a packing essential you’ll get plenty of wear out of.
Skims Swim Sarong Skirt
- Size: XXS to 4X
- Colorways: Onyx, Ochre, Almond, and seven more
- Materials: 76% Recycled Nylon / 24% Spandex
- Retailer availability: Skims
When the debut Skims swim collection launched in March of 2022, it didn’t take long for the entire swimwear line to sell out. Similar to the brand’s shapewear, Skims’ swimwear is universally flattering and soft, making anyone feel comfortable in their skin. Skims’ Swim Sarong Skirt is a bit of a game-changer. It’s an uncomplicated piece that has a knot detail and a high slit that shows a bit of body but fully covers the right spots. Available in five limited edition hues and five classic shades, there are plenty of colors to work into your swim wardrobe.
What reviewers say: “This skirt is high waisted and hits your curves like the best prom dress you could buy. I love how conservative, sexy and classy I look when I wear it. Everyone will compliment you, trust me. The material is thick and will hold you in.”
Lunya Washable Silk Wrap Sleep Skirt
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Colorways: Immerse Black, Hushed Tan, Boundless Lime, Atmospheric Fuchsia
- Materials: 92% silk, 8% stretch
- Retailer availability: Lunya
Lunya, the luxury women’s sleepwear brand, has just added their first-ever sleep skirt, the Washable Silk Wrap Sleep Skirt, to their list of innovations. This piece may not look like a typical cover-up, but that’s because it’s an elevated piece that should be saved for special occasions such as poolside parties or sunset soirees on the beach. It combines the functionality of shorts with the elegant design of a skirt, making for a piece that is intended to take wearers from day to night, from the bedroom to happy hour. The skirt features an elasticized waistband and a convenient side seam pocket and is made from washable stretch silk to allow for maximum comfort and unrestricted movement. Through this expansion, Lunya seeks to provide wearers with a new level of comfort and freedom in all aspects of their day.
Best Matching Sets
Andie Swim Corvo Button Up and Madeira Pant
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Colorways: Midnight, Sunset, Coconut, Ivy, Auburn
- Materials: Linen
- Retailer availability: Andie Swim
Button-down shirts and matching comfortable pants are a combo that’s still going strong for summer 2023 — and also happen to make a fab swim cover-up. Andie Swim’s Corvo top is beloved for its simple yet elegant cut. But when paired with the brand’s matching Maderia Pants, you’ve got a complete set that takes both individual pieces to the next level. The lightweight linen fabric is breathable for summer, while still providing additional coverage from the sun. Leave the shirt open over your favorite bikini, add a pair of flat sandals, and you’re good to go.
What reviewers say: “The color + coverage is great! Pairs well with my new swimsuit!”
Summersalt Terry Button-Down Shirt and Shorts Set
- Sizes: XS to 2X
- Colorways: Toffee, White, Black
- Materials: 80% Organic Cotton, 20% Recycled Polyester
- Retailer availability: Summersalt
For a shirt and shorts set that feels a bit more unexpected, opt for Summersalt’s matching terry fabric set. Giving you all the comfort of your favorite terry cloth towel, this cute set is made from recycled and organic materials. The button-down top features a slightly elongated hem for more coverage in the back and full-size pockets to hold all your essentials. The shorts offer an elastic drawstring waist that’s easy to pull on and off, side pockets, and curved hems. And as with all sets, these pieces can be worn together or mixed and matched separately — double the options!
Blackbough Paloma Skirt and Matching Bikini
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Colorways: Ocean Child
- Materials: Polyester
- Retailer availability: Blackbough
Matching bikini and skirt sets are taking over Instagram and TikTok, with celebrities, influencers, and models all getting in on the trend. Blackbough Paloma Mini Skirt (which is available to mix and match with the brand’s range of bikinis and one-pieces) is a favorite. Available in a blue floral print, this body-hugging skirt offers a lace-up detail down the front so you can adjust how tight you want it to fit, as well as a unique front pocket in case you need to store something small. It’s also made of polyester, so you don’t have to worry if it gets a little wet.
What reviewers say: “Love this skirt, I wished I size down but still super flattering.”
Best Cover-Up Dresses
Melissa Odabash Lace-Up Linen and Cotton Dress
- Sizes: XS to L
- Colorways: White/Navy, White/Hot Pink
- Materials: 80% cotton, 20% linen
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom
This style by Melissa Odabash has all the makings to be one of the cutest swim cover-ups. It’s made of a light linen and cotton blend, and features three-quarter length sleeves, a smocked waist, and lace-up neckline. The embroidery details and subtle fringe hem are the cherry on top of this seaside-ready cover-up. This is definitely a piece you can wear out as a daytime dress too.
Robin Piccone Natalie Tunic Dress Cover-Up
- Sizes: XS to L
- Colorways: White, Black, Ecru
- Materials: 80% polyester, 20% cotton
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom
Sometimes the most simple of cover-ups are the best cover-ups, and this Robin Piccone tunic dress is proof of that. Beautiful, minimal, and streamlined, this simple tunic subscribes to the less is more policy — but still packs a style punch. Sold in white, black, and ecru, the gauzy, lightweight fabric is a blend of cotton and polyester. With a tassel lace-up V-neckline and three-quarter length sleeves, the understated design elements let your swimsuit underneath shine, while adding a layer of elegance.
What reviewers say: “This cover-up is comfortable and super cute, even a little sexy as the opening can show your cleavage.”
Everyday Ritual Maxi Shirt Dress
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Colorways: Green, Grey, Black, Navy, Turquoise, Fuschia
- Materials: Cotton
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom
If you’re looking to get the utmost coverage out of your cover-up, Everyday Ritual’s Maxi Shirt Dress Caftan is your new go-to. Featuring three-quarter length sleeves you can roll up, airy side slits, and a collarless deep V-neckline, this maxi is the definition of easy breezy. Made of a gauzy 100% cotton, the silhouette offers a slight flare from the body for more movement. You can purchase in seven different and have one to wear for every day of the week.
Best Beach Pant Cover-Ups
Vitamin A Wide-Leg Pant
Linen pants are reigning supreme for summer 2023 — so it’s no surprise they’re also ranking as one of the season’s biggest cover-up trends too. Vitamin A’s ultra wide-leg linen pants get the look just right, while offering practical details, like an elastic high-waist and slightly oversized fit for pulling on over a wet swimsuit. True to the brand’s sustainability mission, these pants are also made from 100% eco linen that’s also biodegradable. Available in four neutral shades including white, black, java, and desert, these pants can be worn well beyond the beach.
What reviewers say: “These pants are so perfect to go on your next warm vacation on the beach. Love the high waistband and the wide legs. The quality is what I was looking for to go with all my beachwear. You will not be disappointed.”
Madewell Double-Gauze Drawstring Wide-Leg Pants
- Sizes: XXS to XXL, Available in Plus and Standard
- Colorways: Lighthouse, Pale Caledon
- Materials: Cotton
- Retailer availability: Madewell
Madewell’s best-selling Double-Gauze Drawstring Wide-Leg Pants offer up a style you can wear both as a cover-up and an everyday summer pant. Available in a ton of colors, these wide-leg pants go with everything from swimsuits to button-downs and crop tops. Made of lightweight cotton, they feature a high-waist with a drawstring tie and a slightly cropped leg that can be paired with flat sandals. Madewell also offers standard and plus sizes ranging from XXS-XXL, so it’s easy to find the right fit for your body type.
What reviewers say: ” They are surprisingly dressy and super comfortable. They hang nicely down the side seam even with the pockets. Pockets are so nice. Fabric is deliciously soft and almost fluffy. Not sheer.”
Summersalt Palazzo Pant With Ties
- Sizes: XS to 2X
- Colorways: White, Black, Blue, Modern Zebra Print, Leopard Print, Floral Print, and Navy Polka Dot Print
- Materials: 100% recycled polyester
- Retailer availability: Summersalt
Enter: the ultimate statement beach pants and exactly where to buy cute swimsuit cover-ups. Summersalt’s Palazzo Pants deliver a comfy, wide-leg power pant ideal for soaking up the sun. The elastic high-waistband with adjustable ties not only makes this manageable to pull on and off quickly, but also ensures a more comfortable and secure fit. The best part, however, may be the fact that the fabric is wrinkle resistant (a major bonus for packing) and anti-microbial. And if you’re into the matching swimsuit trend, Summersalt offers several bikinis and one-pieces in prints that match the pants for a complete look. This modern zebra print in a chocolate color is simple, but still fun and playful.
What reviewers say: “These are so adorable and easy. Perfect cover-up to slip on after the pool. You could also wear them to dress up with heels. Easy option for if you have a few events in the same day.”
Best Caftan Cover-Ups
Lemlem Eshe Woven Caftan
- Size: XS to L
- Colorways: White Black
- Materials: 95% cotton, 5% acrylic
- Retailer availability: Saks Fifth Avenue
From dreamy beach getaways to poolside drinks, you can never go wrong in a caftan. Breezy, light, and full coverage, caftans pack all the comfort and style you could want in a cover-up. Lemlem, a sustainable brand made by local artisans in Africa, always gets effortless beachwear right, and this Tukuri Classic Kaftan is no exception. The relaxed, oversized silhouette has dolman sleeves, a raw tassel hem, and a collarless V-neckline. Throw it over your swimsuit or toss it in your beach bag for later — this versatile pull-on is all about ease, which is exactly how summer style should be.
Valimare Florence Maxi Caftan Coverup
- Sizes: S to L
- Colorways: Black and white
- Materials: Silk, viscose
- Retailer availability: Valimare, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus
Nothing screams glamorous beach escape quite like this printed caftan. It features an exclusive print design inspired by themes of Japan. The oversized fit is made of super breathable silk and viscose and features 3/4 kimono sleeves and side slits for extra ventilation. Wear it with flat sandals, a straw bag, and your favorite bathing suit for instant glam. While many caftans are one-size, this style comes in sizes S-L, making it one of the best beach cover-ups for your body type.
What to Look For in the Best Swim Cover-Ups
- Material: While it’s essential to consider the fabric content of a swim cover-up, the material you choose is ultimately up to personal preference, according to Krock. Since you’ll likely be out in the sun and by water, a swimsuit cover-up made of “organic materials like cotton or linen are great options since they’re light and breezy,” Krock adds. “Also, cover-ups made from synthetic fabrics can be beneficial if you think your cover-up will get wet, since these materials dry quickly.”
- Coverage: Yes, swim cover-ups are loved for their sartorial splendor but also because they protect the skin from sun damage. If this is something you’re after, seek out UPF clothing. These garments give your skin an extra level of defense against harmful sun exposure, especially if worn from head to toe. UPF cover-ups are made with close-weaved knits that provide skin with an additional shield or are infused with special chemicals to filter out UV rays.
- Versatility: Versatility is a key factor for a swim cover-up, according to Krock. Look for tunics with buttons so you can customize them to your liking. Long sarongs are another versatile swim cover-up option since they can be tied around the waist as a skirt or around the neck as a dress. For dresses, look to simple silhouettes and cuts, such as shirtdresses and caftans, since they pair well with all swimsuits.
- Price: When it comes to swim cover-ups, the price often reflects the level of coverage, quality of the fabric, and fit. Investing in a cover-up that offers UPF protection, durable materials, and aesthetic satisfaction will last you for many summers.
The Different Types of Bathing Suit Cover-Ups
- Sarong Wrap Skirts: One of the most classic cover-ups of all time, the sarong is a favorite for its effortless style that gets the job done. If you’re looking for a swimsuit skirt cover-up, it doesn’t get easier than simply tying a sarong wrap skirt around your waist. Ideal for pairing with both bikinis and one-piece suits, this cover-up style is great for days at the beach or pool when you want more coverage around your hips, thighs, and butt. Lengths can vary from ultra-mini to full-length maxi, and they can typically be tied in a multitude of ways to fully customize the look to your body. Sarongs are also cute bathing suit cover-ups for plus size body types.
- Beach Cover-Up Dresses: If you’re looking for something you can throw on over your swimsuit and wear out to eat, explore, or run errands, a beach dress is always a good option. From mini shirt dresses to tunics and full-length caftans, there are a ton of styles and silhouettes to choose from, depending on what you want out of your cover-up. If you’re looking for more coverage, you can opt for a maxi caftan with sleeves, while if you want something super light and easy, go for something sleeveless or mini. When it comes to packing for vacation, a beach cover-up dress is versatile can also be worn as a day dress, so you can get the most wear (and packing space!).
- Button-Down Shirts: Throwing an oversized, menswear-inspired button-down shirt over a bathing suit will forever be chic. If you’re spending time on a boat or by the water, an open button-down over your bikini or one-piece lends coverage you can still catch a breeze in. To transition throughout the day and night, you can always pair a button-down shirt with denim cutoff shorts, linen pants, or even a summer dress, along with a pair of cute summer sandals. From lightweight linen to breathable cotton, there are plenty of beach-ready button-downs to choose from.
- Beach Pants: Dresses, skirts, and sarongs may be the most common cover-up styles, but don’t sleep on the beach pant. Roomy, wide-leg pants not only offer an unexpected swim look, they’re also a solid option for wearing on breezy days or when you want full leg coverage. From classic white linen to bold prints, styling a pair of pants over your bathing suit is an effortless way to elevate your look — and of course, it transitions easily to post-beach or pool dinner and drinks.
Swimsuit Cover-Up Trends for Summer 2023
Crochet Bathing Suit Cover-Ups
Texture, like you see in crochet, is a key trend in both swimwear and resort wear for 2023, says Krock. “Crochet swim cover-up purchases have increased 1,230% in the last three months,” according to a press release by Klarna. From the runways at Proenza Schouler, Ulla Johnson, and Carolina Herrera, to celebrities like Sofia Vergara and Rihanna, crochet is taking over. And this airy knit material makes an ideal swimsuit cover-up. From bright and bold crochet mini dresses to skirt sets that show some skin, the ‘70s-inspired trend is great for wearing with swimsuits and packing on vacation. Go for a monochrome moment by pairing a white bathing suit with a matching white crochet dress or pants. Or play it bold with a bright, colorful crochet dress or skirt that’ll standout in all your vacation pics.
Swimsuit Cover-Up Sets: Matchy-Matchy
Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, co-founders of Monday Swimwear, both agree that matching sets are one of summer’s biggest cover-up trends. The swim duo has seen a rise in matching swimsuit and cover-ups, too. From coordinating linen separates to colorful skirt and crop top sets as well as matching bikini and cover-up sets, the options are endless. If you want an outfit you can wear both with your swimsuit and on its own, try a pair of linen pants and a matching button-down or crop top. If you want a strictly swim look, go for a bikini or one-piece that has a matching sarong or skirt.
The Return of the Sarong
Yes, sarongs may be one of the oldest cover-up styles (fun fact: they date all the way back to the 1800s), but this season, they’re increasing in popularity, says Krock. From midi-length pareos to sheer mini sarong skirts, this classic number proves its staying power and versatility. Brands, including Norma Kamali and Agua by Agua Bendita, are getting in on the look this season with bold prints, convertible styles, and sarongs that match back to your swimsuit. Drape and tie the fabric around your waist for a figure-hugging look that accentuates your body.
Metallic Bathing Suit Cover-Ups
One of summer’s most surprising swim trends? Metallics. Sparkly and shiny swimsuits and matching metallic cover-ups have been spotted everywhere, especially at popular swimwear brands, Zimmerman and Summersalt. The soft metallics offer an unexpected shine to your swim look. Plus, it’s a cover-up that strays from the typical white linen choice. In the cover-up space, Cult Gaia’s summer collection of crochet comes complete with glimmering metallics, while Monday Swimwear is diving into matching metallic bikinis and skirt cover-ups.
Linen Pants and Dress
It’s the summer of linen, and this trend makes an excellent cover-up for your next beach or pool day. The lightweight fabric lends a comfortable and relaxed vibe that still looks polished. Brands like Vitamin A and J.Crew are delivering ultra wide-leg pants and beach shirts that capture the effortlessly chic look we all want for summer swimwear. And when paired with your favorite swimsuit, slides, and straw bucket hat? An instant look.
Borrowed From The Boys
The button-down shirt (and shirt dress) is going strong as both an everyday summer outfit and a swimsuit cover-up. Opt for a lightweight linen or cotton fabric that will be breathable in the sun. Whether you simply throw your favorite button-down over your bathing suit or opt for a matching linen shirt and pants moment, it’s impossible not to look stylish in this retro look. Oh, and the more oversized, the better.
Do I Need Sun Protection Clothing (UPF)?
Sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful rays, and UPF clothing is your second. Together, these two forms of sun protection repel rays to help lower your odds of getting a sunburn (and premature aging and skin cancer in the long run). UPF clothing provides a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays. Depending on the fabric, tightness of the weave, and color, UPF clothing can have varying levels of protection, according to an overview published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Dark colors and tightly-woven fabric provide more coverage than light colors and loosely-woven fabric.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, loose fitting garments are preferred to tight clothing (a tight fit means the weave stretches, which decreases its ability to shield your skin).
While pretty much anyone who spends time outside could benefit from sun-protective clothing, you should consider wearing it if you have fair skin, light eyes, and light hair, have a family history of skin cancer, or take medications that increase skin sensitivity.
When shopping for UPF clothing to wear as a swim cover-up, always look at the garment’s lab-tested UPF rating to evaluate how much of the sun’s rays the garment can protect. Since not all UPF clothing is created equal, you’ll want to find something that has a high UPF rating (look for UPF 50+) and something that covers up as much as possible, particularly on the neck, arms, and legs, to ensure your skin is protected from damaging rays.
Related:
The New Sun Protection Shopping List
The Best Face Sunscreens
The Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
The Best Sunscreens on Amazon
The Best Tinted Sunscreens
Meet the Experts
Sabra Krock is the Creative Director of Everything But Water. Everything But Water, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a designer swimwear company. They provide popular brand-name swimsuits, cover-ups, sundresses, hats, handbags, jewelry, sandals, and travel accessories for women. She’s been with the company for over 10 years and traverses the globe in search of the hottest new swimsuit styles, swim cover-ups, and need-to-know designers.
Natasha Oakley is the co-founder of Monday Swimwear, a brand she started with fellow influencer and swim expert Devin Brugman. Monday Swimwear offers a range of swimsuits, cover-ups, and beachwear essentials. Additionally, Natasha is a fashion/lifestyle influencer and the CEO of jewelry brand Emma Pills.
Devin Brugman is the co-founder of Monday Swimwear and A Bikini A Day. She is also an influencer in the fashion, lifestyle, and wellness space.
Meet the Authors
Lauren Alexis Fisher is an editor, writer, and consultant with over eight years of experience in the fashion industry. After spending six years as a digital market editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and a lifetime scrolling the internet, she’s well-versed in shopping all the best trends and pieces online (especially the ones to wear on vacation).
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits stories on the latest clothing and shoe trends. She is at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy, and love. Additionally, she always keeps up with celebrity and influencer styles, whether on the streets, the runways, or the red carpets, so she can forecast trends. Since she loves to travel to warm destinations and spent the summer on the beach, she is constantly keeping up with the swim cover-ups on the market and testing them so she can share the best ones with readers. Chwatt updated the best swim cover-ups in 2023. Learn more about us here.