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What makes for a great swimsuit coverup? It’s hard to say, since the options are myriad. And really, the coverup you wear says a lot about you and your personal style. If you’re the whimsical type, you might prefer something billowy, maybe with a bit of fringe. If your style skews more preppy or classic, a button-down or a structured tunic is more like it. The best swimsuit coverups can take a bit of a beating, standing up to water, of course, but also able to look crisp after hours in the sun or scrunched up in a ball inside your beach bag.
Best Button-Down: Cupshe Striped Collared Long Sleeve Cover-Up, $30
Best Kimono: As Rose Rich Kimono, $23
Best Dress: Bluetime Swim Coverup, $23 (originally $27)
Best Sarong: Shade & Shore Side-Tie Fringe Cover Up Sarong, $20
Best Maxi Sarong: Good American Mesh Midi Skirt, $129
Best Skirt: Andie The Crete Skirt, $78
Best Tunic: Roxy Summer Limonade Cinch Front Cover-Up Tunic, $60
Best Kaftan: Seafolly Amnesia Kaftan, $78
Best Maxi Dress: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Open-Knit Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $50
Best Pants: Echo Supersoft Gauze Smocked Pants, $99
Best Romper: Lovers and Friends Feelin Groovy Romper, $168
Best Shorts: Summersalt The High Tide Swim Shorts, $65
Best Knit: By Anthropologie Knit Surf Shirt, $88
Best Mesh: Calvin Klein Sheer Mesh Cover-Up Tunic, $40 (originally $98)
Best Lace: PQ Swim Water Lily Noah Tunic, $144
Swimsuit coverups come in so many shapes and forms. Let’s dive in:
Breezy kaftans and kimonos that kinda make you feel like a backup singer for Stevie Nicks are for the bohemian and free-spirited among us.
The classic button-down shirt, a perennial crowd-pleaser, plus the can’t miss tunic offer a more structured style.
When you have a bikini top that simply must be seen, a sarong, skirt, shorts or pants are the only way to go.
File your crocheted, mesh and sheer coverups under this sizzling category.
Here are 15 of the best swimsuit coverups available to anyone looking to elevate their beach style this summer. All you really need is one glorious coverup to define your style, and I’m confident it’s one of these.
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A button-down blouse-style “boyfriend” coverup is a perpetual classic. This blue striped long-sleeve version by Cupshe gets it right in every way, including its length (a little longer in back) and pair of buttoned pockets to keep your small stuff like ear buds and jewelry from getting lost in the sand. We also love that it’s shipped in environmentally friendly packaging.
Sizes Available: XS to XL
Colors: 1
Material: 100% Rayon
Pros:
Long sleeves for sun protection
Pockets
Machine washable
Cons:
Only available in blue strips
Can’t be tumble dried
Feel like you’re on vacay even if you don’t leave your backyard pool with this affordable, kimono-style chiffon coverup and its playful fringe and seven fun pattern options. The material is quick-dry, and it’s actually the perfect thing to pack for your next tropical trip (if it’s in the cards!) because it won’t wrinkle.
Sizes Available: S to 3X
Number of Colors: 7
Material: 100% Polyester
Pros:
Many colors patterns
Lightweight
Machine washable
Wrinkle-resistant
Cons:
Polyester material might not be as breathable as natural fibers
Sometimes you just want to throw a water-resistant dress in your tote bag and head out for a sun-up to sundown beach day. This Amazon favorite is just the thing. Its elastic waist makes it easy to wear and universally flattering. And there are so many colors and patterns to choose from.
Sizes available: S to XXL
Colors: 34
Material: 100% Polyester
Pros:
Many color options
Elastic waist
Lightweight
Cons:
Can’t be machine-washed
This cute little thing is a Target special — a breathable and adjustable sarong by the store’s Shade and Shore brand. I mean, that tropical print is a joy just to look at it. This top-rated coverup is fully in stock but definitely won’t last long. “Soft material, drapes beautifully, covers exactly enough of the trouble zones with a flattering pop of color,” wrote a shopper.
Sizes Available: XS to 3X
Colors: 1
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Many sizes
Breathable natural fabric
Easy to adjust
Inclusive sizing
Cons:
Only available multicolor tropical print
Chic and unique, this asymmetrical mesh sarong gives us Tulum vibes and we’re totally here for it. The size-inclusive brand makes this stunner to flatter any figure and even includes a bit of stretch.
Sizes Available: XS to 5XL
Number of Colors: 1
Material:
90% Nylon
10% Elastane
Pros:
More coverage
Flattering fit for various body types
Inclusive sizing up to 5XL
Machine washable
Cons:
Only available in black
High price point
This beautifully crocheted skirt can easily pass for your outfit this evening, but it’s actually the coverup that’s going to cement your fashionista status. The semi-sheer skirt hits right below the knee and is destined to be a suitcase mainstay.
Sizes Available: XS to XL
Number of Colors: 1
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Breathable natural material
Adjustable waist
Easy to pack for travel
Cons:
Mesh material may snag easily
Second color is sold out
File this tunic under “things that will earn you tons of compliments.” The soft, white cotton coverup is a size-inclusive standout and just so simple its elegance. The ruched detail gives a whimsical touch a summer essential.
Sizes Available: S to L
Number of Colors: 1
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Breathable natural fabric
Easy to adjust
Lightweight
Cons:
Limited to one color
Make your cruise a lot more memorable by rocking this chartreuse layer in all your photos. The kaftan coverup is a pullover style and comes in other equally stunning colors. “It is loose, light and very breathable on your body so it is perfect for a beach day,” wrote a buyer.
Sizes Available: One size
Number of Colors: 6
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Breathable natural fabric
Soft skin feel
Multiple color options available
Machine washable
Cons:
Can’t be tumble dried
If you took your favorite fall sweater and transformed it into a chic swimsuit coverup, it would be this open-knit maxi version by Quince. Organic cotton makes it not only a pleasure against your skin, but a source of peace of mind. The open back is an unexpectedly sexy touch.
Sizes Available: XS to XL
Number of Colors: 3
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Pros:
Breathable crochet design
More coverage
Made from organic fabric
Breathable natural material
Cons:
One-size may not fit all body types comfortably.
From the community pool to the resort, these flowy gauze-style pants will keep you looking and feeling cool. An elastic waist makes them so much comfier than your average slacks, but a pair of pockets makes them just as handy. These are perfect for someone who wants to restrict sun exposure without feeling too covered up.
Sizes Available: XS to L
Number of Colors: 5
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Soft gauze fabric
Breathable natural material
More coverage
Cons:
Gauze may wrinkle easily
Rompers may not be the most convenient style of coverup to reach for, but romper fans are die-hard. Rompers manage to fit and flatter so many body types, including curvy ones, and camouflage what you don’t want shown. This retro-inspired one is a vibe and an outfit unto itself.
Sizes Available: XXS to XL
Number of Colors: 1
Material: Polyester
Pros:
Elastic waistband
Wrinkle-resistant for travel
Machine washable
Cons:
Only available in Fuchsia Geo
Sometimes it’s as simple as a pair of shorts. But instead of grabbing your denim cut-offs, reach for this well-tailored pair of shorts by Summersalt that are built for beach days with clever features like quick-drying fabric and pockets that’ll drain out the water if you have the spontaneous urge to jump in the ocean.
Sizes Available: XS to 2X
Number of Colors: 4
Material:
78% Recycled Polyamide
22% Elastane
Pros:
Made from recycled materials
Adjustable waistband
Four-way stretch
Quick-drying material
Pockets have drainage holes
Cons:
Polyester material may not be breathable
Guaranteed you’ll be the only one on the beach rocking a coverup this sharp. This striped knit shirt coverup by Anthropologie is a coverup masquerading as a cool, cotton-blend cardigan. “This will travel well as it can be worn as a cover-up or styled with your favorite denim or shorts!” wrote a fan.
Sizes Available: XXS to XL
Number of Colors: 2
Material:
55% Polyester
45% Cotton
Pros:
Won’t wrinkle easily
Soft skin feel
Unique style
Cons:
Can’t be machine-washed
Calvin Klein makes this mesh coverup that comes in black or white and drapes beautifully. It’s just the right length and manages to be flowy but with structure. It’s also on major sale at the time of this publication.
Sizes Available: S to XL
Number of Colors: 2
Material: Polyester
Pros:
Lightweight
Easy to pack for travel
Cons:
Can’t be machine-washed
Polyester may not be as breathable as natural fiber
Have we saved the best for last? You be the judge. This lace tunic has a scalloped pattern and hem that’s straight-up mesmerizing, and its long sleeves complement its mini hem. Oh, and did we mention it has 24 karate gold accents?! Thankfully it’s wrinkle-resistant, because if this isn’t a holiday coverup, we don’t know what is.
Sizes Available: XS to L
Number of Colors: 2
Material: 100% Cotton
Pros:
Real gold accents
Breathable natural fabric
Long sleeves for sun protection
Easy to pack for travel
Cons:
Pricey
