When it comes to nailing that effortless beach-to-brunch vibe, the right bathing suit cover up can make all the difference. Weather you're sipping rosé poolside at a luxury resort or strolling the boardwalk in the Hamptons - these swim cover ups are the ultimate game-changers for your beach wardrobe.
We've rounded up the most gorgeous pieces that'll have you feeling like the main character of your own summer story. And once you've found your perfect cover up, don't forget to pair it with one of our favorite best two piece swimsuits for that complete beach goddess look.
Keep reading to discover which of these 10 stunning beach cover ups deserves a prime spot in your suitcase this summer!
Best Luxe Caftan for Boho-Chic Vibes
The Anouk Caftan from My Beachy Side is giving serious White Lotus vacation energy with its effortlessly elegant silhouette and handcrafted details. This dreamy piece embodies that laid-back luxury aesthetic that's perfect for floating from beach club to sunset dinner.
Material: Crafted from ethically sourced, lightweight fabrics that prioritize both comfort and sustainability. The breathable weave ensures you stay cool during those scorching summer days while maintaining the piece's luxurious drape and structure.
Why Choose: This caftan is perfect for the woman who appreciates artisanal quality and wants a cover up that doubles as a statement dress. The handmade construction means each piece is unique, and the timeless design ensures it won't look dated next season.
Care: Hand wash in cold water with gentle detergent to preserve the fabric's integrity and color. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight, and store folded rather than hanging to maintain the garment's shape.
Best Sexy Swimsuit Cover Up for Sun-Kissed Glamour
Runaway The Label's Ariya Sleeveless Mini Dress in Choc Metallic in a rich chocolate brown color is the perfect complement for showing off your sun-kissed glow. It's basically designed to make your tan look absolutely incredible. What really sets this dress apart are the delicate golden seashell charms that dangle playfully from the hem, adding that perfect coastal-chic finishing touch that elevates it beyond basic beachwear.
Material: Constructed from a luxe knit blend of 80% Lurex and 20% Viscose that provides subtle shimmer with comfortable stretch. The fabric moves beautifully with your body while maintaining its shape, and the unlined construction keeps it lightweight and breathable for hot summer days.
Why Choose: This is the ultimate sexy swimsuit cover up for when you want to make a statement. It's perfect for beach clubs, poolside parties, or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly glamorous.
Care: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. Never wring or twist the fabric, and avoid hanging to prevent stretching. Store folded to maintain the dress's shape and shimmer quality.
Best Beach Cover Up for Romantic Cotton Elegance
Solid & Striped's Ulla Dress in Brule is serving serious romantic cottage-core meets beachy sophistication vibes. The delicate cotton mesh creates beautiful texture and visual interest while maintaining that airy, breathable feel that's essential for beach days.
Material: Made from a premium blend of 70% Cotton and 30% Nylon, this beach cover up provides breathability and comfort, while the nylon adds durability and helps maintain the dress's beautiful drape and texture.
Why Choose: This dress is perfect for the romantic at heart who loves pieces with artisanal details. It's ideal for beach walks, casual dinners, or any time you want to channel effortless femininity.
Care: Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. The cotton-nylon blend is relatively low-maintenance, but avoid high heat when drying to preserve the delicate structure.
Best Swimsuit Cover Up for Versatile Print Styling
Anine Bing's Eliza Sarong in Black Bird of Paradise brings that tropical paradise energy with its stunning abstract print and versatile styling options. This piece is pure vacation goals with its oversized square shape that can be worn as a dress, skirt, or traditional sarong wrap. It's especially gorgeous when styled over our best one piece swimsuit picks for that effortless resort elegance."
Material: Crafted from 100% cotton gauze that's incredibly lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot summer days. The gauze weave creates beautiful texture and allows for maximum airflow, while the cotton content ensures comfort against the skin and easy care.
Why Choose: This sarong offers incredible versatility. You can style it dozens of different ways depending on your mood and occasion. The generous 51" x 51" size provides ample coverage and styling options. The timeless print and classic black base make it a wardrobe staple that works with any swimsuit color.
Care: Machine washable for easy care, making it perfect for travel. Wash in cold water and tumble dry low, or hang dry for best results. The cotton gauze actually gets softer with each wash, developing a beautiful lived-in texture that enhances its bohemian appeal.
Best Swim Cover Up for French Girl Embroidered Chic
Agua Bendita's Été Lucerna Tunic Cover Up is giving serious French Riviera energy with its floral details inspired by vintage perfume labels. This sheer beauty features rich, botanical illustrations that look hand-drawn, creating an artisanal feel that's pure luxury. The lightweight construction makes it perfect for layering, while the delicate blooms add romantic femininity to any beach look.
Material: Features lightweight fabric that drapes beautifully and allows for effortless layering. The delicate construction maintains airiness while providing the perfect amount of coverage and visual interest through the intricate floral embroidery.
Why Choose: This tunic is ideal for the fashion-forward beachgoer who appreciates artistic details and vintage-inspired aesthetics. It's perfect for styling over bikinis or one-pieces, and sophisticated enough to wear as a layering piece with other outfits.
Care: Hand wash with gentle soap to preserve the delicate embroidery and sheer fabric.
Best Eco-Knit Top for Sustainable Beach Style
Tropico FC's Goa Top in White represents the perfect marriage of sustainability and style, created as part of a limited edition collection for Victoria's Secret. This sleeveless beauty features a relaxed boatneck design with wide dropped armholes that create an effortlessly cool, oversized silhouette. The sheer eco-knit fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin while making a statement about conscious fashion choices.
Material: Constructed from 76% viscose and 24% recycled polyamide, this eco-friendly blend feels luxuriously soft while supporting sustainable fashion practices.
Why Choose: Perfect for the environmentally conscious fashionista who doesn't want to sacrifice style for sustainability. The minimalist design works beautifully for beach days and transitions effortlessly to casual street wear.
Care: Rinse thoroughly with cold water after each beach use and lay flat to dry. Use only gentle detergent when needed, and avoid bleach, ironing, or tumble drying.
Best Bathing Suit Cover Up for Boho Crochet Glamour
Beach Riot's Shea Dress in Antibes Crochet brings that perfect blend of bohemian charm and beach-ready practicality. The blue and white chevron crochet pattern creates beautiful visual texture while maintaining a classic, timeless appeal that never goes out of style. This dress embodies that effortless California girl aesthetic that's both relaxed and polished.
Material: Made from 100% Viscose in a specialized knit fabric that provides comfort, stretch, and breathability.
Why Choose: This dress is perfect for the free-spirited beach lover who wants something comfortable enough for all-day wear but stylish enough to transition from beach to evening activities.
Care: Machine wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. The knit construction is relatively low-maintenance, but avoid high heat to preserve the fabric's stretch and the crochet pattern's definition.
Best Bathing Suit Cover Up for Dramatic Beach Entrances
Kulani Kinis' Crochet Plunge Maxi Dress in Ivory is pure goddess energy with its dramatic floor-length silhouette and eye-catching plunge neckline. This showstopping piece combines bohemian crochet details with a sophisticated maxi length that creates beautiful movement as you walk. The ivory color is universally flattering and photographs beautifully against sun-kissed skin.
Material: Features intricate crochet work that showcases artisanal craftsmanship while maintaining the lightweight, breathable qualities essential for warm weather wear.
Why Choose: This dress is perfect for the confident woman who wants to make a statement while maintaining elegance. The maxi length provides coverage while the plunge detail and crochet work add visual interest.
Care: Hand wash in cold water with gentle detergent, lay flat to dry, and avoid wringing or twisting the delicate crochet work.
Best Beach Cover Up Skirt for Mix-and-Match Styling
Montce Swim's Rooted Floral Natalia Skirt brings tropical paradise vibes with its bold botanical motifs that feel both exotic and sophisticated. The wrap-style silhouette is incredibly flattering on all body types, while the maxi length provides elegant coverage.
Material: Crafted from high-quality swimwear fabric that's designed to withstand sun, salt, and chlorine while maintaining vibrant color and shape. The material provides comfortable stretch and quick-drying properties essential for swim-adjacent pieces.
Why Choose: This skirt offers incredible versatility as both a beach cover up and a standalone piece. It pairs beautifully with bikini tops or casual tees for different styling options.
Care: Rinse thoroughly with cold water after beach or pool use to remove salt and chlorine. Machine wash in cold water, and avoid fabric softeners.
Best Swimsuit Cover Up for Bold Animal Print Style
Resa's Sloane Mini in Lioness rounds out our list with fierce animal print energy that's perfect for the bold, confident beachgoer. This mini dress features a sophisticated take on leopard print that feels modern and elevated rather than costume-y. The tailored fit and quality construction make it suitable for wearing beyond the beach, while the eye-catching print ensures you'll stand out in all the right ways.
Material: Constructed from premium fabrics that provide comfortable wear and maintain the print's vibrancy through multiple wears and washes.
Why Choose: This dress is ideal for the fashion-forward beachgoer who loves making bold style statements. The animal print adds instant glamour and confidence, while the mini length and tailored fit ensure a flattering silhouette.
Care: Machine wash in cold water with like colors and lay flat to dry. Avoid excessive heat during washing and drying to preserve both color and fit.
The Bottom Line
These swimsuit cover ups prove that beach style doesn't have to mean sacrificing sophistication or settling for basic pieces. The key is choosing beach cover ups that reflect your personal aesthetic while providing the versatility to transition from surf to sidewalk seamlessly.
These pieces prove that the best bathing suit cover ups are those that make you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly chic.
