13 Best Beach Cover-Ups That Will Protect You From the Sun in Style
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Summer is (unofficially) here, and that means it's time to make sure you're outfitted with the necessities. That's why we've rounded up the best beach cover-ups so you can shade yourself in style.
There are plenty of stylish swimsuits for older women and modest bathing suits that keep you from showing too much skin, but it's still nice to have an extra layer when you're lounging at the beach or pool. The problem with many swim cover-ups these days though, is that they seem to cover less and less — which can make us feel self-conscious, especially when we're already in our bathing suits. So we've rounded up some of our favorite modest-yet-stylish options, in a variety of designs and price points, to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer something flowing and feminine, or a classic tunic, we've got cover-up for you.
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Keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best swim cover-ups!
What are the best beach cover-ups for women?
Best beach cover-up for women over 50 : La Blanca Tunic Sweater Cover-Up
Best maxi dress beach cover-up : Elan Maxi Dress
Best plus size maxi dress beach cover-up : Bsubseach Plus Size Beach Shirt Dress
Best kimono beach cover-up : Kelsea Sorrento Tunic
Best oversized shirt beach cover-up : Playa Oversized Shirt
Best long sleeved beach cover-up : La Blanca In the Moment Cover-Up Tunic
Best open shoulder beach cover-up : Vera Crochet Cold Shoulder Dress
Best tassel poncho beach cover-up : Adreamly Chiffon Tassel Cover-Up
Best sarong beach cover-up : Remi Black Convertible Sarong
Best floral kimono beach cover-up : Moss Rose Kimono Beach Cover-Up
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La Blanca Tunic Sweater Cover-Up
Best beach cover-up for women over 50
Why we like it:
Cozy, oversized design
Attached drawstring hood
2 colors
This knit cover-up feels like a warm hug, yet it’s breathable enough to wear to the beach or pool. The loose fit skims your figure, smoothing over any problem areas. It also comes with a hood to protect you during those random mid-afternoon rain showers, and when it gets cool at night.
Happy customer: “Really cute, flattering, versatile cover-up. I sized up for the benefit of more flow and roominess, but I think the piece is generally made true to size. The material is soft and lightweight. I wondered if the stripes would make me look wider, but they don’t because the piece is cut in cute slouchy way. I think it’d be flattering on just about anyone. Highly recommend.”
Elan Maxi Dress
Best maxi dress beach cover-up
Great deal!
Buy at Bloomingdales, starting at $23.40 (was $39)
Why we like it:
V-neck, breezy long-sleeved style
It has pockets!
3 colors
A maxi dress is an easy, breezy option for beachwear, and this billowy frock from Elan features spaghetti straps and a deep V-back to balance out the flowy bottom half. Depending on how loose of a fit you prefer, shoppers recommend sizing down. The subtle black micro stripes pattern adds an interesting element to this otherwise basic maxi dress, but our favorite part is the pockets on both sides — the perfect place to store any essentials that won’t fit in your beach bag.
Happy customer: “Love this! It’s flowy and a lounge-around kind of outfit. Good for hot summer evenings entertaining.”
Bsubseach Plus Size Beach Shirt Dress
Best plus size maxi dress beach cover-up
23% off!
Buy at Amazon, $29.99 ( was $38.99)
Why we like it:
Color options
Affordable price
More than 1,700 4-star Amazon reviews!
Could this shirt dress be any cooler? Its ultra-relaxed fit is what summer days are made of, and everyone who sees you in it will want one for themself. Looking a lot like a man's button-up, this best beach cover-up has wide relaxed sleeves, and falls down to your ankles. In many ways it reminds us a modern take on the caftan — which every stylish lady should own, FYI. Even if you're not hitting the beach, this shirt dress would look fabulous on the boardwalk, for lunch with the girls, or sightseeing.
Happy customer: "I am so pleased with this purchase. I was looking for something to wear around the house but after belting it, I’m wearing it out and about. It’s lightweight, flattering and not too sheer. I recommend this to anyone looking for fashion that’s comfortable and stylish!"
Kelsea Sorrento Tunic
Best kimono beach cover-up
Why we like it:
Contrasting trim detail
Dolman sleeves are designed with wide, open armholes
Double side slits
We’re in love with this patterned V-necked tunic, which has slits up the side and dolman sleeves with wide, open armholes for maximum airflow and cooling. Made of 100 percent rayon, it drapes comfortably and slips right over your head. Toss it in your beach bag, just don’t toss it in the washer and dryer — like most swim cover-ups, it’s hand wash and hang dry only!
Happy customer: “This cover-up is as pretty as the picture. Very roomy and comfortable. I felt comfortable wearing this over my suit to go to breakfast before heading off to the pool or beach on the resort. It looks cute with leggings too!”
Playa Oversized Shirt
Best oversized shirt beach cover-up
50% off!
Buy at Vitamin A, $69 (was $138)
Why we like it:
100% linen
Shell buttons
8 colors
The breezy linen fabric of this loose-fitting, lightweight shirt make for a classic fit. Perfect to pull over a swimsuit, it’s also dressy enough to wear to a nice brunch or fancy picnic on the beach! Pairs equally well with flip-flops, bare feet, or your favorite summer sandals.
Happy customer: “The fabric is perfectly gauzy so as to not be too heavy, and the fit is perfectly oversized. The style of this shirt is great because it’s a classic fit, oversized, and looks amazing with one button to close (or more if you like) or completely open.“
La Blanca In the Moment Cover-Up Tunic
Best long sleeved beach cover-up
Buy at Amazon, starting at $61.80
Why we like it:
V-neck, breezy long-sleeved style
Sizes XX-S-3X
12 patterns
This tropical cover-up evokes an island mood, with its watercolor print. A deep V-necks means it slips on easily over your head, and 100 percent rayon makes it flow beautifully over your curves. Hand wash and line dry this one — and be aware that some reviewers needed to tailor the sleeves a bit for the ideal fit.
Happy customer: “I ordered the coral in a XXL, I am a size 16. I have a tummy, and don't want tight clothing... the XXL fit fine, and wasn't snug. I have the matching swimsuit, and this is not as bright in the same color and pattern, but blends well. Appears to be well made, and I will wash by hand or on gentle to keep it that way."
Vera Crochet Cold Shoulder Dress
Best open shoulder beach cover-up
Buy at Swimsuits for All, starting at $45
Why we like it:
Crochet lace trim
Open shoulder slit detailing
5 colors
With its crochet lace trim and open shoulder detailing, this cute cover-up is almost fashionable enough to wear on its own! Made of a polyester/cotton blend, you’ll want to hand wash it and hang it to dry — don’t put it in the dryer.
Happy customer: "I absolutely love this dress/cover-up. Definitely go down a size because it runs big. It’s thin enough to dry quickly if worn as a coverup but has enough coverage to be worn out and about as well. If you’re thinking about it, just buy it. You won’t be disappointed."
Adreamly Chiffon Tassel Cover-Up
Best tassel poncho beach cover-up
Why we like it:
Crochet lace trim
Open shoulder slit detailing
5 colors
You can’t go wrong with this cute, casual cover-up. It’s one size fits all, which takes the guesswork out. And given the glowing reviews, hundreds of women have found it worked for them, too. Buyers rave that the material doesn’t wrinkle, which means you can toss it in your bag without a second thought.
Happy customer: “Nice fabric. Good length. Tassels were a cute touch! Fabric drapes nicely, and the length was just right. It is sheer enough to see the color of the bathing suit, didn’t stick to the wet suit, and dried out quickly. It didn’t wrinkle during packing or while stuffed in the beach bag during the day.”
Remi Black Convertible Sarong
Best sarong beach cover-up
Buy at Swimsuits for All, starting at $20
Why we like it:
Semi-sheer fabric
Can be worn multiple ways
3 colors
Get creative with this sarong, which can be worn multiple ways: As a dress, as a skirt, or however your imagination desires! Sold in two different sizes and crafted of 100 percent polyester, this ultra-lightweight best beach cover-up is soft, sexy, and perfect as your go-to summer garment!
Happy customer: "I purchased the larger size for two reasons: One so that I can use it in several different styles and it will be my sarong and beach towel ... yes, you read that right. Wipe off the water coming out of the pool, hang it on the chair — it dries in five minutes and then it's lightweight, unlike beach towels. I just ordered a second one!"
Moss Rose Kimono Beach Cover-Up
Best floral kimono beach cover-up
Why we like it:
Lightweight fabric
Available in more than a dozen prints
Perfect for layering
This fluttery, floral cover-up features a hibiscus bloom print that gives it a boho vibe we love. It has three-quarter length sleeves, slits up the sides, and an open front, making it easy to slip on and off. Made of 100 percent rayon, it’s a hand-wash, dry-flat item, which means you can rinse it out in the ocean and dry it over the back of your beach chair!
Happy customer: "Purchased this for a pool party and received a lot of compliments. I'm in my seventies and honestly do not wear bathing suits. This was perfect with a tank top and white cropped pants. Very airy for a hot day! The front can be loosely tied for a different look — which I did."
Quincy Mesh High Low Cover Up Tunic
Best plus size beach cover-up
Why we like it:
Sheer, lightweight
High-low hemline; shorter in front, longer in the back
9 prints
A scoop neck and asymmetrical hemline make this best beach cover-up extra flattering, and the colorful botanical print makes it beautiful and cheerful. Made of polyester with a touch of Spandex for stretch, you'll want to hand wash this one and hang it to dry.
Happy customer: "Beautiful tunic! It is made of thin and fresh material, perfect for poolside or the beach. It covers really well and is great for our hot Texas weather. "
Bishuige T-Shirt Cover-Up
Best beach cover-up dress
Buy at Amazon, starting at $29.99
Why we like it:
Super soft
Doubles as a dress
27 prints
This casual beach dress has pockets and comes in a whopping 18 different solids and prints! From florals to leopard print to classic black, you’re sure to find one that you love. Stretchy fabric and a relaxed fit make it ideal for lounging and flattering for all types of figures. Hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews can’t steer you wrong!
Happy customer: “I absolutely love this dress! The pockets are such a nice addition. I got the white color, [which] is a little see-through, but the black is not. They’re great bathing suit cover-ups or just a basic, casual dress. I love how flowy it is and it’s not too short. It’s even comfortable to wear as pajamas. Honestly, I would live in this if it was socially acceptable.”
Lyla Chambray Button-Up Shirt
Best plus size button down beach cover-up
Buy at Swimsuits for All, starting at $20
Why we like it:
Sheer, lightweight
High-low hemline; shorter in front, longer in the back
2 colors
With a higher-in-the-front, longer-in-the-back hemline, this light blue button-down covers you exactly where you want it to. The classic front patch pockets and roll-up sleeves give it a preppy, business-meets-the-beach look, and the 100 percent rayon fabric drapes flatteringly (but wants to be hand-washed and hung dry, so don't toss this one in the machine!)
Happy customer: “Absolutely love this cover up! The material is super nice and it hits at the perfect length if you are a curvy girl.”
