The 11 Best Swim Cover-Ups for Summer Beach Vacation
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.
Swimsuit season is finally here! As much as we’re looking forward to warm-weather festivities, we know it can be daunting to debut a bathing suit. Itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny bikinis are just not our style. We love lying out in the sun (covered in SPF, of course!), but we don’t always feel confident showing so much skin.
Problem solved! For a long time, we only thought of cover-ups as an appetizer to the main course. But now we realize that the right wrap can complement a swimsuit, becoming an integral element of your beachy ensemble. We picked out 11 chic cover-ups — from open-front caftans to sheer sundresses and sarongs.
How We Picked the Best Cover-Ups
If you feel self-conscious sporting a swimsuit, you’re not alone. Even Sports Illustrated model Ashley Graham has expressed her own insecurities about being in a bikini! The mom of three once told People, “I mean, of course like any girl when you get to the beach or the pool and you go, ‘Oh, I have to take my cover-up off, crap.’” But here’s the thing — you don’t have to take your cover-up off!
We want you to feel your absolute best so you can have fun in the sun without any reservations. That’s why we picked out cover-ups that will conceal any trouble areas while still allowing breathable ventilation. There’s nothing worse than wearing a cover-up that makes you feel sweaty or sticky!
We have our fair share of experience rocking bathing suits at pool parties and photo shoots, so we’re experts at selecting cover-ups that serve as flattering sidekicks to your main character moment. Whether you’re heading on summer vacation or sunbathing in your backyard, these 11 cover-ups are the perfect blend of style, comfort and function.
And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out this blast of body positivity from Cosmopolitan.
1. Kona Sol Button-Down Shirtdress Cover-Up
Bathing Beauty
Dress to impress with this top-rated button-down shirtdress from Target. You can wear this comfy top as a beach cover-up or a street style layering piece. Many shoppers call this shirt the “perfect cover-up” for summer. Snag this 100% crinkly cotton steal before it sells out!
Pros:
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Trendy
Cons:
Available at: Target
2. Yincro Tassel Cover-Up
Fringe Benefits
With over 11,000 reviews on Amazon, we’d give this cover-up an 11 out of 10. The tassels have a beachy boho vibe, and the oversized fit is forgiving yet flattering. Unlike other cover-ups that only come in a few colors, you have 33 different patterns and prints to choose from. The material is silky soft — not too thick but not too thin.
Pros:
- Oversized yet flattering
- Stylish
- Affordable
Cons:
Available at: Amazon
3. Lulus Color Block Maxi Cover-Up
Paint the Town Red
Color Us impressed with this color-block maxi cover-up! With seven different color combos to choose from, you’ll surely find shades that suit your swimsuit. Sheer, soft and stylish, this breezy maxi is a summer standout. We love that the straps are adjustable for a flexible fit.
Pros:
- Colorful
- Unique
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
Available at: Lulus
4. Lulus Crochet Lace Cover-Up
Crochet All Day
We really shouldn’t play favorites, but we have to admit that this crochet cover-up is our top pick. Shoppers say that they receive so many compliments while wearing this cover-up. And we can see why — featuring delicate lace detailing and a charming cut, this design is truly one-of-a-kind. You can even style this cover-up as a dress with a slip underneath. Endless outfit options!
Pros:
- Unique
- Versatile
- Stunning
Cons:
- See-through
- Runs a little large
Available at: Lulus
5. Pink Queen Tie-Front Robe Cover-Up
Tie Die For!
Robe life is our favorite, whether we’re lounging in a hotel room or laying out on the beach. This luxurious tie-front maxi is essentially an elevated robe made from soft fabric. We love how the long skirt and sleeves hide our limbs while still showing off some skin. You can choose to wear this cover-up open or closed for a customized fit. This fabulous find comes in 19 vibrant patterns and colors!
Pros:
- Bright colors
- Flowy and flattering
Cons:
Available at: Amazon
6. O’Neill Gauzy Cotton Cover-Up Tunic
Trendy Tunic
Stay sunny side up with this gauzy cotton cover-up tunic! We’re crushing on all three colors — yellow, green and white. The beauty of this cover-up is that it’s just long enough to cover your beach bum, but it can also operate as a shirt with shorts. Featuring a V-neck, slouchy dropped shoulders and a drapey hi-low hem, this top is a summer staple!
Pros:
Cons:
Available at: Nordstrom
7. Bsubseach Open Front Cardigan Cover-Up
Flowy Fashion
Feel like a Greek goddess in this open-front kimono. Featuring embroidered lace and a tie waist, this maxi will blow in the wind while subtly hiding your tummy, thighs and upper arms. Light and airy, shoppers say this piece is ultra-flattering. The long silhouette gives you the elegance of a gown with the movement of a swing dress.
Pros:
Cons:
- Needs to be washed delicately
Available at: Amazon
8. Ekouaer Sarong Swimsuit Cover-Up
Sunny Sarong
Wrap it up with this swim sarong! There’s enough material to wear this cover-up tied around your waist as a skirt or even tied around your neck as a dress. With 45 colors to choose from, you’ll absolutely be able to find a hue that matches your bikini.
Pros:
- Can be worn in multiple styles
- Affordable
Cons:
Available at: Amazon
9. Elan Maxi Cover-Up With Pockets
Pocket Full of Sunshine
If it were up to Us, every dress would have pockets! So clearly, this maxi dress cover-up with pockets gets high marks in our book. Some customers even wear this billowy beach cover-up as a dress! The fit is loose yet flattering, offering some loose tummy coverage. And the deep V in front and back add such a flirty touch!
Pros:
- Comes with pockets
- Tummy control
Cons:
Available at: Nordstrom
10. CPOKRTWSO Crochet Chiffon Cover-Up
Beachy Boho
Whether you’re packing for Coachella or an upcoming vacay, this boho-chic cover-up is a must-have. The slightly sheer fabric is airy and lightweight, ideal for a hot day in the sun. We’re smitten with the embroidered lace and fringe tassels. Plus, it’s currently on sale and available in 39 different colors!
Pros:
Cons:
- Not the best quality
- Slightly short
Available at: Amazon
11. Lulus Wide Leg Cover-Up Jumpsuit
Jumping for Joy
We had to add a jumpsuit to the list! This wide-leg cover-up is loose yet flattering. It’s the epitome of comfy-chic beachwear! The deep V in front and back will illuminate your golden glow. Plus, it comes with pockets!
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Comes with pockets
Cons:
Available at: Lulus
Other Swimsuit Cover-Ups We Love:
Looking for other swimsuits to elevate your closet? Check out more picks below:
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as face masks, self tanners, Lululemon-style leggings and all the best gifts for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.
The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at [email protected]. Happy shopping!
