Cover ups are an essential part of building a swimwear wardrobe. For every sexy designer bikini you own, an equally appealing cover up helps complete the look. Fortunately, there are as many styles, colors, and prints to choose from when it comes to cover ups as there are bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.
You can also choose to wear a sarong wrap as a swimsuit cover up for a warm-weather fashion staple!
The best beach cover ups are ones that are versatile, timeless, and fit in seamlessly with your preferred swimsuit style. From caftans to chemises and tunics to kimonos, we have you covered. Take a look at our bright colors, light fabrics, sexy, and flattering collection of bikini cover ups for the perfect beach day this summer!
Caftan and Chemise Styles for Warm Weather Days
When looking for resort dresses, caftans are the perfect option. Caftans are considered resort-ready beachwear due to their elegant yet laid-back nature. Known for their flowing fabrics and colorful prints, they are the ideal wardrobe staple that mixes comfort and style with ease.
Chemises, on the other hand, are normally recognized as simple, loose-fitting undergarments, in neutral colors and soft fabrics. However, when it comes to fashion, there are no hard and fast rules and often, caftans and chemises are referred to and interchangeably.
Both work beautifully as beach cover ups and range in colors and styles to mix and match with your swimsuit wardrobe. Even when keeping colors neutral, the prints, fabrics, and features make each caftan and chemise unique. Here are a few of the top choices to spark your fashion inspiration.
Braid Caftan
As the ultimate in simplistic sophistication, the Dalle Braid Caftan is essential for every occasion. From lounging poolside to hanging out at the beach, the light-colored fabric and special design touches make this look as versatile as it is a classic wardrobe staple.
The pale blue, off white, and thin silver vertical stripes elongate the frame and looks elegant paired with any color and style of swimsuit. The longer cut helps with sun protection for long afternoons spent on the beach or by the pool. Yet, the fabric is lightweight and unrestrictive. Plus, the light cotton fabric and loose elbow-length sleeves keep things cool during sultry days and nights.
Wear partially buttoned up over your swimsuit or leave open when styling with a top and jeans. When it comes to swimsuit cover up options, you can never go wrong with a classic choice like this. If you're feeling fancier, consider our wide variety of designer sleeveless tops, offering a fashionable and comfortable option for beachside lounging.
Black Fuji Pleats Caftan
Speaking of classics, the Black Fuji Pleats Caftan ranks high in terms of timeless pieces to add to any beach cover up collection. It’s one of the best swimsuit cover ups because it can be worn anytime, anywhere. The solid black color is amped up by pleats and functional buttons on the front, in addition to small side slits and pretty cap sleeves.
This chic caftan is made with 100% modal fabric for softness and durability. The sheerness still provides enough coverage to be worn over your favorite swimsuit when stopping for lunch or taking a beachside stroll. This specific style also accentuates curves with the elastic cinched waist rather than the loose draping of other caftan and chemise styles.
Red Pepper Alice Short Chemise
Adding neutrals to build a beach cover up wardrobe is a must, but it still leaves room for colorful options as well. No color makes quite the fashion statement like a striking red hue whether it’s a red bikini or red dress. The Red Pepper Alice Short Chemise is vibrant, playful, and sexy all rolled into one. It delivers on alluring sophistication with a plunging neckline and a tulip hemline that hits mid-thigh. You can even add your favorite sunglasses to accessorize this bold cover up.
The red hot color is eye-catching on its own. However, the addition of the intricately-cut, three-quarter capped sleeves is a design element that elevates this chemise from basic to bold. It works well as a cover up to your favorite designer bikini or can be worn for a night out. If you’re ready to shake up your style and add a spicy look to your wardrobe rotation, this chemise is a go-to.
Lassi Lena Caftan
Bold colors and decorative details are part of what make a cover up feel fresh and stylish. Although, an animal print is also known to draw attention in all the best ways. The contemporary update on animal print is what helps the Lassi Lena Caftan stand out from similar cuts and styles. The light rayon fabric drapes beautifully along the hemline and along a deep v neckline as well. Additionally, the twist detail in front and flutter sleeves keep the look feminine and fun.
It’s a modern caftan that can be worn to the water but also when engaging in offshore adventures. The unlined fabric keeps the look breezy, while the side slit sewn closed in the front ensures there’s enough coverage when embarking on any kind of adventure. Pairing with black resort sandals pulls the look together effortlessly, resulting in a ready-made look for wherever the day takes you.
Tunics and Kimonos Embody Beach Chic Style
Caftans and chemises range in length from mid-thigh, past the knee, or can go full length. Alternatively, tunics and kimonos are typically known for their short and sweet appeal.
Tunics serve as some of the best beach cover ups due to their versatile styling. Worn over a swimsuit for a day by the water or paired with shorts or jeans for an afternoon or evening out allows this style to work in multiple ways and is a packing must for your next getaway.
The same goes for the stylish kimono, which is defined by a simple tie or cinch at the waist. Either way, there’s plenty of wear for both of these beach chic styles, whether you’re spending the day on the sand, lounging by the pool, or headed to the spa.
Turquoise Embroidery Kimono
The Turquoise Embroidery Kimono fits right into any tropical scene. The deep, rich color and the flowy, three-quarter length sleeves give this sophisticated style an airy appeal. The embroidery on the back and sleeves, in addition to the waist tie closure, provides structure to the standard kimono style.
Both comfortable and stylish, classic and modern, this kimono balances out all fashion wants and needs. It’s stunning when paired with a bright white bikini or a sunset-inspired one piece. There are multiple ways to mix and match your swimwear with this ocean-inspired cover up to embrace the place you’re in, surrounded by the beauty of a tropical location.
Malta Vintage Tunic
Make a statement with the distinctive, striped pattern of the Malta Vintage Tunic. Blending in a lovely pale mint color with a standard black and white combination delivers a stylish pop to this sheer beach tunic. It’s accented with gold detailing throughout for a subtle sparkle that elevates the entire look.
It’s one of the best beach cover ups to wear over a black bikini or white one piece or paired with a black or white tank top and jeans. The butterfly sleeves and loose v-neckline keeps the style casual, and the tied waist adds shape to the look while keeping it comfortable. The Malta Vintage Tunic also emphasizes your figure with the drawstring waist while still serving a sophisticated look.
Wear as your go-to cover up or style it up by adding layers to wear when evenings turn cooler. It’s a versatile piece that works from season to season, always staying on trend.
Klein Ruffle Tunic
Black and white are normally considered basic neutrals, but a royal blue also works well with many color combinations. The rich color of the Klein Ruffle Tunic is bright and stylish with defining details like the eyelet cutout and a ruffled hem that match the edges of the bell sleeves.
It’s lightweight and airy and pairs wonderfully with your favorite designer swimsuit but also works as a layering piece when worn as part of a complete outfit. Wear over a matching blue tank top and slim fit jeans for a laid-back style with a subtle edge. Because the color is so striking, it works well for any occasion and looks luxe enough to take from a day spent by the water to an evening out for dinner and drinks al fresco.
Scarlet Amber Tunic
To really amp up the style of the average cover up, the fashionable leopard pattern of the Scarlet Amber Tunic creates a modern twist that plays up neutral tones. The cut out elastic detail on the sides and feminine cap sleeves make it an ideal summer evening dress that functions equally well as a beach cover up. The tie in the front adds another fashionable appeal and allows the print to take center stage.
Although some tunics and kimonos are more loose-fitting and flowy, this specific style highlights curves and creates an alluring appeal, perfect for your next exotic getaway, whether at a resort, on the beach, or out and about exploring the nightlife. This is a stunning option that never goes out of style and should be a staple to any wardrobe.
Finding Your Ultimate Beach Cover Up
Choosing the best swimsuit cover ups for the ultimate beach outfit can be a challenge due to the endless array of colors and patterns. Once you find a style you like, it’s easy to want one in every color. From soft neutrals to dramatic colors and patterns, there is a hue for every fashion trend and vacation destination.
You can also choose to wear a sarong as a beach cover up for a warm-weather fashion staple!
There’s also the option of length, sheerness, and versatility as you design your own swimwear wardrobe. Fortunately, these beach cover ups are timeless and chic, while also feeling fashion forward enough to fit in with the trends of the season. The options are endless when it comes to finding the ultimate match for whatever adventures come your way. For your next beach vacation, pack your favorite bikini, beach bag, flattering swim cover up, but don't forget sun protection!
