There’s something about a beach cover up that feels luxurious. As the de facto option is often a ratty old t-shirt or a pair of denim cut-offs, the act of donning a pair of crochet pants or a linen button down to stroll from your hotel room to the poolside cabana seems tantalizingly indulgent. But in reality, the beach cover-up is more ephemeral than most would assume. Anything can be a swimsuit cover-up as long as it, well, covers up your swimsuit (or at least half of it). Think: crochet knit dresses, striped boxer shorts, gauzy linen pants, and colorful mesh tops. Regardless of your style, you'll find the right fit in the 20 favorites we curated below.
Dresses:
Solid Tory Tunic
A tunic is a timeless option for a cover-up and we love this long sleeve mint green rendition from Tory Burch, complete with the perfect addition of a tassel.
Corin Metallic Knit Midi Dress
DoDo Bar Or’s metallic crochet dress can be worn both on the beach and to dinner—just swap your bikini for briefs or a slip.
Zigzag Crochet Mini Dress
Missoni and beachwear go together like sun and sand. We love the one-shoulder silhouette of their crochet chevron mini dress.
Lace Mini Cover Up
Stylest’s little shirt dress is a favorite thanks to its cherry hue. The lace mini beach dress keeps the overall feel youthful and fun.
Holly Net Cover Up Midi Dress
For a simple option, we suggest Beach Riot’s mesh net cover up tank dress in gold. Pair yours with a white swimsuit to complete the look.
Tops:
Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
A linen button down from Uniqlo is always a good idea, whether you’re wearing yours indoors or out. Style it oversized as a one-stop swim cover up or pair with some boxer shorts below.
Lula Oversized Linen Blend Shirt
Posse’s oversized button-up is made of the perfect creamy lightweight linen—a flowy compliment to classic black swimwear.
Abstract Print Organic Silk Shirt
Matteau’s best-seller simple short sleeve shirt can be worn over nearly any swimsuit. Plus, the abstract leafy print practically screams OOO.
The Oxford Eyelet Tunic
For a refined take on a bathing suit cover-up, opt for Solid & Striped’s eyelet tunic. Wear yours buttoned to the neck or left open for a more relaxed effect.
Slit Front Crepe Kaftan
Sara Cristina’s blue kaftan provides a sexier take on the classic swimsuit cover-up—it can be worn over shorts or a skirt when you transition to the evening sans swimsuit.
Shorts & Pants:
End on End Cotton Boxer Short
J.Crew’s striped boxer shorts are a staple in any summer wardrobe. Pair yours with a white button-down and a pair of sandals.
Drawstring Waist Cotton Crocheted Trousers
We’re currently obsessed with Harago, and these crochet pants in particular. Pair yours with a bikini to complete the look.
The Aurelia Linen Wide Leg Trousers
Invest in Asceno’s Aurelia linen pants as a summer wardrobe staple—beach or no beach. The cover-up pants can be worn with a one-piece on the sand or paired with a bodysuit at dinner.
June Printed Linen Shorts
If you’re looking for a print, we suggest these printed linen shorts from Muzungu Sisters. Add the corresponding top to complete the matching set.
Athenas Linen Cover Up Pants
Juan de Dios’ Athenas cover-up pants are crafted from lightweight linen. Their terracotta hue is perfect for a vacation through Western Europe—or cosplaying that vacation on your New York stoop.
Skirts & Sarongs:
Lavanda Floral Print Cotton Blend Sarong
For an elevated take on a sarong, opt for this floral print style from Aqua by Agua Bendita. The light blue colorway of the maxi skirt lends a sophisticated air to vacation style.
Brown Carmen Beach Sarong
Saturdays NYC’s Carmen beach sarong is perfect for everyday wear. Whether you’re heading poolside, to the beach, or in the backyard, the brown mesh wrap skirt is always a great option.
Black Menari Cover Up
We all know and love crochet dresses, but what about a crochet skirt? Akoia’s black cover-up skirt is the perfect addition to any bikini or one-piece swimsuit.
Panneaux Crepe Sarong
If you prefer simplicity when it comes to bathing suit cover-ups, look no further than Haight’s cherry red crepe sarong. This bikini cover-up will add some intrigue to your neutral summer rotation.
“Figure Artistique Voile” Pareo
We love the application of Hermès’ legacy style to this sarong; we think it would pair perfectly with a black strapless swimsuit.