The Best Beach Coverups
Few things beat the feeling of being on a beach with your loved ones, soaking up rays, catching waves, and making a splash with a sexy swimsuit. But when the day is coming to an end (or if you've indulged in a boardwalk burger in the middle of it all), wrangling your body back into your dry clothes can make you feel like a beached whale (excuse the bad pun). Instead, you might prefer to throw on your favorite beach coverup. Easy, breezy, and, in many cases versatile enough to wear for a hot night out, swimsuit covers are the perfect seasonal item that every lady needs in her beach tote. Browse the selection of our favorite coverups below to help you feel like a proper beach bum.
Amoretu Tunic Dress
Simple, Soft, and Stylish
In addition to being breathable, the perfect beach coverup should also make you feel beautiful. And while there are many popular designs available today, few are as flattering on every body type as the classic swing dress. We love the Amoretu tunic dress precisely for this reason. With its deep-V neckline and above-the-knee tunic length, this dress is super easy to dress up or down as you wish. Slip it over your bathing suit during the day and throw on some bright accessories for the evening’s activities. Just keep in mind that because it runs slightly tight around the chest, we recommend going up a size or two. Thankfully, this shouldn’t affect the natural fall of the loose swing cut.
Pros:
- Loose, breezy fit
- Lantern sleeves with elastic for maximum adjustability
- Soft, breathable fabric
Cons:
- Tighter fit for larger-breasted women
- Fabric attracts static
Harhay Swimwear Coverup
Loose and Lightweight
After a hot day in the sun, there’s nothing our skin wants more than some cool coverage. And while we don’t always have a cold shower on hand, we can make smarter choices in what we put on over our bathing suit. This coverup from Harhay is that smarter choice. A lightweight, breezy knit, this beauty is super easy to slip on and over your skin no matter how parched and salty it may be. Let it hang loose or adjust it to your liking with the dual drawstrings on either side of the coverup. While the one-size-fits-all design makes fitting easy, you have a full range of colors to choose from to make your perfect poolside look.
Pros:
- 31 fun colors and designs to choose from
- Lightweight polyester fabric
- Good sun coverage
Cons:
- Hand-wash only
- Knit fabric snags easily
Hotouch Swimsuit Beach Coverup
Day and Night
Ok ladies, let’s be honest. As much as we love outfit changes, having that one item of clothing that does it all is a blessing, especially on vacation when we have limited room in our luggage and in our beach tote. That’s why a swimsuit coverup that functions in both the daytime and in the evening time like this V-neck, see-through option from Hotouch is so essential. The mini length of this dress is just right for the high-noon heat, and it also makes the coverup easy to pair with leggings or jeans for a fun casual look at night. Look hot while cooling yourself down no matter the environment.
Pros:
- Features an elegant geometric pattern in the sheer material
- Dries quickly after getting wet
- Waistbelt for curve definition
- Has sleeveless option as well
Cons:
- Dress may not run true to size
Baleaf Sun Protection Coverup
Play With Protection
As much as we love bright days on the beach, we don’t have to tell you why getting too much sun is bad. From early aging to an increased risk of skin cancer, overexposure to the hot rays hurts us in the long run. That’s why we’re including this UPF cover-up by Baleaf on our list. Whether you’re boating in the open waters, playing beach sports, or simply need more coverage than other people, this lightweight, long sleeve coverup dress will shield your skin without heating it up. With a moisture-wicking technology built into its fabric, you’ll be dry and comfortable no matter how sweaty you get. And with added thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place, you can be as active as you want while still knowing your skin is covered and protected.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- UPF 50+ protection to block up to 98% of sun rays
- Machine-washable
- Has two pockets
Cons:
- Dress runs slightly large so shorter women should order a size down
Huskary Casual Maxi Dress
Love Your Length
Though we tend to think of maxi dresses as formal wear, they also make for great casual pieces, particularly if they’re lightweight and versatile in their cut. And while a long dress may seem like counterintuitive layering on top of a bathing suit, a coverup of this length can actually help your body cool down quicker, while simultaneously giving your legs sun protection. This particular maxi option by Huskary does exactly both. Save money on sunblock and instead opt for some fun accessories to pair with the 27 different color options they have available.
Pros:
- Can be worn with boots or sandals
- Stretchy, flattering material
- Has pockets and side slits
- Runs true to size
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Slightly sheer material
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a beach coverup and a normal dress?
Honestly, there’s little difference between the two save for the fact that some beach coverups are either too short or too see-through to be wearable in other public spaces. But as a general rule, bathing suit covers should be lightweight, airy, and quick-drying — basically the kind of clothing item that wouldn’t feel awful going on a wet, sticky body.
Can I wear my beach coverup in the water?
Totally up to you. Though they’re designed to be put on after you’re out of the pool or the waves, there’s also plenty of reasons you may want to wear yours in the water. Just make sure you check the tag first and confirm that the type of water you’re entering won’t ruin the material.
About the Author
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.