Why Beach Cover Ups are a Must-Have
Beach cover-ups aren't just an afterthought, they're an essential part of any beach or poolside wardrobe. We love them because they offer a versatile, comfortable solution for transitioning between activities while looking effortlessly stylish.
Sun Protection: One of the biggest benefits of wearing a beach cover-up is the added layer of sun protection it provides. Remember that darker and brighter colors absorb more sunlight, providing better protection, while densely woven fabrics block more harmful rays.
Versatility and Confidence: Cover-ups are incredibly versatile, they take you from the water to grabbing a bite at the beach bar, or even to casual evening activities. They can be dressed up with accessories or kept simple and breezy.
Comfort and Practicality: Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, cover-ups help keep you cool on hot days by allowing air to circulate around your body. This prevents overheating and keeps you comfortable throughout the day. They're also incredibly easy to put on and take off, giving you full range of movement whether you're playing beach volleyball or lounging under an umbrella.
Popular Styles and Fabrics
We've seen beach cover-ups evolve into a wide range of styles to suit every personality and occasion. Kaftans and beach kimonos offer longer, flowing coverage that's both elegant and practical. Tunic tops are lightweight and easy to layer, perfect for throwing on when heading out from the water. Mini skirts and crochet cover-ups add a flirty, boho touch to your beach look. For those who prefer more coverage, maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers provide full-body options that are still breezy and comfortable.
When it comes to fabrics, linen and cotton are our go-to choices for their breathability and softness against the skin. Lightweight blends allow for easy movement and quick drying, while crochet and lace add texture and style. Look for materials that are loosely woven for airflow but still provide adequate sun protection. The best cover-ups combine comfort with style, featuring designs that flow naturally as you move.
Best Cover-Up For In + Out Of The Water
The Momi Scarf in Cocobolo is a versatile beach cover-up designed to take you effortlessly from the water to wherever the day takes you. Style it as a long skirt for more coverage, tie it into a short sarong for a classic beach look, or wear it as a bandana-style top for an easy vacation outfit. The warm Cocobolo print adds a statement-making finish, while its versatile design makes it an essential piece for beach vacations, resort getaways, and warm-weather escapes.
Best Cover-Up On A Really Hot Day
On the days when the sun feels relentless, reach for a fabric that breathes: the Sander Top and Sander Skirt are done in an open crochet knit that lets air flow while still giving you coverage and shape. The cropped tank pairs with the tie-waist mini skirt for an effortless matching set, or mix and match — wear the top alone over a bikini, or the skirt with a bralette. With five colorways (Cream, Black, Rosewater, Cafe, and Fresh Squeezed), there's a shade for every mood, and the breathable knit means you'll actually want to keep it on all afternoon instead of stripping down the second you're off the sand.
Best Cover-Up for Morning Surf Spectators
Cool mornings on the beach call for something with a little more structure, and the Rio Tunic delivers — an oversized, collared button-down in 100% linen with tailored cuffs, styled as a set with the matching Rio Short. It's relaxed enough to throw over a swimsuit for an early watch session, but polished enough that you could walk straight from the shoreline to breakfast without a second thought. Available in White, Black, and Sky Blue, it's the kind of piece that makes "thrown together" look intentional.
Best Cover-Up For A Beach Day with the Family
Family beach days mean a lot of movement, chasing kids, hauling coolers, going in and out of the water more times than you can count, and the Sunchaser Top + Short set is built for exactly that kind of day. The high-waisted, scalloped-hem shorts and cropped crop top are both crafted from a colorful crochet knit with a drawstring waist, so they're comfortable enough to wear from sunrise sandcastle-building to sunset s'mores. Choose from the soft pastel Daydreamer, the tropical Island Breeze, or the vibrant Berry Spritz to match your family's beach day energy.
Best Cover-Up for Beach + Dinner Date
For the cover-up that has to do double duty, beach by day, dinner by night, the Deia Mini Dress is the move. Its plunging neckline with a delicate tie and hook-and-eye closure lets you customize your coverage, while the breezy dolman sleeves and elastic back waist keep it relaxed without looking sloppy. It pulls on in seconds over a swimsuit for the beach, then transitions effortlessly into a coastal-cafe-ready look for date night, no outfit change required. Available in Cream, Espresso, and Tourmaline.
Best Cover-Up For A Fancy Beach Resort
When the setting calls for a little more polish, the Jessa Mini earns its spot as our top pick — a slim, long-sleeve crochet mini dress with a plunging neckline, keyhole detail, and metal bead adornments that make it feel like a proper outfit rather than an afterthought layer, equally suited to poolside cocktails or a resort dinner. If you're after something even breezier, the Mika Sarong is a beautiful backup: a wrap-style sarong finished with decorative beading in Cream, Black, or the tropical Hibiscus and Plumeria Oh My print, effortless to tie on and instantly elevated.
