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The Best Beach Cover Up

Last updated on February 9, 2022
Best Beach Cover Up

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So you’re headed to the beach, and the only thing that’s on your mind is a good, long soak in the sun. Be careful what you wish for: You can easily wake up from that languid nap with a nasty burn. For that reason and more, you might want to make time for a little wardrobe planning beyond the bikini, and that means a good beach cover-up.

Beach cover-ups are catch-all garments that do exactly what their name implies. They cover up exposed skin when it’s time to transition from a swimsuit to something with a little more protection. As such, you’re going to want to buy with an eye toward the specific areas you want to cover.

The most common type of cover-up is the tunic style. It’s basically an oversized shirt that’s easy to slip on over that bikini, and it’s equally effective whether you’re trying to keep cool, tamp down the tan or walk back to the hotel room with a little modesty. Lengths can vary, but for the most part you’ll primarily be getting coverage for your top. As with most any type of cover-up, tunics will be loose fitting, and that’s a good thing. It’s all about embracing that flowy style and easy comfort.

If you want a bit more coverage on your legs, go for a beach dress or a caftan. The former will let you accentuate the curves while the latter gives full coverage and a more comfortable feel. Either one is great for when the weather cools, and they’re an easy way to transition from a day at the beach to a night of drinks on the patio.

On the opposite end of the coverage spectrum, there’s a jacket-style cover-up. This one simply gives you a bit of coverage on the arms, but it can be a nice accessory to the right swimsuit.

By nature, most cover-ups are going to be made of lighter fabric, and that means you might need to take special care when washing them. Linen, cotton and crocheted polyester are common materials. As with anything you wear on the beach, buy with an eye toward style but also durability. You don’t want anything with colors that run or fade at the first splash of water.

Our Picks For The Top Beach Cover Ups

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Ekouaer Lady’s Pull-On Beach Cover Up

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Ekouaer

Lady’s Pull-On Beach Cover Up

After swimming in the pool or ocean, you'll want to throw this beach cover up on as an added layer of protection against the sun's strong rays. The cover up is dress length and features 3/4-length sleeves. It's even available in 40 colors and patterns, including navy tie-dye, light purple, yellow leaf print and Army green.

Overall Take

Added Layer of ProtectionThis beach cover up features side slits and an attractive V-neck to combine style and functionality.

 Runner Up

Yincro Fringe Pom-Pom Beach Cover Up

Yincro

Fringe Pom-Pom Beach Cover Up

No matter your style, you're sure to find this beach cover up in a pattern that suits you. A sunflower, embroidered navy, polka dot and leopard print pattern are all attractive options. The pom-pom fringe along the arms and bottom add to the appeal of the piece.

Overall Take

Multiple Patterns AvailableSize is not an issue with this swim coverup, as it comes in every size from an extra-small to 4X.

 We Also Like

CPOKRTWSO Pull-On Bathing Suit Beach Cover Up

CPOKRTWSO

Pull-On Bathing Suit Beach Cover Up

The chiffon material on this garment is just opaque enough to be sexy without defeating the point of a cover-up. The solid accents are a great complement to any beach outfit. Even though it's thin, the colors stay vibrant even after washing or getting wet.

Overall Take

Sheer Yet DurableThe colors on this sheer beach cover up stay vibrant even through wet weather.

 Also Great

Taydey Lightweight Sheer Beach Cover Up

Taydey

Lightweight Sheer Beach Cover Up

Constructed from a breathable chiffon, this beach cover up is a must-have addition to your summer wardrobe. It's super stylish with four fun prints to choose from and a host of decorative tassels outlining the sleeves and bottom hem. Use it with bikinis, tankinis and full coverage bathing suits.

Overall Take

Versatile FitThis beach cover up is quick to slip on and take off when exiting or entering the water.

What to Look For

You can have a lot of flirty fun with a sheer cover-up or one that’s made of a crocheted material that lets your swimsuit show through. Just make sure that you keep your colors in mind. Dark-hued bikinis might stand out a bit more than you want them to beneath a sheer, light-colored tunic.

More to Explore

The sarong has a long international history, though it is primarily used today as a simple but sexy beach cover-up. Most Americans first got a glimpse of this versatile wrap on film actress Dorothy Lamour in the 1936 film “The Jungle Princess,” but the garment had long been worn by men and women alike along the Malay Peninsula.

More to explore