When beachwear was all you needed to have fun in the sun, do you recall? It now has its own apparel category. Everything that you wear when on vacation is referred to as “beachwear,” which includes bikinis and tube tops as well as beach cover-ups, which shield your skin from the sun’s rays in between dips and splashes.
“Beach cover-ups” used to refer to anything you wore on your way to the beach over your bathing suit, such as a sundress or a pair of shorts and an oversized t-shirt. The greatest beach cover-ups aren’t afterthoughts or disparate items carelessly tossed together on your way out the door, yet they are still feasible solutions. Cover-ups are fashion statements these days, aiming to draw attention just as much as the hottest bikinis of the season.
Although the market for cover-ups is still in its infancy, there are many options available. To save you time, we’ve selected the top picks below.
1. DISSH Capri White Linen Sheer Maxi Dress
Everything you could possibly want in a cover-up is here in this linen maxi dress: it’s loose, light, effortless to throw on, and stylish enough to carry you from the beach to the rest of your day. The loose fit will keep you cool, and the neckline pairs well with a variety of swimsuit tops. It readily transitions into an evening look and comes in two hues.
2. J. Crew Relaxed-Fit Beach Cover-Ups Shirt
The ideal cover-up to wear from the pool to lunch and anywhere else the day takes you is this button-down Beach Cover-Ups dress. It looks great buttoned up or down, and the airy blend of linen and cotton will keep you cool. Thigh side openings allow for greater movement and temperature regulation. If you’re not into the large style, size down because it runs a little big. Don’t worry if you think an all-black cover-up sounds too hot; it comes in four other hues.
3. Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Sheer Maxi Dress Cover-Up
Abercrombie’s maxi cover-up feels fantastic on the skin. Although it fits formfittingly, it merely conceals the skin rather than hugging it. It’s lightweight yet oh-so-soft. It is available in sizes XXS to XL with two color options: black and beige shimmer.
4. & Other Stories Fringed Crochet Midi Dress
This gorgeously transparent mid-length dress pays homage to the popular netting style of the 1970s. It has floral appliqués on the fringe bottom and scoop collar. We particularly adore this look for weddings, since the Pinot Blanc would be stunning worn under a cheeky bikini or a white one-piece. Look no farther if you’re a honeymooner looking for a Beach Cover-Ups.
5. Electric & Rose Amber Linen Dress
While there are many simple short dress cover-ups available, the Amber Linen Dress from Electric & Rose is a fun patterned option that will make a statement. There are two design options available: the Kinney Stripe, which resembles saltwater taffy stripes, and the Beach Cover-Ups Scene, which has cartoonish images of palm palms and the sun. Both are desirable and adorable.
6. Dynamite Open Knit V-Neck Maxi Dress
Modern classics, knit-style cover-ups are here to stay, and Dynamite’s design perfectly captures the carefree cool vibe we love in a crocheted look. The form-fitting dress, which comes in three colorways (Amber Squirrel Orange, Jet Black, and Sea Salt Off-White), accentuates and huggs natural curves. It’s also a fantastic garment to wear from day to night because of its side slit and scooped v-neckline, which exude a refined yet seductive elegance perfect for sit-down dinners.
7. Etam Linen Blend Sleeveless Buttoned Playsuit
Etam’s rendition of the playsuit is cute and a great one-and-done alternative to dresses. Because it’s sleeveless and composed of a blend of linen, you’ll stay cool and comfortable in the sun. Three color options—indigo, khaki, and beige—as well as three sizes—small, medium, and large—are offered.
8. Diarrablu Sirene Kimono
Think kimono with color, and Diarrablu’s Sirene design offers more than a dozen vivid pattern options. A sheer, silky-feeling chiffon fabric makes up the one-piece cover-up. It features a belted sash for simple fastening and a loose fit. From the Beach Cover-Ups to the pool, it’s airy, light, and guaranteed to draw attention anywhere.
9. Lspace X Anthropologie Gigi Top and Sundown Cargo Pant
2024 is the year of cargo trousers, but even while this pair of pants could be considered “trendy,” we’re more interested in its Ibiza lace fabric details, which lends the Beach Cover-Ups a more classic vibe. The wide-leg bottoms and top with their three-quarter sleeves are both fashionable and comfy, perfect for anything from a day spent sunning on the beach to an evening spent hitting up Tiki bars.
10. Aerie Pool-To-Party Lurex Cinched Short and Tube Top
Aerie’s Pool-To-Party cover-up shorts set is perfect for lengthy days that involve some beach time and boardwalk strolling. The pair is equally fashionable with to its ruched side design, textured lightweight fabric, and metallic blend construction. The elastic waistband ensures comfort for the wearer.
11. J.Crew Side Tie Beach Skirt
If you want some coverage around your legs and bottom without having to wear pants, sarongs are the best option. This 100% cotton wrap skirt will compliment any suit you choose to wear that day, stay in place with the help of the side ties, and keep you cool with its gauzy fabric.
12. Calzedonia Linen Shirt Dress
Cover-ups with buttons down aren’t supposed to look like your office attire. The peak of Calzedonia is the ideal illustration of this. Although the blend of linen is prone to wrinkling, this inherent flaw makes it great for the Beach Cover-Ups and swimming pool. We particularly adore its above-the-knee length and somewhat baggy fit. Go directly to your sandal alternatives and pair it with shorts or forego the bottoms.
13. AE Cinch Front Hey Baby T-Shirt
Even while you might not be looking for baggy T-shirts as a cover-up, t-shirts—especially ones that honor the fashions of the 1990s and early 2000s—remain in style in 2024. The Cinch Front Hey Baby T-shirt from American Eagle, which has a contemporary edge but a nostalgic touch, is here. We can nearly assure you that you will be enamored with every nostalgic detail, from the tight front v-neck to the lettuce trim at the hem and sleeves.
