The Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups for Long Summer Days by the Water

Sometimes, the beach looks more like a to-do than a daydream. 

Once you’ve packed your flip-flops and layered up with a dermatologist-friendly SPF, you might get stuck deciding what layer to throw over that new cute swimsuit. To get you to the beach faster, consider reaching for one of our favorite beach cover-ups.

Should you want some choice, we scouted shopper insights, raided our editors’ closets, and chatted with celebrity stylist Tan France to find 18 fun silhouettes for the beach, pool, and boat days. And as a shopping writer who lives in Hawai’i, my standard for a quality cover-up is through the roof — ideally a sunroof.

Read on for the best beach cover-ups to wear all summer, according to editors, stylists, and research.

Swimsuit Cover-Ups Under $25

Harhay Women’s Summer Beach Crochet Cover Up

Over 17,000 Amazon shoppers rated this airy cover up five stars, and one reviewer noted that it “moves easily without hindering movement.” Another wrote that it’s “sexy without being revealing,” and added that they wore it more than they expected — even beyond the beach. The V-neck short-sleeve crochet frock comes with drawstrings, so you can adjust the length as needed, too.

Sizes: One Size | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: 31

Ekouaer Sarong Swimsuit Cover Up

For a lighter layer, consider a sarong. This silhouette has just enough coverage to get you from point A to point B without requiring you to fully dress. Plus, this version comes in over 40 colors and prints, so you can stock up to match with multiple bikinis.

Sizes: S–3XL | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: 45

UO Y2K Asymmetrical Midi Dress

While we might joke about “day to night” wear materializing way less often in adulthood than we thought, this asymmetrical midi dress is the rare option that actually shifts from one mode to another effortlessly. In a single day, I wore this under-$10 pick as a skirt over my bikini for brunch and a beach party, and then wriggled it up as a going-out dress (and swapped earrings) before hitting the bars. Its trendy shape, low price, light weight (that fared nicely under the tropical sun) made it my new go-to.

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Colors: 4

Crinkle Gauze Button-Down Top

A set can add polish to any beach getup, and this Old Navy pick is a winner. Its light, gauzy fabric is cooling on the hottest of days. You can coordinate entirely, or pick from any of the six mix-and-match shade combinations for an additional pop of color. Pair this boxy top with the flowy trousers for a hot-weather work outfit or rock it at the pool with matching shorts over a swimsuit.

Sizes: XS–4X (Regular, tall, and petite) | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: 6

Swimsuit Cover-Ups Under $50

Cupshe Knit Sleeveless Cutout Mini Cover Up Dress

PEOPLE shopping editor Madison Yauger swears by this sleeveless cutout dress. The breezy dress is tailored enough to get you into a “no shoes, no shirt, no service” establishment but still exudes a beachy vibe with its netting. Plus, the cover-up doesn’t wrinkle and is machine-washable, so you can ball it up in your suitcase and throw it in the laundry after your vacation.

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: Neutral, Black, Emerald

Cupshe Women Scoop Neck Crochet Knit Swim Cover-Up

PEOPLE shopping editor Kayla Kitts also has a Cupshe favorite, so the brand’s a solid bet across styles. The crochet cover-up is suitable for a vacation, especially for walks between the pool or beach, or even dining at resort lunch spots

Sizes: S–L | Materials: 100% polyester | Colors: White, Green

Oversized Beach Kaftan

Living in Hawai’i, I’ve always turned to H&M for tried-and-true swimwear options, but they have bohemian-inspired cover-ups, too. This simple, elegant caftan has open sides with clever ties, a low-cut v-neck, and airy crinkled cotton fabric. Should you want a bikini top to wear underneath, I’ve tried dozens of swimsuits as a shopping writer, but nothing quite flatters me like this classic triangle top. (Pro tip: If you see it in stock, you’ll want to snag it.)

Sizes: XS/S, M/L | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: Dark Khaki Green, White

Ekouaer Women's Swimsuit Beach Cover Up

A pull-on shirt dress is always handy for a beach or pool day, and this tunic option comes in nearly 40 colors like beige, light green, and soft orange. Shoppers note the soft material feels wonderful for long wear, and its classic silhouette is a must-have for any summer wardrobe. Depending on height, shoppers vary between using it as a blouse or dress, with some belting or layering it, as preferred.

Sizes: S–3XL | Materials: 100% rayon | Colors: 37

Aerie Pool-to-Party Cover Up Shirt

PEOPLE senior shopping editor Erika Reals opts for easy, carefree tops. She likes this cover-up shirt for its super soft gauze material and oversized fit, which makes it easy to throw over a swimsuit. This versatile button-down style is a timeless look you can wear for the beach, travel, or even work (if, gasp, you’re out of PTO).

Sizes: XXS–XL | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: 7

100% Organic Cotton Open-Knit Maxi Dress

What’s beachier than a beige cover up? Earthy nudes and browns can summon that groundedness we crave from an afternoon by the shore. One aspect we love about this Quince select versus other crochet options is the tightness of its open knit, which looks a little more formal (or dare we say expensive) than a looser mesh. It feels more versatile for a day on the go.

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: 3

Swimsuit Cover-Ups Under $100

Lightestspun Cover-Up Maxi Shirtdress

Madewell excels at quality basics that you can dress up or down, so it’s no surprise this maxi shirtdress landed on our list. Its everyday, elevated shape means you’ll reach for this shirtdress again and again (even for non-beach days). Elbow-length sleeves and high side slits contribute to a relaxed fit that gives you an, ‘Oh, this ol’ thing?’ moment every time — total compliment magnet.

Sizes: XXS–4X | Materials: Cotton | Colors: Lighthouse, True Black

Victoria’s Secret Swim Boyfriend Shirt Dress

Convey off-duty chic with this PEOPLE-loved select. Reals’ absolute favorite button-down for the beach, lake, or pool is this boyfriend shirt from Victoria's Secret Swim. The breathable cotton-linen blend won’t let you overheat, plus, when left open, the shirt dress has a very casual, beachy look.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Materials: Cotton-linen blend | Colors: 7

Elan V-Back Cover Up Maxi Dress

This unlined maxi dress is an easy option with a billowing, flattering shape. The deep double-sided V-neck shows off your tan, while thin straps create a  minimalist look. It does run large, so you’ll want to order one size down. Bonus points: It has pockets!

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 100% rayon | Colors: 4

Retreat Linen Mid Rise Wide Leg Pants

As a beach cover-up or not, linen pants are a fantastic investment for year-round wear: Ideal for transitional seasons in which layering is key and for capsule wardrobes when traveling. It’s breathable enough to keep you comfortable on a sweltering day yet provides moderate warmth when the temperature dips. Plus, these pants give off a coastal grandmother/Nancy Meyers vibe (transportation to Maine coast not included). This wide-leg pair is notable for having deep pockets and being machine washable for convenience. 

Sizes: XXS–3X (Regular, tall, and petite) | Materials: Linen | Colors: 7

Stonewash Hooded Towel

If you’re looking for sheer functionality, consider a towel cover up that’ll dry you and cover you at the same time. A hooded towel can be the ultimate adventure companion post-dip or ocean surf, and it still looks pretty adorable. This Rip Curl pick has a kanga pocket to stash everything you need and playful fringe. 

Sizes: One size | Materials: Cotton | Colors: Light Brown

Pomander Place White Mini Carolina Caftan

For a modest look that still clings to the sheer roots of a cover-up style, this Tuckernuck choice has an A-line silhouette and three-quarter length sleeves for plenty of coverage. Subtle windowpane details and faux pockets add to its appeal. Shoppers call it “forgiving,” and appreciate its lightweight construction for long summer days. 

Sizes: XS–3XL | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: 2

Splurge-Worthy Swimsuit Cover-Ups

Dandy Del Mar The Curacao Chiffon Dress

Or take a cue from Queer Eye star and icon Tan France, who used to design women’s swimwear. When advising PEOPLE on best beach cover-ups, France suggested opting for a style that summoned an aesthetic of “daytime witch.” We have to think that this Dandy Del Mar pick comes pretty close to fulfilling his vision: free-flowing yet chic. This frock is sheer with a stylish front-tie and bell sleeves.

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: Chiffon | Colors: Chic squiggle pattern

Rumer Playa Maxi Dress

A white cover-up always shines next to a golden tan, and this angelic maxi plays up that contrast. The Playa Maxi Dress is absolutely a splurge, but it’s ideal for a dream vacation or honeymoon. Its magic is in the details: A fitted bandeau bra, a series of gold rings cascading down the chest, and a flowy maxi skirt that’s actually not see-through. Its artistic construction walks the line between casual and dressy, making it an adaptable go-between worthy of your Instagram.

Sizes: XS–XL | Materials: 100% cotton | Colors: White, Black, Nude

Take Our Word For It

Grace Smith is a contributing writer for PEOPLE who, as a resident of Hawai’i, gets more beach time than most. She extensively combed through shopper reviews, utilized an interview PEOPLE had conducted with Tan France, and tapped shopping editors Kayla Kitts and Madison Yauger, as well as senior editor Erika Reals, for their favorite beach getups. Looking at the most popular brands and keeping her own beach-day experience in mind, Grace curated this list of the best beach cover-ups of 2024.