13 Best Beach Cover-Ups That Will Protect You From the Sun in Style

Buy at  Nordstrom, $69

This knit cover-up feels like a warm hug, yet it’s breathable enough to wear to the beach or pool. The loose fit skims your figure, smoothing over any problem areas. It also comes with a hood to protect you during those random mid-afternoon rain showers, and when it gets cool at night. 

Happy customer: “Really cute, flattering, versatile cover-up. I sized up for the benefit of more flow and roominess, but I think the piece is generally made true to size. The material is soft and lightweight. I wondered if the stripes would make me look wider, but they don’t because the piece is cut in cute slouchy way. I think it’d be flattering on just about anyone. Highly recommend.”

Buy at  Swimsuits for All, $29 (was $58)

We’re in love with this patterned V-necked tunic, which has slits up the side and dolman sleeves with wide, open armholes for maximum airflow and cooling. Made of 100 percent rayon, it drapes comfortably and slips right over your head. Toss it in your beach bag, just don’t toss it in the washer and dryer — like most swim cover-ups, it’s hand wash and hang dry only!

Happy customer: “This cover-up is as pretty as the picture. Very roomy and comfortable. I felt comfortable wearing this over my suit to go to breakfast before heading off to the pool or beach on the resort. It looks cute with leggings too!”

Buy at  Vitamin A, $125

The breezy linen fabric of this loose-fitting, lightweight shirt make for a classic fit. Perfect to pull over a swimsuit, it’s also dressy enough to wear to a nice brunch or fancy picnic on the beach! Pairs equally well with flip-flops, bare feet, or your favorite summer sandals.

Happy customer: “The fabric is perfectly gauzy so as to not be too heavy, and the fit is perfectly oversized. The style of this shirt is great because it’s a classic fit, oversized, and looks amazing with one button to close (or more if you like) or completely open.“

Buy at  Amazon, from $15

This tropical cover-up evokes an island mood, with its watercolor print. A deep V-necks means it slips on easily over your head, and 100 percent rayon makes it flow beautifully over your curves. Hand wash and line dry this one — and be aware that some reviewers needed to tailor the sleeves a bit for the ideal fit.

Happy customer: “I ordered the coral in a XXL, I am a size 16. I have a tummy, and don’t want tight clothing… the XXL fit fine, and wasn’t snug. I have the matching swimsuit, and this is not as bright in the same color and pattern, but blends well. Appears to be well made, and I will wash by hand or on gentle to keep it that way.“

Buy at  Bloomingdales, $78

A maxi dress is an easy, breezy option for beachwear, and this billowy frock from Elan features spaghetti straps and a deep V-back to balance out the flowy bottom half. Depending on how loose of a fit you prefer, shoppers recommend sizing down. The subtle black micro stripes pattern adds an interesting element to this otherwise basic maxi dress, but our favorite part is the pockets on both sides — the perfect place to store any essentials that won’t fit in your beach bag. 

Happy customer: “Love this! It’s flowy and a lounge-around kind of outfit. Good for hot summer evenings entertaining.”

Buy at Swimsuits for All, starting at $34 (was $68)

With its crochet lace trim and open shoulder detailing, this cute cover-up is almost fashionable enough to wear on its own! Made of a polyester/cotton blend, you’ll want to hand wash it and hang it to dry — don’t put it in the dryer.

Happy customer: “I absolutely love this dress/cover-up. Definitely go down a size because it runs big. It’s thin enough to dry quickly if worn as a coverup but has enough coverage to be worn out and about as well. If you’re thinking about it, just buy it. You won’t be disappointed.”

Buy at Amazon, $17.99

You can’t go wrong with this cute, casual cover-up. It’s one size fits all, which takes the guesswork out. And given the glowing reviews, hundreds of women have found it worked for them, too. Buyers rave that the material doesn’t wrinkle, which means you can toss it in your bag without a second thought. 

Happy customer: “Nice fabric. Good length. Tassels were a cute touch! Fabric drapes nicely, and the length was just right. It is sheer enough to see the color of the bathing suit, didn’t stick to the wet suit, and dried out quickly. It didn’t wrinkle during packing or while stuffed in the beach bag during the day.”

Buy at Swimsuits for All, starting at $21 (was $35)

Get creative with this sarong, which can be worn multiple ways: As a dress, as a skirt, or however your imagination desires! Sold in two different sizes and crafted of 100 percent polyester, this ultra-lightweight cover-up is soft, sexy, and perfect as your go-to summer garment!

Happy customer: “I purchased the larger size for two reasons: One so that I can use it in several different styles and it will be my sarong and beach towel … yes, you read that right. Wipe off the water coming out of the pool, hang it on the chair — it dries in five minutes and then it’s lightweight, unlike beach towels. I just ordered a second one!“

Buy at Buckle, $59.95

This fluttery, floral cover-up features a hibiscus bloom print that gives it a boho vibe we love. It has three-quarter length sleeves, slits up the sides, and an open front, making it easy to slip on and off. Made of 100 percent rayon, it’s a hand-wash, dry-flat item, which means you can rinse it out in the ocean and dry it over the back of your beach chair!

Happy customer: “So much cuter in person!! I bought this to wear to a luau party next month. The colors are much more vibrant in person. It will be perfect for the party. Also great because of all the colors you can mix and match the shirt underneath.“

Buy at Swimsuits for All, $9 (was $38)

A scoop neck and asymmetrical hemline make this cover-up extra flattering, and the colorful botanical print makes it beautiful and cheerful. Made of polyester with a touch of Spandex for stretch, you’ll want to hand wash this one and hang it to dry.

Happy customer: “Beautiful tunic! It is made of thin and fresh material, perfect for poolside or the beach. It covers really well and is great for our hot Texas weather. “

Buy at Amazon, from $15

This casual beach dress has pockets and comes in a whopping 18 different solids and prints! From florals to leopard print to classic black, you’re sure to find one that you love. Stretchy fabric and a relaxed fit make it ideal for lounging and flattering for all types of figures. Hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews can’t steer you wrong!

Happy customer: “I absolutely love this dress! The pockets are such a nice addition. I got the white color, [which] is a little see-through, but the black is not. They’re great bathing suit cover-ups or just a basic, casual dress. I love how flowy it is and it’s not too short. It’s even comfortable to wear as pajamas. Honestly, I would live in this if it was socially acceptable.”

Buy at Swimsuits for All, $33 (was $66)

With a higher-in-the-front, longer-in-the-back hemline, this light blue button-down covers you exactly where you want it to. The classic front patch pockets and roll-up sleeves give it a preppy, business-meets-the-beach look, and the 100 percent rayon fabric drapes flatteringly (but wants to be hand-washed and hung dry, so don’t toss this one in the machine!)

Happy customer: “Absolutely love this cover up! The material is super nice and it hits at the perfect length if you are a curvy girl.”

Buy at Amazon, $18.99

This maxi dress comes in black, navy blue, green, or white, and adds a fun hippie vibe to your beach hangs! Made of 100 percent polyester chiffon, it’s soft, sheer, and lightweight — so you can still show off your swimsuit underneath, while still flattering your curves with a modest layer.

Happy customer: “This is more sheer than the picture shows, but it is perfect for the beach. I could have sized down, but I love it!”