The 17 Best Bathing Suit Cover-Ups of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Go from the beach to dinner with these cute pieces.
InStyle / Brian Kopinski
Like all good garments, bathing suit cover-ups come in a dizzying array of styles. But to save you from hours of scrolling, InStyle has sought advice from experts, leaving you to focus on the important things — like where to vacation and what restaurants come with the Stanley Tucci seal of approval. From swishy sixties-style tunics to crochet cover-ups, we've scoured the internet, read countless reviews, and interviewed buyers, stylists, travel experts, and our own staff to bring you the best beach cover-ups. So, let's dive in!
Best Overall : Summersalt The Crochet High-Neck Dress
What We Love: Balances modesty and coverage without sacrificing comfort and sexy.
What We Don’t Love: It’s hand-wash only.
We loved the crochet trend seen everywhere last summer, and we hope it stays strong this year, too. continues to be the inspiration on Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds for the upcoming season. That’s why it was an easy choice to select this crochet number from SummerSalt as our Best Overall. Not only is the cover-up (and everything else from the site) size-inclusive, it is purposely designed unlined to reveal your bikini-clad figure underneath. Just picture yourself pairing it with a floppy hat, chunky sunglasses, and a shimmering tan — that’s the essence of a proper laid-back summer vacation.
Regardless if you decide to wear it by the pool, at a resort, or on the beach, the dress is light, comfortable, and breezy. And you’ll sure feel it, too. You’ll have a good balance between coverage and modesty around the chest, and also between snug and loose for the overall fit, so you can even consider wearing it to a post-beach lunch or dinner. All in all, it’s a summer staple you’ll want to have in hand each year. The one issue? Deciding between natural, black, or both.
Price at time of publish: $135
Size: XS-2X | Material: Cotton | Colors: 2
Best Splurge: Missoni Zigzag Cover-up Dress
What We Love: The zigzag edging goes in hand with the zigzag embroidery.
What We Don’t Love: We wish there were more sizing options.
Missoni has been creating crochet-knit designs since first launching in 1953, so this signature zigzag striped dress isn't your average beach piece — it's an investment you'll want to pass down (if you can bring yourself to hand it over).
Made in the brand's Italian atelier, the sunset shades and oceanic tones are sure to add "a dopamine hit" to your wardrobe, says Gigi Viera from fashion rental platform Rotaro. Pair these summery shades with an equally bright bikini underneath to show off its ties just above the scoop neckline. Adding another dose of fun is the zigzag hem — while the rest of the cover-up curves down the rest of the body, the edging at the ankles gives the fitted silhouette a bit of flow.
Price at time of publish: $1,100
Size: XXXS–L | Material: Viscose | Colors: 1
Best Value: Old Navy Sleeveless Crochet Midi Swim Cover-Up Dress for Women
What We Love: The size range caters to a wide range of body types.
What We Don’t Love: Although it’s a relaxed fit, the dress is a bit too stretchy.
If you’re wanting to partake in the crochet trend without the splurge, opt for this affordable alternative. In a true midi style, the dress drapes mid-calf with tiny side slits and doesn’t shy away from providing minimal coverage. Take a peek (literally) at the crochet pattern itself — it’s a cross between an open (with openings) and closed stitch (without openings) to give the illusion that the dress is nearly see-through. Plus, the large arm openings and v-neck add to its appeal, revealing the shoulder, decolletage, and so much more. And that’s all in a piece just under $60. Score!
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: XS–4X | Material: Cotton | Colors: 2
Best Plus Size: Torrid Mini Ruffle Lace Trim Cover-Up Dress
What We Love: It’s versatile enough to wear outside the beach.
What We Don’t Love: If you’re tall and/or have a long torso, this might be too short on you.
This is the kind of cover-up that you can wear outside of its intended purposes. We can envision it as an everyday piece, something you throw on for errands, or even for a night out — there are endless possibilities with this one. It’s laid back yet fierce, modest yet sexy, and has the simplicity to style with whatever swimsuit you decide to layer underneath. Some of our favorite details, outside of the lace hem, are the stretchy waistband and adjustable straps so you’re always comfortable whenever you have it on. All of that makes it worth the cost, just take a look at the reviews to see for yourself.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: M–6X | Material: Polyester | Colors: 2
Best Sheer: MakeMeChic Women's Swimsuit Cover Ups
What We Love: The sheer mesh won’t keep your bathing suit hidden.
What We Don’t Love: The material feels cheap.
Now if you really want to show-off your bathing suit, a sheer cover-up is the way to go. This option is in a semi-stretch t-shirt style that hits right at the middle of the thigh — just like any boyfriend tee. It’s available in a sheer mesh in a colorful range of solids and prints, including black, purple, florals, butterflies, and more, that have the same level of opaqueness as the next. Consider it a piece for festivals and parties, too, layered with a matching bralette and short set that will still shine underneath.
Price at time of publish: $23
Size: XS–3X | Material: Nylon, spandex | Colors: 17
Best Printed: FarmRio Pink Gardens Cover-Up
What We Love: The vibrant pink floral stands out with the flouncy ruffle hems.
What We Don’t Love: It has a above-the-knee and mid-thigh length, but will fit longer on petites.
If there is one thing we adore about FarmRio is their variety of prints, including this pink floral number. Those who are over neutrals or are into bright splashes of color will appreciate the vibrancy of the piece, along with the flouncy ruffles that line the entire hem. The pull-over style has a relaxed silhouette for a breezy fit, and has drawstrings at the neckline to tie into a small bow or leave on its own. But if you’d prefer a different style and/or print, FarmRio has other playful options, too, such as the Pink Leopard cover-up, Pink Tropical dress, and Lia option. Consider one of their matching bathing suits while you’re at it.
Price at time of publish: $135
Size: XS–XL | Material: Viscose, lurex metallic fibers | Colors: 1
Best Crochet: Jeasona Crochet Dress Cover Up
What We Love: The bohemian and coastal grandmother trends unite with this piece.
What We Don’t Love: There are not many sizing options available.
As we mentioned earlier, crochet had a huge moment last year, and we think it will surely dominate closets this season, too. Consider a crochet hat, pants, or sweater, but our personal favorite is a crochet dress. Take this one from Amazon, for example. It has an open stitch throughout, tassels at the ends, and a pull-over design — a crossover between bohemian meets coastal grandmother. You can use the tassels to make it high-leg or not, and even tie a neat knot with the strings or let them hang loose. All of these beachy details are available in six solid shades, from a classic neutral to a sea blue, to mix and match with whatever you plan on wearing underneath. Plus, we can’t help but notice the affordable price point, too.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: S–XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: 6
Best Sarong: SKIMS Swim Sarong Skirt
What We Love: Because it is adjustable, you can tie the sarong according to your coverage preference and figure.
What We Don’t Love: The length is long on petites.
"My best beachwear styling tip is to keep it simple but always bring a light dress or something to throw on in case you meet someone and they invite you to a party or BBQ", says Viera. "Sarongs tend to be my preferred cover-ups. There's something really sexy about them." Although there is no print or flashy color in this Skims sarong, its neutral color options mean more dressing options. In fact, you don’t always have to stick to how a product is marketed and can wear this sarong as a halter dress if you desire. To keep the monochromatic theme, pair with one of the brand’s many matching swimsuits, from this triangle top and this swim t-shirt.
Price at time of publish: $78
Size: XXS–4X | Material: Recycled nylon, spandex | Colors: 9
Best Button-Up: Madewell Lightspun Cover-Up Mini Shirt Dress
What We Love: The cotton fabric is soft, lightweight, and breathable.
What We Don’t Love: Although it is designed to be oversized, it is too big.
Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics for surviving the heat, considering it absorbs perspiration and is incredibly lightweight to wear. This Madewell shirt dress is crafted entirely from the fabric, so you can trust that it is just as soft and comfortable as it looks. Knowing that alone, the cover-up might just be your next throw-on-and-go option. Button it to its color or to the decolletage for a v-neck, nonetheless it fits relaxed and oversized throughout. And if you’re wanting a cover-up that protects your shoulders, the long short sleeves hit right around the elbow to help shield your upper half from the sun.
Price at time of publish: $65
Size: XXS–2X | Material: Cotton | Colors: 3
Best Set: Free People Pacific Set
What We Love: Works for the beach, brunch, and everything in-between.
What We Don’t Love: Although the striped pattern helps, it is sheer in some areas.
Dresses and skirts don’t always have to be the only cover-up options. A shirt and short set, such as this one from Free People, is an effortless way to go from the beach to brunch without needing to put an entire ensemble together. The collared top is oversized with a button-up silhouette, while the high-rise bottoms are more relaxed — and not too baggy — with a drawstring tie around the waist. What we love most about this set is its semi-opaque striped pattern, which adds a bit of texture and an extra layer to its sheerness.
Price at time of publish: $108
Size: XS–XL | Material: Cotton, polyester | Colors: 3
Best Petites: Lands' End Women’s Modal Short Sleeve Swim Cover-Up
What We Love: The modal fabric is a must for warm weather.
What We Don’t Love: There are few color options for the petite sizing.
Two things to keep in mind about this cover-up: it is made out of modal fabric and comes in petite sizing. Consider that a win-win. Besides cotton, modal is an essential fabric for the warmer months because it is breathable, quick-drying, and super soft. On top of that, it is difficult enough to find quality cover-ups, especially dresses, that cater to heights under five-foot-four at the marketed length, but this number fits as advertised (around the mid-thigh) when you order in the petite size, which is a few inches shorter than the regular length.
Price at time of publish: $73
Size: XS–XL | Material: Modal | Colors: 2
Best Pants: Faithfull The Brand Le Pacifique Printed Linen Wide-leg Pants
What We Love: The abstract print is handmade and dyed to the pants.
What We Don’t Love: You can only hand wash these.
We don’t have to say too much about these pants because the lavish print speaks for itself. While they’re quite the investment, just picture yourself wearing the pants on a trip to the Italian coast, a fancy dinner, or a spa-like resort — that’s the vibe they’re giving off. But despite their high-end appearance, the pants are more comfortable than one might expect: crafted from linen, has an elasticated waistband, and is relaxed throughout the leg, to name a few. You can only hand wash them, but we think they're worth the extra bit of TLC.
Price at time of publish: $209
Size: XS–XL | Material: Linen | Colors: 1
Best Tunic: Tuckernuck Pink Stripe Emerson Short Caftan
What We Love: The pattern is hand printed and dyed.
What We Don’t Love: There’s only one size, and you can only hand wash.
This collection from Tuckernuck was specially hand-printed and -dyed by local artisans to create this sophisticated stripe that comes in five different colorways. Each has a flowy silhouette with a hidden interior waist tie to pull the tunic closer to the body for a tighter fit. Or, you can wear it as it comes for a more casual look. However, be mindful that the dress is available in only one size before purchasing.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size: One-size | Material: Organic cotton | Colors: 5
Best Romper: Billabong Beach Crush Romper
What We Love: It’s an easy throw-on-and-go option.
What We Don’t Love: The sizing options aren’t inclusive.
Even if you decide not to wear this to the beach, this romper quickly solves your closet dilemmas on those days when you don’t know what to wear. Without having to put much effort in (simply throw it on over your bikini top), the romper alone looks put together. It helps that its design is practical, too, having two roomy patch pockets at the front, adjustable straps with hidden buttons, and breathable cotton fabric. Compared to Billabong’s swimwear, which fits on the smaller size, this romper is true to size, so no need to worry about sizing up or down — but the sizing itself is limited.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: S–L | Material: Cotton | Colors: 3
Best Linen: J. Crew Linen-Cotton Beach Shirt
What We Love: The linen-cotton blend means the shirt is both durable, breathable, and cool to wear.
What We Don’t Love: It’s slightly sheer.
You get the best of both worlds in this beach shirt. But, we’re not just talking about its above-the-knee length or comfortable relaxed style — we’re referring to its breezy linen-cotton blend. Cotton, as you’ve already guessed, is super lightweight and soft to wear, but linen will keep your body temperature cool all day. Although linen tends to be heavier than cotton, the linen-cotton blend in this beach shirt balances it out. It also means the shirt benefits from the durability of linen and the breathability of the cotton. The material alone should convince you to “add to cart” immediately.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: XXS–3X | Material: Linen, cotton | Colors: 5
Best Sweater: La Blanca Slouchy Hooded Sweater Cover-Up Tunic
What We Love: The material is thick enough to wear outside the beach, yet cool enough to wear after a swim.
What We Don’t Love: If you're tall, this sweater might be too short.
For those cool nights near the shore or for a carefree summer, there’s nothing more beachy than a sweater and bikini combo. Take this hooded knit cover-up, for example. The woven material makes it suitable for the beach without feeling too thick or heavy after a swim. But, it's also thick enough to wear casually while running errands or grabbing brunch. One of our favorite details from the sweater is the hemline, which is high at the front and low at the back, and flatters the mid-thigh length and cozy flow of the dress.
Price at time of publish: $69
Size: XS–XL | Material: Polyester, rayon, elastane | Colors: 2
Best Caftan: Echo Double Gauze Maxi Caftan with Lace
What We Love: The lightweight material will keep you cool.
What We Don’t Love: We wish it was available in individual sizes.
The brand describes its caftan as “light as air” simply because of its double gauze cotton fabric. If you’re unfamiliar with what the term means, double gauze refers to two thin layers of cotton sewn together to form a soft, fluffy, and slightly airy fabric. It also gives clothing a “crimped” and “woven” look with the same cotton feel. We love the ocean- and beach-inspired shade range of this caftan — a mix of pastels and neutrals — which will look on trend for years to come. The maxi length and oversized fit will keep you covered and away from the sun, but it might be difficult to find your proper size given there are only two options. Pay close attention to the size guide before purchasing.
Price at time of publish: $99
Size: S/M-L/XL | Material: Cotton | Colors: 4
What to Keep in Mind
Fabric
When it comes to packing, our experts recommend sticking to lightweight materials. "Silk, cotton, and linen blends are lightweight in your suitcase and breathable, so you won't sweat in them," says Brand. "Crochet is great if you want more of a fashion statement — I love Albus Lumen's crochet maxi dresses." We also suggest toweling because it's super absorbent and keeps you cool, as does silk, thanks to the fabric's natural properties. Silk and mesh tend to stain easily, though, so you'll want to be mindful of sea salt and sweat marks.
Color
There are no hard and fast rules for color when it comes to beach wear. Hot hues are great for punctuating your outfit, especially if you tend to stick to muted hues. Tropical tones and desert shades are popular this season and tie-dye is a summer failsafe but ultimately, the tip is to choose something true to you, whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, and consider what will go best with your swimsuit.
That said, vacations are a great opportunity to step away from your everyday uniform, so if you've been wanting to try this season's saccharine shades, a Pepto-Bismol pink scarf that you can double-up as a sarong is an easier way to tackle the trend than a full-length frothy pink dress. Fashion blogger Catherine Mhloyi, who describes herself as "a fat Bratz doll" suggests customizing your beachwear to give it "a little something extra". Tassels are Mhloyi's embellishment of choice but the trick is to try whatever feels good for you.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you tie a bathing suit cover-up?
Despite being based in East London, the aptly-named House of Sunny exudes coastal cool, so it's no surprise they've nailed nine different ways to style a sarong. A quick trip to TikTok offers even more options, thanks to the handy #sarongtiktokchallenge. In short, have fun playing around and seeing which way you find most flattering or interesting. You can also alter the tie fastening depending on how much coverage you want. If you're going on vacation, switching up how you tie your cover-up is a great way of breathing new life into an outfit that saves on packing multiple options. Plus, it helps you avoid dodgy tan lines. Keep your cover-up handy and tie it around your bag or your head (yes, really) when lounging by the pool. And lest we forget Carrie styling her scarf as an arm cuff. Fashion is quick to pitch clothes as 'versatile', but in this case, the moniker rings true.
Why Shop With Us
Mischa Anouk Smith is a full-time freelance writer based in London, who covers all things fashion and beauty for the commerce team at InStyle. As a fashion editor and writer, she has profiled prominent industry figures and attended an array of fashion week events, working with and interviewing emerging designers. She also has a degree in Fashion Journalism from the University of Creative Arts, London. Madison San Miguel is a former commerce writer for InStyle. Together they tested and researched the best cover-ups and consulted experts on what to look for.
Related:The 24 Most Flattering One-Piece Swimsuits of 2023 For The Pool or Beach
For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on InStyle.
