18 of the Cutest Swimsuit Cover-Ups to Wear This Summer

•

Published Jun 14, 2021

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

We have absolutely no idea where the last year has gone, but somehow it’s summer again. And although we’re reeling trying to figure out where the past 12 months went, we can’t help but do a happy dance that the warmest months of the year are upon us. One of the things we love most about the season at hand? The clothes. Sandals, sunhats, sunglasses, sundresses, swimsuits (say that five times fast) and, most importantly right now, cover-ups. Whether you want an embroidered tunic to slip over your suit after a day of swimming, a flowy pair of pants to keep you warm after sunset, or a showstopping maxi dress that’ll turn heads, here are 18 of the best cover-up options to keep you looking and feeling fab all summer long.

Best Sarongs

The sarong is a summer classic. It’s so easy to wear and looks cute with practically everything. Whether you want a mini or one with a bit more length, these are the perfect way to give yourself a touch of coverage when desired.

Revolve

1. Mikoh Toyama Sarong

Simple, sweet and flirty.

Buy it ($80)

_{Available in one size fits all}

Urban Outfitters

2. Urban Outfitters Crochet Sarong

Beige crochet screams island vacay.

Buy it ($32)

_{Available in one size fits all}

Shopbop

3. Tanya Taylor Elora Sarong

This little number is basically like wearing a painting around your waist.

Buy it ($125)

_{Available in size fits all}

Best Two-piece Sets

A two-piece set is such an easy (and fun) cover-up option that you can wear long after summer comes to a close. Plus, it’s kind of like getting three different outfits for the price of one.

Frankies Bikinis

4. Frankies Bikinis Terry Shirt And Shorts

Obsessed is an understatement. Pool party meets pajama party meets the cutest set we have ever seen.

Buy the shorts ($105)

Buy the shirt ($130)

_{Available in sizes S to L}

Revolve

5. Maaji Enchanter Convertible Long Skirt And Top

Raise your hand if this makes you want to book a tropical vacation. Same. Plus, its matching top is actually a bikini.

Buy the skirt ($150)

Buy the top ($76)

_{Available in sizes S to L}

Best Button-downs

Oversize button-downs can’t be beat. They’re comfy yet cute, and so versatile. You can easily wear one with your fave shorts, or throw one on over your suit and pair with a floppy hat and sandals for that sitting-poolside-at-a-five-star-resort look.

Verishop

6. Lost + Wander Pick Me In The Desert Cover-up Shirt

Whether worn open or closed, this simple top goes with anything—a total summer wardrobe must-have.

Buy it ($75)

_{Available in sizes XS to L}

Amazon

7. Tres Chic Mailanda Button Down Shirt

This is the chic cover-up your closet has been waiting for.

$20 at Amazon

_{Available in sizes XS to L}

Best Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are one of our go-to options for, well, pretty much any occasion, but especially summer parties. Breezy and so pretty, a maxi is an easy way to elevate your ensemble. Pair with your cutest pair of sandals (or sneaks) and voila! Outfit complete.

Revolve

8. Vix Swimwear Scarf Dress

In the mood to match a sunset in Tulum? We thought so.

Buy it ($228)

_{Available in sizes S to L}

Revolve

9. Cult Gaia Cutout Dres

If you’ve been on the fashion side of TikTok lately, you’ve probably come across this dress. It’s sleek and looks oh-so chic, but is still casual enough to prance around the beach in.

Buy it ($458)

_{Available in sizes XS to L}

Shopbop

10. Clea Summer Sundress

This dress makes us happy. It’s the perfect purple summer shade and the pom poms add an irresistibly fun touch.

Buy it ($150)

_{Available in sizes XS to XL}

Verishop

11. Michael Stars Farrah Cover-up

This beauty comes in white, olive and black, and gives off major just-walked-out-of-a-commercial-for-a-tropical-paradise vibes.

Buy it ($98)

_{Available in one size fits all}

Best Tunics

Tunics are a chic and easy one stop shop where cover-ups are concerned. We dare you not to fall in love with one of these boho options...

Verishop

12. Michael Stars Holly Cover-up

We couldn’t imagine a better beachy slip if we tried. In a handful of colors, from white to bright orange, it’s impossible not to find one you like.

Buy it ($148)

_{Available in one size fits all}

Nordstrom

13.tommy Bahama Zanzibar Zebra Stripe Lace-up Cover-up Dress

You can never go wrong with a little bit of zebra print, you know?

Buy it ($115)

_{Available in sizes S to L}

Nordstrom

14. L.l. Bean Sand Beach Hooded Cover-up Tunic

The quarter-length zip and hoodie adds a nice athleisure feel.

Buy it ($70)

_{Available in sizes XS to XL}

Best Mini Dresses

Pool party at noon but dinner plans at five? Never fear, the LBD (Little Beach Dress) is here. These frocks are as versatile as they are cute, and can be worn to the beach, then bar hopping, then back again.

Saks Fifth Avenue

16. Lisa Marie Fernandez Colorblock Linen Peasant Dress

The sorbet ice cream colors and oversized poofy sleeves are such a fun combo.

Buy it ($695)

_{Available in sizes S to XL}

Verishop

15. Ramy Brook Amal Mesh Cover-up Dress

Flowy sleeves plus a deep-V equals your new favorite beach dress.

Buy it ($250)

_{Available in sizes S to L}

Shopbop

17. Lemlem Qelem Short Plunge Neck Dress

This striped number will brighten even the most overcast beach day.

Buy it ($275)

_{Available in sizes XS to L}

Best Bottoms

Whether it’s a flirty wrap skirt or a beachy pair of long pants, bottoms are ideal for showing off the top of your suit while also covering up a bit.

Madewell

17. Madewell Beach Cover-up Track Trousers

No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of linen pants. These are so easy to pull on after swimming, and are lightweight enough to wear from morning till night.

Buy it ($70)

_{Available in sizes S to XL}

Summersalt

18. Summersalt Wrap Skirt

This wrap skirt ties around your waist and immediately turns your suit into the cutest summer outfit. With bright and bold colors and a super-fun pattern, it’s a no-brainer. Take the look one step further and get the matching suit to go with it.

Buy it ($65)

_{Available in sizesXS to 2X}

Anna Smutny

Commerce Editor

Anna Smutny covered a range of beats, from fashion and beauty verticals to home decor (and everything else in between) for PureWow from 2021-2022. With a background in wedding and beauty content, she's worked with designers and beauty gurus alike, developing a trained eye for spotting industry trends a mile away. Whether you're looking for a dress to wear to your friend's wedding, are in need of some skincare recs or are simply searching for the perfect gift for your BFF, she's going to have an answer for that.

read full bio