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19 Swimsuit Cover-Ups for Living Your Best ‘White Lotus’ Life This Summer

Don’t forgot the SPF

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white lotus swimsuit cover ups UNI
Abby Hepworth for PureWow

A fabulous trip to a 5-star resort in Thailand may not be in the cards for me this summer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still get a taste of White Lotus luxury while lounging at the community pool in NYC. The key is all in finding the best swimsuit cover-up to match your existing swimwear collection. For some that means finding bright, bold colors to go with your favorite tropical florals, while for others it means combining solid pieces to create a unique color combination all your own. Whatever your beach or pool aesthetic, I’ve got you covered—literally. Here, 19 incredibly chic swimsuit cover-ups that would surely garner compliments from even the coolest White Lotus guests.

Wondering Where to Buy Swimsuits Online? Here Are 26 Brands PureWow Editors and I Love


A breezy shirt dress is always a good idea when you’re sitting poolside, and Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint couldn’t agree more. “I love that this guy is loose and breathable, but still provides a lot of coverage so I don't feel naked if I end up in an ice cream shop on my way home from the beach,” she tells me. The gorgeous black eyelet lace leaves just enough to the imagination, while still providing plenty of airflow so you won’t get sweaty or have to wait ages for it to dry after a dip. Just know, it’s recommended this beauty be hand washed.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: S to L
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester

Embody the beauty of a beachside sunset with this pink, orange and purple ombre stunner. It’s made of a stretchy mesh that’s reportedly incredibly comfortable, as well as quick to dry. And the low neckline plus side cutouts allow you to show off the colors of your one-piece underneath, or add some sexy pops of skin if you’re a bikini gal.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: US 6/8 to 26/28
  • Materials: 93 percent polyester, 7 percent spandex mesh

Available in three gorgeous floral patterns, this plunging maxi dress is as elegant as it is comfortable. The back features an adjustable crisscrossing cord that then wraps around the waist with delicate beading on the ends. And despite the lightweight feel, the material is not nearly as sheer as you might imagine, allowing you to dress it up for dinner after an afternoon by the pool, if you like.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to L
  • Materials: viscose

Copied straight from Chelsea in The White Lotus season three, this cutout mini dress is the perfect combination of glam and beachy. The metallic patches lend a ‘70s disco vibe, while the beige crochet is classic poolside attire. The back is also adjustable with a tie behind the neck and a corset-inspired lace-up detail to secure the bust.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: S to L
  • Materials: 58 percent microfiber acrylic, 37 percent polyvinyl chloride, 4 percent polyester, 1 percent polyurethane

There’s a reason this brightly-hued stunner is a major best seller, and it’s not just the gorgeous (and trendy) color combination. According to reviews, the length is just right—not too short, not too long—to provide full coverage without feeling dowdy. Many even mention wearing it as a dress on hot summer days to get double the use. Reviewers also suggest this cover-up runs a little big, but the fabric doesn’t have much stretch, so keep that in mind when deciding which size to add to your shopping cart.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XXS to XXXXL
  • Materials: 100 percent linen

If you prefer pants to a dress or tunic, try this floral mesh pair by Hutch. The fabric is lightweight with a ton of stretch for extra comfort. And it’s just sheer enough to feel sexy without being too overt. I can practically feel the tropical breeze already…

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to 3X
  • Materials: rayon/nylon blend

Associate Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott is a big fan of Monday Swimwear, and now she has her eyes set on a chic cover-up to match. “The quality and versatility are top tier,” she explains. “The cover-ups are effortlessly designed to go with the swimsuits, so throw it on and go and look fab.” This particular mini is made of a soft, sheer knit with a metallic ring detail at the bust for a hint of glamour. Note: The brand recommends going up one from your usual size for a more comfortable fit.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: P to VVV (approximately US 0/2 to 16/18)
  • Materials: 100 percent Rayon

Once you learn how to tie a sarong in any which way you can imagine, you’ll learn it’s by far the most versatile swimsuit cover-up out there. Tie it loose around your hips, twist the ends behind your neck to make a halter dress or drape it over your shoulders for an easy faux cardigan. This Auga Bendita pareo has the added benefit of a vibrant pattern, meaning it’s sure to pair well with just about any bathing suit in your collection, whether you’re into bright prints or neutral solids.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: one size
  • Materials: 100 percent viscose

I’m fully obsessed with Left On Friday’s bathing suits, and have to say, the cover-up options also truly live up to the hype. This particular set is made of a super-soft linen that can be worn both on and off the beach. The shirt is a fabulous oversize cut, plus the long sleeves save my arms from sunburn, and the shorts are roomy and easy to pull on, especially with that adjustable drawcord waistband. Now the only thing left to do if choose which of the seven colors you want to add to cart first.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: S/M or L/XL for the top; S to XL for the shorts
  • Materials: 100 percent linen
lane bryant best swimsuit cover up

Another dreamy ombre option, this adjustable mini is even more stunning IRL. The waist can be tightened or loosened to create your ideal silhouette, and the fabric is incredibly airy and breathable. Plus, I love that the V-neckline is not so low that it gives away the whole farm. Add to that the fact that this beauty is under $100 and we’ve got ourselves a winner!

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: US 10/12 to 30/32
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester

Shine bright like a diamond the sun in this canary yellow stunner. The two gold pieces of hardware at the front elevate this otherwise super simple silhouette, giving it a majorly luxurious vibe. And the flowy fit is incredibly comfortable. Layer it over a matching yellow bathing suit to amplify the attention-grabbing color.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester

Made of breezy cotton, this maxi-length cover-up offers full coverage without ever feeling stuffy. It features a rope trim with ties at the neckline and slits on either side of the hem for maximum breathability. And the blue-and-white print is sure to look just as fabulous over a neutral-toned bikini as it will over super-bright hues.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XXS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

13. House of Harlow 1960 Saskia Pants

House of Harlow 1960

Another fun pair of pants to layer over your bathing suits is this terracotta-colored pair from House of Harlow 1960. The lace is made of 100 percent cotton and has some stretch, though not a ton, according to reviewers. They also note that these pants generally run big, so you may want to go down one size from your usual.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XXS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

This mesh mini is giving me major Chloe vibes (the resident White Lotus fashionista), and is incredibly flattering thanks to that fun ruching at the hip. “I'm obsessed with it,” raves one 5-star reviewer. “[The fabric is] sheer to make it breezy, but not completely see through you feel uncomfortable walking around in public in it.”

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to L
  • Materials: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent elastane

Speaking of Chloe, she wore this exact sarong-inspired skirt for a hang by the pool with new BFF Chelsea. Even better? It’s currently 40 percent off! The color and print will stand out from the sea of tropical florals and intensely bright shades you so often see in beachwear, and the stretchy material is reportedly very comfy. (P.S. This solid purple version will give you a super similar look for just $80.)

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide:
  • Materials:

My favorite cover-ups are those that you can literally toss on over anything, no adjustable ties or fiddly buckles in sight. And this maxi provides exactly that, while looking wonderfully chic at the same time. It’s currently available in three colors, brown, black and the guacamole green pictured above, and reviewers say the fit is very generous, so you may want to go down a size (or possibly two) from your usual when ordering.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XXS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

17. Marie Oliver Ariel Pants

Marie Oliver

With a wide, adjustable waistband, slits at the ankles and deep pockets on the hips, it’s no wonder these pants are best-sellers. They’re made of 100 percent cotton and are ever-so-slightly sheer to allow your bathing suit to show through. There are even numerous matching swimsuits to buy too, if you want a head-to-toe coordinated look that’s guaranteed to ring in all the compliments.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

Give your swimsuit collection a boho boost with this crocheted cover-up adorned with multi-colored flowers. Reviewers say it’s breezy, comfy and great for both pool and beach days. Some even mention throwing it on over a matching slip for a night out on the town. Most reviewers say this beauty fits true to size, but be sure to double check the size chart before you order.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: US 10 to 30
  • Materials: 100 percent acrylic

Classic, comfy and goes with everything—this crochet maxi checks all my boxes for the ideal cover-up. I love that it features an open back and has thicker trim at the neckline and arm holes to better help this maxi hold its shape. P.S. It also comes in black or white if you prefer a different neutral hue.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Guide: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton

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  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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