How to Wear a Beach Coverup

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 References

A beach coverup can be a handy addition to any wardrobe. A coverup may be necessary to do things like entering beachside stores or restaurants after swimming. You can opt for a full coverup, like a dress or sarong. You can also try something to cover up your top if you're wearing swim shorts. If you have a swim top that resembles a shirt, cover your lower body with things like shorts and baggy pants.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing Full Coverups

1
Try a shirt dress. A shirt dress is a dress that looks something like a longer t-shirt. This can be great for a casual beach look. You can go for a looser, flowing shirt dress. You can also opt for something like a button-down shirt dress that will be more form-fitting.^{[1]
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- Shirt dresses come in a variety of different styles and patterns. Choose a fun pattern you like, like stripes or leopard print.
2
Wear a sarong for versatility. A sarong is a long, loose-fitted piece of fabric you can style in a variety of ways. A sarong is great because it provides versatility. You can tie the sarong differently for different looks throughout your day at the beach.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- You can create a loose dress with a sarong by wrapping it around your chest. Then, take the two ends and tie them around your neck to secure the sarong, creating what sort of resembles a halter top.
- Try tying two ends of the sarong around your chest. Then, wrap the rest of the sarong around your body a few times. Tie the ends together when you run out of fabric to create a form-fitted dress.
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3
Opt for a caftan. A caftan is a long, loose flowing dress. It can work great for a beach cover if you want something less revealing. It's easy to throw a caftan on over a damp swimsuit if you want to go out for lunch or do some shopping.^{[3]
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- Caftans can come in solid colors or patterns. You can choose any design caftan that works for your style.
- As caftans are big enough to cover your entire suit, it's not necessary to match your caftan with your suit's color or design.
4
Experiment with different dresses. When it comes to dressed, you have many different options if you go this route as a cover up. A variety of longer, looser dresses can work great for a cover at the beach.^{[4]
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- A crepe dress is a lightweight dress that comes in a variety of bright colors. It can be great over a damp suit, as it allows your suit to dry as you walk along the beach.
- Try a convertible dress. These dresses can either be worn as a full dress or a skirt. If you're unsure whether you want full coverage, bring a convertible dress to the beach.
- A maxi-dress is always a nice choice for the beach. It can easily be slipped on and off and will cover your suit.
- Try a sundress. This is a fitting style for a summer day that can be slipped on over your swimsuit.
5
Try a romper. A romper can easily fit over a swimsuit. It is also slightly more form-fitted than dresses. If you choose a romper, choose a lightweight material that will let your swimsuit dry underneath.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- The one downside to a romper is they can be somewhat cumbersome. It can be difficult to take them on and off and go to the bathroom.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Tops as Coverups

1
Wear a tunic over your suit. A tunic is a large and loose shirt that hangs down below the waist. A large, loose tunic can easily be worn over a swimsuit. If you're wearing beach shorts, think about getting a tunic to throw over them. Keep color and pattern in mind. If you can see your shorts popping out underneath the tunic, it's best to opt for a complimentary color.^{[6]
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- Remember to go for lightweight material. This allows your suit to dry under your coverup.
2
Look for a form fitted t-shirt. If you want something a little more stylish, opt for a form-fitted t-shirt to throw on over your suit. Make sure to choose a material that is water resistant, as this shirt will be pressing against your swimsuit. Rash Guard t-shirts, for example, can be made to match a suit.^{[7]
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3
Drape a poncho over your suit. A large poncho is big and baggy enough to cover a swimsuit. If you're looking for a more casual cover, invest in a sizable poncho. Ponchos come in a variety of styles, so you can experiment with things like patterns and colors.^{[8]
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- Lightweight material usually works best for a beach look, as it allows your suit to dry underneath.
4
Opt for a long, loose jacket. A jacket can be easily worn over a swimsuit top. Opt for a longer, looser jacket made from a lighter fabric. Go for a cover up jacket without buttons or zippers that can simply be wrapped around your suit when you want to cover up.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Selecting Bottoms as Coverups

1
Try long, loose pants. Get a pair of long and loose beach pants. Drawstring or elastic wait pants can be a great cover when you want to slip away from the beach for a bit or if you get cold.^{[10]
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- Baggy pants come in a variety of styles and patterns. Look for something that matches your swim top. A patterned swim top would go great with solid colored pants and vice versa.
- Opt for waterproof or semi-waterproof materials, like mesh pants.
2
Use a wrap. You can buy a light wrap to cover your lower half at most department stores near the swim gear section. Wraps are easy to slip on and off as you wish at the beach. They come in a variety of textures and styles.^{[11]
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- Cotton wraps are good for chilly days, but you can also get a mesh, spandex, or crochet wrap.
- Match your wrap to your swimsuit top. Pick a matching color and complimentary pattern.
3
Wear shorts. A simple pair of shorts can be thrown on over your swim bottoms to take a break from the beach. Drawstrings or elastic waist shorts are great for the beach as you can slip them on and off easily. Shorts can give you a fun, sporty vibe when worm with your swim top.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What's the best swimsuit for women in 2020?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

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I think the most flattering option for a lot of women is going to be swimsuits with a high waisted bottom, since it accentuates the tiniest part of your waist. It kind of slims your stomach down.
Question

Are one-piece swimsuits in?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

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They can be! I like the one-pieces that have a super plunge because they tend to be very flattering.
Question

What's the best way to cover up if I'm a little bigger?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

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I would say if you are a little bit heavier on the bottom and you want to cover that, a cute sarong is a great option. There are also these cowboy chap kind of things but they're see through and they have cool details on the side. Those are super in right now too