The 7 Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups of 2023

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Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups

Trip Savvy / Brian Kopinski

Flip-flops: check. Sunnies: check. Swimsuit: check. And don't forget a great cover-up (or two) among your packing essentials for a beach trip! Swimsuit cover-ups come in a huge range of styles and silhouettes to suit every occasion and flatter every body type. Think tunics, maxi dresses, jumpsuits, kaftans, rompers, and wide-leg pants. From breezy casual to downright dressy, these options take you from the beach to dinner in flawless style. Our ultimate shopping guide considers each swimsuit cover-up's material, fit, and packability, and it includes feedback from a wide range of stylish bloggers and frequent travelers to help you find the best option.

Best Overall

Nativa Sleeveless Puebla Mini Dress

Nativa Sleeveless Puebla Mini Dress

Madewell

What We Like
  • Hand embroidered

  • Lightweight

  • Can be used as streetwear

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • Air dry only

This peasant dress is equally easy to wear as a swimsuit cover-up and as a dress. They are lightweight for comfort under the sun and have a cheerful look that always gets noticed. This Fair-Trade cotton version is made by artisans in Mexico.

Price at time of publication: $90

Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: Cotton

Best Budget

Back From Bali Women's Sarong Beach Swimsuit Bikini Cover up

Back From Bali Women's Sarong Beach Swimsuit Bikini Cover up

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comes in various colors

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • Sometimes fabric comes flawed

A sarong is one of the most versatile packing essentials ever. You can wear it as a cover-up, sit on it at the beach, or even dry off with it. "It doesn't get much better than a sarong for a beach cover-up," says Cierra Loflin, digital nomad and chief marketing officer at Zodiac Guides, who recommends this budget-friendly, generously sized option that comes in 20 colors and prints. "I love to use them as a dress, skirt, or even a beach blanket."

Price at time of publication: $20

Sizes: One size | Materials: Rayon

Best Tunic

Swim Zip Women's Half Zip Swim Dress Cover Up

Swim Zip Women's Half Zip Swim Dress Cover Up

Swim Zip

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Has UPF protection

  • Comes in various colors

What We Don't Like
  • Not recommended if looking for looser fit

Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com who regularly travels for work and leisure, calls this wardrobe staple her "favorite" cover-up. "It's UPF 50+, super comfortable, and flattering—all priorities for me in a cover-up," she says. "I bring mine with me on any trip where there will be water and have done so for years now. They are available in several colors, including solids and pretty patterns. They are the perfect length for the pool or a beachside cafe and also great for paddle-boarding in!"

Price at time of publication: $75

Sizes: XS to 3X | Materials: Nylon, spandex

Best Sarong

Mikoh Toyama Sarong Wrap

Mikoh Toyama Sarong Wrap

ShopBop

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Versatile

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • Air dry only

This lightweight maxi-length sarong in basic black or white has a low-key elegance, perfect for dressing up or down. The non-stretch gauze piece is 100 percent cotton with raw edges.

Price at time of publication: $98

Sizes: One size | Materials: 100 percent cotton

Best Hooded

La Blanca Slouchy Hooded Sweater Cover-Up Tunic

La Blanca Slouchy Hooded Sweater Cover-Up Tunic

Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Comes in various colors

  • Affordable

  • Can be used as streetwear

What We Don't Like
  • Not machine-washable

Think of this cool cover-up as a hoodie for the beach. The black-and-white-striped knitted pullover has a drawstring hood attached—ideal for breezy conditions when you slide some jeans over your swimsuit as the day turns to the evening.

Price at time of publication: $69

Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: 69 percent polyester, 28 percent rayon, 3 percent elastane

Best Button Down

J. Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt

J. Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt

J. Crew

What We Like
  • Comes in various colors

  • Great for work trips

  • Machine-washable

What We Don't Like
  • See-through

This linen-cotton button-down style cover-up is sure to be a favorite. It’s slightly sheer, so it shows a little skin and a bikini top underneath. But the button styling makes it feel pulled together—and even professional for a business trip. It comes in 10 patterns and solids.

Price at time of publication: $90

Sizes: XXS to 3X | Materials: Linen, cotton

Best for the Beach

Trina Turk Sunrise Rainbow Stripe 25th Anniversary Poncho Coverup Caftan

Trina Turk Sunrise Rainbow Stripe 25th Anniversary Poncho Coverup Caftan

Ebay

What We Like
  • One size fits all

  • Versatile

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • Not machine-washable

Trina Turk’s whole vibe is the essence of vacation: the bright colors, the lively patterns, and the Palm Springs aesthetic. This oversized caftan-style cover-up features a neckline you can wear three different ways: V-neck style, boatneck, or off the shoulders.

Price at time of publication: $135

Sizes: One size | Materials: Viscose

What to Look for in a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Material

While some luxury cover-ups are delicate and require careful handwashing (think silk), most shoppers look for a cover-up made from material that is durable, breathable, fast-drying, and lightweight—such as polyester or cotton. "When I look for swimsuit cover-ups, I try to find items in breathable fabrics that are versatile," Tenise says. "I usually don't opt for anything too sheer so that I can wear the same cover-up on travel days or if I'm running errands around town."

Fit

Many cover-ups are made in loose-fitting styles, such as kaftans and flowing dresses, which appeal to comfort and breathability. Some styles (such as Asa Kaftan) even offer one-size-fits-all pieces that are easy to buy online and share with friends. But consider a more form-fitted silhouette if you’re going for a dressier look or a more body-conscious style.

Packability

If you're traveling to a beach or resort destination, choose a cover-up that's lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and easily compressible within your luggage. "Having multipurpose items is ideal while traveling to save space in your luggage," says Loflin. "Sarongs fold up small and barely take up any room but have so many uses!"

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What’s the best cover-up when traveling?

    When considering swimsuit cover-ups for travel, look for something lightweight and versatile. A sarong easily earns its real estate in a suitcase: It’s light and can also be used as a head wrap, beach blanket, and skirt. A maxi dress in a solid shade is also great for dressing up for dinner.

  • What are the best ways to wear a sarong as a cover-up?

    There are tons of ways to wear a sarong as a cover-up. Tie it around your waist like a skirt. Twist it into halter straps for a dress. Tie and tuck under the bust for a strapless look. However you wear it, "I recommend finding a color and pattern that matches your eyes and skin color, so you look truly radiant," Loflin says.

  • Can I wear a swimsuit cover-up as street clothes?

    Absolutely, travel influencers say. And choosing a cover-up that doubles as a street wardrobe is a great way to save space while packing and traveling light. “When looking for cover-ups, I always shop for pieces that can double as streetwear to help reduce space in my suitcase,” says Whimsy Soul’s Harms.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Alesandra Dubin is a frequent traveler to beaches, pools, and resort environments. As a travel and lifestyle writer for work and leisure, she's experimented with many cover-up styles and silhouettes for occasions from ultra-casual to work-appropriate.

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