TripSavvy Trip Planning The 7 Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups of 2023 By Alesandra Dubin Alesandra Dubin Instagram Twitter Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor specializing in travel, food, parenting, and more. As a veteran digital journalist, she’s covered lifestyle content for over 15 years. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/06/23 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. The Rundown Best Overall: Nativa Sleeveless Puebla Mini Dress at Madewell.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Back From Bali Women's Sarong Beach Swimsuit Bikini Cover up at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tunic: Swim Zip Swim Dress Cover Up at Swimzip.com Jump to Review Best Sarong: Mikoh Sarong Wrap at Shopbop.com Jump to Review Best Hooded: La Blanca Hooded Cover-Up Tunic at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Button Down: J. Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Trina Turk Poncho Coverup Caftan at EBay Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Nativa Sleeveless Puebla Mini Dress Madewell View On Madewell.com 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 Amazon View On 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 View On Swimzip.com 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 ShopBop View On Shopbop.com 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 Nordstrom View On 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 The 11 Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2023 Best Button Down J. Crew Cotton-Linen Beach Shirt J. Crew View On Jcrew.com 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 The 12 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2023, According to Frequent Travelers Best for the Beach Trina Turk Sunrise Rainbow Stripe 25th Anniversary Poncho Coverup Caftan Ebay View On 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. The 11 Best Beach Bags of 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 7 below.