7 Swimwear Cover-Up Styles to Try for Summer

By Tess DiNapoli

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses let you instantly turn that cute little swimsuit into a more modest outfit that is fit for dining out at almost any restaurant. They look great with a nice pair of sandals and a crossbody or clutch purse for a more elegant look. When shopping for a maxi dress to use as a swimsuit cover-up, look for materials that dry fast, like polyester. Some maxi dresses are made with a lot of material, and you don’t want it to be obvious that your suit is wet when visiting your favorite restaurant.    

Flowy Pants 

Summer dresses are great but sometimes you just want to switch things up, and flowy pants can be a fun and unique way to style your outfit. They are especially great when you’ll be swimming at the beach and doing a lot of walking around the boardwalk afterwards. When your body gets covered in a layer of saltwater and there’s no quick shower to rinse it off, the salt can cause irritation. Boho flowy pants give you a layer of protection so you can literally walk the night away as you leave the beach to go bar hopping and dancing at shoreside restaurants.

Short, Tunic Style Cover-Ups

Short tunics and short dresses are the perfect cover-up for traveling to and from the pool. If you’re taking a vacation at a nice resort with a killer pool, you’ll definitely want a cute tunic to throw on while you’re making your way from your hotel room to the pool and back. Those tiny hotel pool towels won’t cut it and you know it! They’re also great for hanging out at the poolside bar or restaurant between your hops from the jacuzzi to the main swimming area.  

Rompers

Most rompers are super easy to slide on and off, with no buttons, zippers, or ties. Plus, they give you a wide range of motion without any worries of sneak peaks. While we wish every beach, lake, and river adventure day were perfect, sometimes the wind kicks up and you wish you hadn’t worn that short skirt or dress. Rompers let you ride a bike or hike to your destination in comfort and style. And, they look nice with sandals, flip flops, sneakers, or no shoes at all!

Sheer Kimonos

Sheer kimonos give you the comfort of a robe, but let your trendy swimwear shine through as the star of the show. Not everyone wants to cover up their bod, and a sheer material lets the imagination keep on running. Sheer fabric also lets you only slightly dampen the sun’s rays, kind of like a shade from the sun. If you’re looking for another way to get a little protection, a cute sunhat and sunglasses are the perfect addition to any swimwear outfit.

Beach Kaftans

Kaftans are a style that has been worn for years in many different cultures all around the world. In America, they’ve recently gained popularity and make a stylish, yet simple cover-up that everyone will love. They are basically a long rectangle of fabric that is doubled over your front and back with a hole for your head and some stitching under the arms to hold it all together. You can find scoop necks, V-necks, and plunge necklines that add some interest to these tunics. Tassels, fringes, and pom-poms make nice details to look for in the design of the edges.

Wrap Skirts

Who needs to cover up their top? Certainly not you! Wrap skirts are the most basic of cover-ups, and they give you a cute and trendy side-slit. You can find so many different styles, patterns, and materials that will compliment your swim top. Choose from short, to midi length, or maxi style. You can also match your wrap skirt with a flowy top or tank top for some all-over coverage.

Remember, different styles of cover-ups work for different occasions, so don’t stop at just one! Grab a few cover-ups to heat things up and rock on-point styles. Summer is just around the corner and you’ll want to be prepared the minute the sun and warm weather make their appearance.   

About the Author

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.