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Girls just want to have sun: These swimsuit cover-ups will keep you protected on your next beach trip

Let the beach be your runway.
Woman with a swimsuit coverup at the beach
Courtesy Jewel Elizabeth

Whether you're hitting purchase on that plane ticket for a spring break getaway or planning for a much-anticipated beach resort vacation, days of poolside relaxation and reveling in the sun are soon to come — and we're here to help you prepare a chic closet for when that time finally rolls around. After all, what's more stylish than sitting by the water with a cocktail in hand while fielding compliments about your newest swimwear cover-up? Absolutely nothing.

These affordable cover-ups will protect your skin from the sun while catching everyone's attention. We know you can never have enough options for yourself, so that's why we found plenty of the hottest cover-ups on the market — including one option that won a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award!

What material beach cover-up is best? | What length cover-up is best for your body? | Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winner | Short cover-ups | Long cover-ups | Cover-up separates | Editor picks | How we chose | Meet the experts

Best beach cover-ups

What material beach cover-up is best?

Are you ready to strut your stuff on a white sand beach, but looking for a little extra coverage? Choosing the right swimsuit cover-up may be overwhelming, but don't fret!

"When it comes to choosing the best fabric for beach cover-up, comfort, breathability, and quick-drying properties are important factors to consider," says personal stylist Charline Zeroual. "You want your fabrics to be light and airy because they should work to keep you cool," she says.

Zeroual recommends the following materials when searching for your ideal cover-up:

  • Cotton: "Cotton is one of the most common fabrics for beachwear. It is a natural and sustainable fabric that is breathable and comfortable to wear in warm and humid weather," Zeroual explains. "It is soft, breathable, and absorbs moisture well, which is great for beach activities. Cotton fabrics like chambray or lightweight cotton blends are my favorite choices for beach attire," she continues.
  • Linen: "Linen is a natural fabric known for its durability, breathability and lightweight feel. It allows air to circulate, keeping your body cool and comfortable even in hot weather," says Zeroual. "Linen also dries quickly, which is very practical when it comes to beach attire," she explains.
  • Gaze: "This natural material is super soft and breathable, perfect for beach attire," says Zeroual.
  • Mesh: "Mesh fabric is often used in beach cover-ups, swimwear, and accessories. It is lightweight, breathable, and allows air and water to pass through easily, keeping you cool and comfortable," explains Zeroual. 

Doreen Brennan, who is the senior vice president of design and brand strategy at Cupshe, is also a fan of breathable fabrics that are soft and comfortable when it comes to cover-ups. She says that "100% cotton, 100% linen super soft jerseys or rayon blends and knits are great!" Brennan continues, "Not only do you look good, but you also feel super comfortable in these fabrics."

What length cover-up is best for your body?

The good news about cover-ups is that they are extremely versatile and cater to many shapes and sizes. "For women with a larger bust: a cinched tunic or a kimono can give a bit of coverage while highlighting legs," recommends Zeroual.

"If you have a smaller bust, try a fun romper to flatter your body, or pair cover-up pants with a bikini top. If you’re looking for a plus-size cover up, consider a fun tank dress or a shirt dress," Zeroual suggests. "If you’re looking for a petite cover-up look for a maxi dress to elongate your figure," she says.

Brennan recommends investing in a mini length cover-up, a midi length coverup, and a maxi dress coverup. Why? "That way, you can always be comfortable and fit for the occasion; for instance, a maxi dress is great for the beach and then for the bar," explains Brennan.

Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award winner

L.L. Bean Hooded Tunic Sand Beach Cover-Up

What we like
  • Feminine ruching
Something to note
  • May run small

Award: Best Overall Beach Cover-Up | Category: Beach Cover-Up

For commerce photo editor Kara Birnbaum, a trip to the beach often means a sunburned scalp. But thanks to the included hood on this cover-up, that problem is now eliminated. With its with UPF 50+ rated material, the style is designed to protect you from head to knee against harsh sun rays. Plus, it comes in six colors.

"The dress feels very high quality as well and feels like a good length," says Birnbaum. "The zipper length is nice because it allows you to either be modest or show off a little, which most cover ups are normally the extreme of either."

Top-rated short swimwear cover-ups

Cupshe Oversized Boat Neck Cover-Up

What we like
  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • May run on the big side

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Knit

Whether you're lounging by the pool or building castles in the sand, this boat-neck cover-up will surely make you stand out. With its oversize fit, this long-sleeved option is not only comfortable, but it's also super stylish with its drop shoulder and cut-outs.

Misfay Casual Swing Tank Beach Cover-Up

What we like
  • Comfortable fabric
  • Versatile
Something to note
  • Can stretch easily

Colorways: 45 | Sizes: XS-3X | Material: Rayon, spandex

Over 8,000 Amazon reviewers gave this casual cover-up a five-star rating, with many raving about its versatility and flattering fit. Wear it to the beach, poolside or on any warm day. It comes in over 40 colors, sizes up to 3X and even has pockets!

Bathing Suit Beach Dress

What we like
  • Comfortable
  • Good coverage
Something to note
  • May shrink or wrinkle

Colorways: 30 | Sizes: S-3X | Material: Rayon

Shirt-style cover-ups are extremely versatile, and this lightweight rayon version with 15,000+ verified five-star ratings is no exception. It’s longer in the back — ideal for those who want more coverage — and reviewers love that it dries quickly. It's available in dozens of colors and patterns, from tie-dye to vibrant prints to pretty solids, along with sizes up to 3X.

J. Crew Fringe Tunic Cover-Up

What we like
  • Quality fabric
Something to note
  • A little short

Sizes: XXS-3X | Material: Cotton

Nothing says vacation like this fringe tunic cover-up from J. Crew Factory, courtesy of the detailed dashes of color throughout. Lightweight, breezy and stylish, pair with some supportive sandals and a sun hat to complete the look.

Coolibar Navia Cover-Up UPF 50+

What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • Runs big

Colorways: 4 | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Material: Polyester

UV protection fabrics are slightly more expensive, but worth it for the peace of mind. This breathable, stretchy, kimono-style swim cover-up offers sun protection and is ideal for those who want a little more length. Its empire waist and flattering pleating make this purchase a no-brainer.

Coolibar Women’s Shoreside Swim Cover-Up Dress UPF 50+

What we like
  • Silky material
Something to note
  • Can run big

Colorways: 7 | Sizes: XXS-3XL

Coolibar’s UPF 50+ beach cover-up dress is a great way to protect your skin and look chic on the beach (not to mention fully embrace the coastal grandmother style). The dress’s eye-catching patterns will also make everyone turn their heads.

Madewell Lightspun Cover-Up Mini Shirtdress

What we like
  • Lightweight fabric
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Material: Cotton

For a simple beach look, try this white mini shirtdress cover-up from Madewell. After a dip in the pool, you can relax in the dress's soft cotton that is made ethically with the help of the Better Cotton Initiative.

Bleu Rod Beattie Caftan Style Cover-Up

What we like
  • Lightweight
Something to note
  • Sheer

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: S-L | Material: Polyester

Stay cool (and cute) in this chic knee-length caftan. With a flattering deep V-neck, cinchable tie front and pompom trim, you’ll be all covered up — but sure to get noticed.

Tommy Bahama Embroidered Tiered Up Dress

What we like
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton

The beach just became your runway with this slip-on dress from Tommy Hilfiger. This stylish cover-up features elbow-length sleeves, pintucks and tassels to help make you the most stylish one on the beach.

Top-rated long swimwear cover-ups

Bsubseach Long Beach Cover-Up

What we like
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 53 | Sizes: One size | Material: Viscose

Essentially acting as a super-long cardigan, this loose cover-up is made with comfortable rayon fabric, has breathable three-quarter sleeves and comes in 50+ colors and patterns.

Raviya Front-Slit Cover-Up Dress

What we like
  • Lightweight
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: S-XL | Material: Rayon

This deep draped V-neck cover-up dress is giving Greek goddess vibes. It's perfect for a poolside dinner or late picnic at the beach with a cocktail in hand.

Augas Santas Black and White Striped Swim Cover-Up

What we like
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • Sheer

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Rayon

This chic boho style features a lightweight weave with an empire waist and handkerchief hem, which can be particularly flattering on taller frames. Plus, you’ll want to wear this long after the sun goes down.

L*Space Kenzie Cover-Up

What we like
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • Thin fabric

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: XS-L | Material: Rayon

High tides, good vibes and an amazing dress: Show off tan lags with this luxe, high-side maxi, available in black and white.

Elan Deep V-Neck Cover-Up Maxi Dress

What we like
  • Drawstring waist
Something to note
  • Unlined

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Rayon

Show off a little bit of sun-kissed skin in this Grecian-style cover-up. Gathered shoulders and a drawstring waist add a modern edge to the classic maxi dress.

Top-rated swimwear cover-up separates

Eicolorte Beach Sarong Pareo

What we like
  • Versatile
  • Great coverage
Something to note
  • May be long

Colorways: 36 | Sizes: One size | Material: Polyester

This highly rated wrap is available in both long and short versions and offers quick, easy coverage for your bottom. Even better, there are so many colors to choose from that you can coordinate with just about any swimsuit. To note: It’s a semi-sheer, thin fabric, so don’t expect it to be opaque.

Women's Kimono Cover-Up

What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Covers arms
Something to note
  • May seem short

Colorways: 43 | Sizes: S-5X | Materials: Polyester

For a flattering and budget-friendly option, consider this No. 1 bestseller in Amazon women's swimwear cover-ups. It’s less than $20, comes in 43 different patterns and colors and currently holds over 41,000 verified five-star ratings.

Women's Smocked Waist Side Slit Cover-Up Pants

What we like
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: S-L | Material: Rayon

Available in black and white, these beach pants from Kona Sol have a wide, split-front hem for ample movement and air flow.

Shop TODAY editor-loved cover-ups

Venus Bandeau Dress- NEW

What we like
  • Comfortable
  • Fashionable
Something to note
  • May run long

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: XS-3X | Material: Polyester

Associate editor Allie Wise has been ordering beach cover-ups from Venus since she was a teenager. This bandeau dress is her absolute favorite due it's stylish design and flattering fit. Allie isn't the only one who is a fan of this cover-up as a whopping 94% of customers on the brand's website would recommend this flirty frock to a friend.

Mara Beach Pant with Side Slits

What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Fun patterns
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: 6-24 | Material: Rayon

Associate editor Lauren Witonsky refers to these as the "comfiest, airiest beach pants you will ever wear!" Not only do these pants offer inclusive sizing, but they also come in three unique colors and patterns.

"Sometimes I even wear them out at night during the summer since I love the side slit style so much," Witonsky says.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best beach cover-ups for this story using a few methods: enlisting the recommendations of a personal stylist as well as a swimsuit brand executive, combing through top-rated user reviews and selecting shopping editor favorites.

Meet the experts

  • Charline Zeroual is a French sustainable personal stylist based in Los Angeles.
  • Doreen Brennan is the senior vice president of design and brand strategy at Cupshe.