All Articles Swimsuit cover-ups that take you from the beach to the beach bar

Swimsuit cover-ups that take you from the beach to the beach bar

Don't forget to pack this vacation staple.

By Casey ClarkJun 8, 2023 3 minutes read
Models wearing swim cover-ups

A vacation is a great excuse to buy very specific items that you probably don’t need in your day-to-day life. Case in point: swimsuit cover-ups. It's a piece of clothing that you rarely find yourself searching for in your closet, but always seem to be missing when your annual family beach week rolls around. Well, no more.

We’ve curated a list of nine stores that sell a wide range of stylish and comfortable cover-ups, from pants and shorts to maxi dresses, kaftans, and sarongs. Find your favorite (or buy a few!) and you can easily go from pool to patio or beach to bar with one simple solution.

SummerSalt

From $55

Summersalt leopard wrap shorts
Summersalt fishnet sarong
Leopard wrap shorts (L) and fishnet sarong (R) from Summersalt

SummerSalt is known for its popular color-blocked one-piece swimsuits, but the brand also sells a wide range of cover-ups, from dresses and tops to skirts, wrap shorts, and fishnet sarongs. Similar to the brands other pieces, its cover-ups are made from environmentally friendly materials like lightweight recycled charmeuse and luxe voile fabric sourced from sustainable forests. Cover-ups at the female-founded company come in sizes XS–2X and myriad colors and patterns, from hot pink and emerald green to polka dots and florals.

CupShe

From $15

Cupshe white cover up shirt dress
Cupshe crochet cover up dress
White cover-up shirt dress (L) and crochet cover-up dress (R) and from Cupshe

CupShe has beach style on lock, so naturally the brand’s selection of cover-ups is wide ranging. You’ll find long sarong-like skirts, flowy tunics, even jumpsuits. Opt for a classic white cover-up this season and take your pick of material—they have options in woven knit, lace, and crochet. While CupShe sells plus-size swimsuits, most cover-ups are only available in sizes S–XL.

Target

From $15

Target terry cloth cover-up
Target cover-up pants
Target terry cloth cover-up (L) and cover-up pants (R)

Target is a must-shop before any summer vacation. You’ll be able to pick up just about anything you might need—towels, sunscreen sticks, a new beach read—including a swimsuit cover-up. The mass retailer carries styles from nearly 15 different brands including Anna Cole, Lands’ End, Swim 365, Wild Fable, and Aqua Green. Consider a pair of wide-leg flowy pants (sizes S-3X) or a long terrycloth hoodie (sizes 10-36). Sizes vary based on the brand, but Target has a wide range, spanning XS–3X.

Nordstrom

From $35

Tommy Bahama cover-up from Nordstrom
Good American mini sarong
Tommy Bahama cover-up (L) and Good American mini sarong from Nordstrom

If you want name brands at cheaper prices, browse over 900 swimsuit cover-ups at Nordstrom from brands like Tommy Bahama and Good American. Filter by price (there are some spendy designer options, like a $650 Balenciaga wrap), size (XXXS-4X+), material (options include chiffon, mesh, and 100 percent cotton), even neck style and occasion.

Eloquii

From $65

ELOQUII Twist Front Coverup Skirt
ELOQUII Dramatic Tie Front Coverup Dress
ELOQUII Twist Front Coverup Skirt (L) and Dramatic Tie Front Dress (R)

Eloquii’s collection of cover-ups will make you feel like a beach goddess. The plus-size retailer (sizes 14-28) offers long, flowing options in tropical colors. The brand's latest collaboration with Gabi Fresh offers vibrant hues, like this sunset ombre dress, eye-catching patterns (we’re loving this wavy green and pink-lined number, and flattering cuts that you can wear to the beach or by the pool.

Bare Necessities

From $30

Bare Necessities Elan crochet cover-up
Bare Necessities Luna Bay Kaftan
Elan Crochet Cover-up (L) and Luna Bay Kaftan (R) from Bare Necessities

Whether you want full coverage or something that shows off your swimsuit, Bare Necessities has plenty of options. Pick from kaftans, rompers, mini sarongs, as well as crochet pants and cardigans, to mix and match to find coordinating styles for every suit you own. Bare Necessities carries both straight and plus sizes from S–L and 14W–24W.

Aerie

From $20

Aerie chiffon cape
Aerie pool-to-party cover-up
Aerie chiffon cape (L) and pool-to-party cover-up (R)

Aerie’s cover-ups are so fashionable and chic they can double as everyday clothes. Whether it’s a floral chiffon cape or this pool-to-party cover-up, these pieces work just as well poolside as they do for a casual dinner. The loose-fitting garments are both forgiving and flattering, so you can feel like your best self all trip long. Most of the coverups are available in sizes XXS–XXL or in ‘one-size-fits-all.’

Swimsuits For All

From $11

Candance Braided Cover Up Maxi Dress
Candance Braided Cover Up Maxi Dress
Swimsuits For All Candance Braided Cover-up Maxi Dress

There’s nothing better than a classic cover-up dress to take you from a day on the beach to an evening on the town. Swimsuits For All is home to a large selection of loose-fitting maxi-dresses, like this white scoop neck and this chic black jersey knit number with a deep V neck, to wear over a one-piece or bikini. Not a fan of dresses? You’ll also find beach pants and button up shirts available in sizes 6–24.

Torrid

From $30

Midi Terry Cloth Wrap Beach Dress
Midi Terry Cloth Wrap Beach Dress
Midi Terry Cloth Wrap Beach Dress from Torrid

Available in sizes 10–30, Torrid’s range of cover-ups offer fuller coverage as opposed to a more see-through mesh material. Options range from terry cloth beach shorts, wrap dresses, and rompers. Torrid also sells beach accessories like flip flops, panama hats, and sunglasses so you to complete your look.

Casey Clark
Casey Clark is a writer who covers travel, beauty, mental health, and commerce. She has been a writer for nearly three years and has been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, TripSavvy, Travel + Leisure, PEOPLE, TODAY, and more. She visits Disney World often and knows all of the latest tips and tricks for how to have the best vacation. Casey attended Hofstra University and graduated magna cum laude with a journalism degree and minors in public relations and creative writing.