Ultimate Swimsuit Cover-Up Style Guide:

Nothing pulls together a beachy look like the perfect swimsuit cover-up. Whether you’re heading out for a day at the beach, attending a pool party or relaxing on the lake, a cover-up is the perfect complement to your favorite swimsuit.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about bathing suit cover-ups, including:

• Why you need a swimsuit cover-up
• What are the different styles of cover-ups
• What material a cover-up should be made of
• How to flatter your body and your bathing suit with the right cover-up

Why You Need a Swimsuit Cover-Up

The first reason why you need a cover-up is practical: sun protection. While you may want to be soaking up those rays all day long, the truth is that too much sun exposure can be harmful. With a swimsuit cover-up, you can save your skin when you’re heading out to lounge around.

The second reason is that you may not always feel like a bathing suit is an appropriate outfit. If you need to walk through a hotel lobby to get to the pool, for example, or walk into the bar to place an order, throwing on a cover-up is easier than changing into a complete outfit just to take a short walk from one spot to another.

And looking put-together really does go a long way toward helping you feel good…especially when you’re not wearing much!

What Types of Cover-Ups Are There?

Whether you’re looking for a modest cover-up, a sexy bathing suit cover-up or an active cover-up, there’s something out there for your body type and style sense. The many different kinds of cover-ups available lately include:

• Featured: Miraclesuit Incan Treasure Swim Cover-Up

  Caftan Cover-Ups & Kimono Cover-Ups

  A caftan or kimono are chic choices for sun protection and modesty without skimping on style. The caftan is essentially a loose-fitting, oversized flowy dress that’s easy to accessorize, as caftans are usually offered in fun prints and patterns. If you want something even breezier, a kimono has an open front like a robe and can be kept closed with a tie belt.



• Featured: Robin Piccone Michelle Sarong

  Sarong Cover-Ups

  If you want fashion-forward resort wear that conceals hips and thighs, then check out a sarong cover-up. A sarong is a versatile piece of fabric tied around the waist to create a skirted look. You can even check out some YouTube videos on how to tie sarongs in different ways to make a signature look that’s all your own.



• Featured: Pour Moi Heatwave Embroidered Cover-Up

  Tunics

  If you’re craving something preppy and polished, a tunic is the perfect way to go. While providing shoulder (and sometimes arm) coverage, a tunic is cut short to show off your legs. Many button up, so you can decide based on the day exactly the amount of coverage you’re getting.



• Featured: Elan Off-The-Shoulder Romper

  Rompers

  These days, it seems like rompers have taken the world by storm—and with good reason! A cute romper can easily be slipped on and off over a bathing suit. Plus, romper-style swimsuit cover-ups provide some welcome respite from the sun when wearing a bikini.



• Featured: Magicsuit Cover-Up Cabana Pants

  Cover-Up Pants

  If you’re doing a bit of walking or are more inclined toward a fun, sporty look, then a pair of cover-up pants could be what you’re looking for. Made from airy, lightweight materials, they can be the perfect accessory to pair up with your newest two-piece.




• Maxis

  A maxi is a classic addition to every summer wardrobe. Generally made from a light fabric, a maxi is a long dress that hits at the ankle. In endless designs and colors, a maxi is a super-flexible summertime staple you can wear for pretty much any outdoor occasion. Dress them up with a wedge heel and some chunky jewelry, or downplay the drama with flipflops or flat sandals.

Choosing the Right Cover-Up Material

For beachwear and resort-wear, you want your fabrics to be light and airy because they should work to keep you cool. Be on the lookout for linen, cotton and breezy polyester blends. Avoid fabrics like rayon and denim, which are uncomfortable when wet.

Which Cover-Up Will Flatter My Body Type?

The beauty of the bathing suit cover-ups is that they’re so versatile, you’re bound to find one that makes you feel like a beach-blanket bombshell. Here’s a bit of can’t-go-wrong advice we swear by:

• For those with a larger bust: a cinched tunic can give a bit of coverage while highlighting legs.
• If you have a smaller bust: a fun romper can flatter the body, or pair cover-up pants with a bikini.
• If you’re looking for a plus-size cover-up: a fun tank dress could be just what you’re looking for.
• If you’re looking for a petite cover-up: a maxi dress can actually be a great way to visually lengthen the body, especially when paired with a wedge.

Find the Right Swimsuit Cover-Up at Bare Necessities

Now you know everything you need to pick the right swimsuit cover-up for your comfort level and your figure. Have fun experimenting with new styles and designs you might not try in an everyday outfit.

Start browsing our best bathing suit cover-ups.