What to Wear Over a Swimsuit: 15+ Stunning Ideas

By Shelby Bonner Jun 11, 2023

Whether on a beach or a backside pool, swimsuit coverups are a must to keep you comfortable and cool.

There are a variety of different clothes you can wear to cover up your swimsuit that will let you effortlessly transition from swimming to other activities whether it's curling up with a good book or going out for dinner.

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What is a Coverup?

A coverup is an article of clothing that is easy to throw over your swimsuit. Coverups are made of lightweight fabric that dries quickly and is often sheer and loose to provide comfort and breathability.

Why Wear a Coverup?

A coverup is a great way to go from the water to your next activity without having to officially change. They provide an additional layer to keep you warm and help protect you from the sun.

Plus, with so many different options to choose from, you can easily rock your style for whatever your next activity is.

Sarong

A sarong is a large versatile scarf that can be worn in many different ways, including wrapped around your waist as a skirt or wrapped around your chest or shoulders as a dress.

Sarongs are compact and portable, making them easy to throw in your bag and take with you. Find one that is made from lightweight fabric such as cotton or linen that won’t overheat you and will dry quickly.

Check out these sarongs.

Shirtdress

A shirtdress is a loose, easy way to cover up your swimsuit. With so many different colors and patterns, you will surely find one that fits your style.

Want to add some shape to it? Add a belt around your waist and show off that figure.

Check out these fair trade dress options.

Shorts

Shorts are one of the easiest ways to cover up your bottoms. Choose a wide-fitting pair with a drawstring waist for maximum comfort and movement.

Want something more dressy? Go with a nice denim pair for a fitted look. Pair with a fun top, and some sandals and you are ready for your next event.

Try out these affordable short options.

Pants

Want more protection than shorts? Look for wide-leg pants with an elastic waist that is made from a light material like cotton. Go with a solid neutral color that you can pair with anything, or have some fun with bright colors and patterns.

Why not try a pair of pants made from recycled material?

Skirt

A skirt is the perfect choice for the hot weather. A loose midi or maxi skirt will help protect you from the sun while also keeping you stylish.

Keep it casual with a t-shirt and slip-on shoes, or go more formal with a blouse and a pair of wedges. Regardless of what you choose, a skirt will keep you comfortable and breathable.

Don't break the bank with these skirt options.

Maxi Dress

Choose a maxi dress for an easy way to cover up your top and bottom at once. Dress it up with a piece of jewelry like a necklace and earrings.

Still, feeling cold? Maxi dresses are easy to layer with leggings underneath or a sweater or blazer overtop.

Discover these maxi dresses.

Kimono

A kimono is like a large piece of fabric with arms that is lightweight and loose making it ideal to throw over your swimsuit. There are so many different ones to choose from with a range of details and patterns you are sure to find one that matches your needs.

Take a look at these kimonos.

Tunic Dress

A tunic dress is a simple, loose dress that covers your shoulders and goes all the way to or past your knees. It is easy to throw on and can be kept simple, or dressed up with accessories like jewelry and belts.

Find one that is made from light material like cotton or linen and you will be ready for the beach.

Try out these dresses.

Caftan

Caftans are long and loose with sleeves and an open front, making it a perfect way to cover up while still showing your bathing suit. If you want more coverage, use a sash or belt to close your caftan up.

Make an impact with a bright, bold pattern to create the wow factor.

Try out a cotton caftan.

Crochet Top

What screams summer if not crochet? A crochet top is a great, sheer way to add a layer and texture to your outfit. It can be casual or classed up depending on your need.

Check out these crochet tops.

Oversized Button-Up Shirt

Go simple with a white or light oversized button-up shirt. It's a great choice for any event. Want more coverage from the sun? Button it up all the way. Want to show off your swimsuit? Leave it open.

Check out these ethical button-up shirt options.

Poncho

Ponchos aren’t just for winter. Pick one with lightweight fabric and you will have top and bottom coverage that won’t restrict your movement.

Wear with a pair of sandals, or add pants for more coverage.

Check out more poncho styling ideas.

Romper

A romper is a cool, easy way to put on a full outfit with just one piece. With the number of choices out there, you are sure to find one that complements your style and your bathing suit.

Stay cool in these cotton rompers.

Zip Up Sweater

For an easy, effortless coverup, why not try a zip-up sweater or hoodie? It's easy to put on and take off, and you can easily zip it up for more coverage, or keep it unzipped to show off your bathing top.

Why not try an oversized zip-up sweater to act as a full-body cover-up?

Try out these sustainable sweaters.

Jumpsuit

Pick a loose, bright, patterned jumpsuit to cover up during the day or a neutral-colored one to class it up for dinner at night.

A jumpsuit provides full body protection while still being loose and breezy. Plus, it's easy to add accessories to.

Check out these jumpsuits.

Cardigan

A cardigan is a casual, loose choice to layer over your swimsuit directly, or with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Make sure to choose light, breathable fabric and you will be ready to go from morning to night.

Try out these sustainable cardigan choices.

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About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.