With all the attention focused on finding the perfect bathing suit, it's easy to forget about another beach-day necessity: the cover-up. The beach outerwear piece may actually be one of the easiest items in your closet to procure. And we're here to show you exactly how to make a beach cover-up yourself.
A breezy dress, fabric shorts, or an oversize tee can all double as a cover-up at the beach. Or, if you're more of a DIY-leaning fashion lover, a few small alterations can go a long way in creating a one-of-a-kind piece. From simple, no-sew projects to alterations fit for the more experienced needleworker, you can make a cover-up with surprising ease at every level. If you're not quite up to getting crafty, keep scrolling to shop a few of our favorite (ready-made) beach cover-ups.
Read on to explore three different ways to make your own beach cover-up at every level of sewing experience, all from some of Pinterest's most popular pins.
The No-Sew Cover-Up
Not ready to bust out the sewing kit? This hack for making the perfect beach cover-up is for you—all you need is a scarf. Jean from Extra Petite found a simple solution to the lack of cover-ups available for petite girls. Using a scarf, she simply crisscrosses two ends of a scarf across her abdomen, securing it with a simple knot around her neck and pairing it with cutoffs. That's one way to put a scarf to good use during the summer.
The Light DIY
If you know some sewing basics, this DIY beach cover-up may be more your speed. A kit will come in handy here for adding straps to a yard of fabric of your choosing. Lace trim or ribbon goes a long way, along with fabric scissors and either a sewing kit or good old-fashioned needle and thread to whip this piece together. Visit Brit+Co for a step-by-step tutorial on making this beach cover-up for yourself.
The Expert Sewing Project
This adorable DIY cover-up for the craftier among us is courtesy of Merrick's Art. If you have experience sewing, give this tutorial a try—it's ready in only six steps and proves that making your own beach cover-up from scratch is easier than you think (pom-pom trim optional but highly encouraged).
Shop Ready-Made Picks
Leave it to Ganni to craft this ultra-cool beach cover-up.Available in sizes 34 to 42.
The ankle ties make this striped jumpsuit even more special.Available in sizes S to L.
Pair with a wide-brimmed sun hat and espadrilles, and you're set.Available in sizes S to L.
Gorgeous color and functional shape.Available in sizes 1X to 3X.
Nothing says beach day like a sarong.Available in one size.
Channel that seaside vibe whether you're by the shore or not.Available in sizes XS to L.
Rompers are the perfect easy outfit.Available in sizes XS to L.
These breezy pants will be a go-to.Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
We'd wear this dress away from the beach too.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Lightweight and perfect for a beach brunch.Available in sizes XS to L.
These looks like something we could take on vacation in Capri.Available in sizes XS to L.
Linen is the perfect warm-weather fabric.Available in sizes 2 to 8.
A lightweight sundress is a great solution for a cover-up.Available in sizes XS to L.
We love the detailing on this cover-up.Available in sizes S to L.
The sunflower yellow color of this dress was meant to be worn by the water.Available in sizes XS to XL.
The sleeve trim and cinched waist are perfect.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Opting for a cool cotton material when you're poolside is always a wise choice.Available in sizes XS to L.
This post was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated.