Although sunning in a swimsuit has its appeal, the swimsuit cover-up is a humble holiday staple with immense value. It may not evoke the same excitement, but it's a practical, stylish option that completes a holiday capsule. The kaftan has long been a firm favourite for holiday goers. Now, swimsuit cover-ups are increasing in demand, and the styles are becoming more varied year on year.
Maxi-length crochet knits are the prime contender right now. They've firmly settled into the beachwear category as open weaves are better suited to the tropics. These styles in sweeping lengths have shaken up beachwear as we once knew it.
Whether you need protection from sweltering rays, a transitional beach-to-dinner piece, or a free-flowing frock, you'll be pleased with the extensive cover-up offerings this year. Swimsuit cover-ups come in a host of designs and fabrications. This summer, aside from the crochet knit, the most predominant style is a silk sarong, which can work as a halterneck dress, a bandeau or, of course, a traditional wrap-around skirt.
Cotton-gauze dresses are my favourite type of cover-up, and I tend to squeeze the most wear out of them. They're suitable for hot temperatures and loose-flowing for maximum comfort. Caravana is an expert at this dress style. It produces organic-looking relaxed pieces crafted with an ancient Mayan technique. Alexandra Miro is another brand to watch. It uses viscose to achieve free-flowing styles that sway in the breeze. If you have a holiday or beach day on the horizon, keep reading for my edit of swimsuit cover-ups.
Shop My Edit of Chic Swimsuit Cover-Ups
1. Shirt Dress
A polished shirt dress with twin splits for a flash of leg.
If in doubt, revert to the classic cover-up: the longline white shirt.
A breezy shirt dress you can button over a swimsuit.
An airy menswear-inspired white shirt with Ralph Lauren embossing.
Lisa Marie Fernandez's pieces are made for sweltery seasons. The billowy sleeve adds extra character.
I truly believe you can make every fashion piece work hard, including cover-ups. This dress is a prime example of a two-in-one style.
2. Kaftan
It wouldn't be a cover-up edit without Caravana. The brand has cemented its status in resortwear. This modest piece will keep you cool and stylish.
The raw hem and tassels give this style a bohemian feel.
A robe style in lightweight cotton gauze.
The humble middle-ground between laser cut and broderie anglaise with a little waist tie.
This gorgeous design is available in sizes 12–32.
3. Tunic
This is a great throw-on piece. I have a similar style that I bring out every summer without fail.
Yellow and tan pair brilliantly together. Also, flamenco sleeves let the breeze in.
Pair with a basket bag and sunnies for a full day at the beach.
One of my favourite Net-a-Porter sale finds! It also comes in blue, tan and ombre pink.
You know the transparent dresses you always wonder about? They're made for beaches. Look out for cotton voiles and gauze fabrics as they make the best cover-ups.
We're spoilt with many features here, from the embroidered trims to the tassels.
4. Pareos and Sarongs
This colour is appealing for neutral lovers venturing into colour.
A candied hue that evokes feelings of wanderlust.
LK Bennett has well and truly outdone itself with this piece. If you look after it, I think it could last forever.
This Zulu & Zephyr pareo is doing the rounds on Instagram at the moment.
A multiway style in a classic print reminiscent of designer monogrammed styles. Wear it as a dress, skirt or top!
I love a sarong as it's incredibly versatile. You can wrap it like a shawl when you're feeling chilly or wear it as a dress or skirt.
5. Crochet Dress
This multicoloured weave is stunning and very '70s.
This scallop-edged knitted piece has a timeless feel to it.
Both the colour and the exposed back detail are stunning. A truly "wow" dress by Savannah Morrow, as expected.
2022's knitted maxi was made with the beach in mind.
You can't escape the presence of open crochet weaves this season. If it's too far out of your comfort zone for daywear, you can adapt the styles as cover-ups!
The crochet cover-up for minimalists.
The crochet style can also be worn as a relaxed boxy fit.
6. Maxi Dress
Caravana pieces are beautiful. Its roster features wind-swept designs in natural fibres.
Minimalistic by name, this dress has a stunning shape and is a re-wearable piece. If you look a little closer, you can see that the texture is intricately woven.
Alexandra Miro never disappoints with resortwear. This geometric style can be taken from the beach to dinner.
A classy dress with keyhole detailing. It may be trend-focused, but it's a dress you can rely on every year.
This stunning dress belongs in the sunny climate of Mykonos with an ice-cold drink in hand and a wide-brim straw hat.
Deiji Studios nails the indoor-pieces-as-outerwear brief. This robe can be worn as anything from a dressing gown to a dress to a swimsuit cover-up.
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