It’s finally spring break and your bag is packed, you’ve thrown on your favorite bikini or most sensible one-piece, and now there’s one final beach essential missing: a swimsuit cover-up.
Cover-ups come in all shapes and fashionable options, from fully opaque and cotton based to shield you from the sun, to mesh or knit so your bathing suit peeks out from underneath.
What to consider when buying cover-ups
According to Suzanne Bryant, vice president of women’s swim and resortwear at Tommy Bahama, there’s lots to keep in mind when investing in a new swimsuit cover-up. “Look for cover-ups that are effortless and comfortable,” she says. “Just like choosing a swimsuit, you want something that makes you feel relaxed and confident.”
Fabrics are also worth considering when choosing the right swimsuit cover-up. She recommends those that feel cool and comfortable against your skin, are breathable, quick-drying and that offer between 30 and 50 UPF sun protection. “That could be a weightless chiffon, a silky cool fabric, or the softest natural fiber cotton or linen,” Bryant says. For more functional swimsuit cover-ups, she adds that rash guards are also versatile and work well as a casual layer for cool evenings or for early walks on the beach and that rompers offer tons of styling options on and off the sand.
If you’re looking for the beach or pool deck to be your runway this spring, she says materials like terry cloth and gauze are particularly on-trend this season. While dresses have long been a popular swimsuit cover-up option, she says those with tiers at every length feel airy and are easy to wear.
Need some inspo? Stick around for the best swimsuit cover-ups, according to people who are always at the beach.
