The Best Beach Cover-Ups to Wear on Your Summer Vacations

A colorful matching set that’s easy to pull on and off is one of the best cover-ups for any summer trip. Not only are they vibrant and fun for vacation, but they’re versatile enough to rewear throughout the trip—and even act as PJs in a pinch.

A classic poplin cover-up set is always in style—and for good reason. You’ll look well put-together and polished wearing this button-down whether you’re reading by the pool or wearing it with denim shorts on your way to shop.

L.Space’s crotchet knit top and skirt set is feminine and fun for an island getaway. It offers a relaxed fit, so nothing will feel too tight—ideal in the event that you find yourself sunburned.

Another one of our favorites from Solid & Striped is this cotton fun set with an eyelet pattern. (Just be sure to keep reapplying sunscreen throughout the day while wearing this.)

My favorite thing about this oversized two-piece set: the price tag. It’s affordable and the classic look won’t be going out of style anytime soon. The casual and versatile set is available in over a dozen colors.

If you’re looking for something cute and colorful for a last-minute beach trip, we recommend this $40 Amazon set. These comfy shorts and button-down top have a relaxed fit and are easy to pack tightly in your carry-on.

I wore this under-$40 crotchet cover-up from Amazon to Montauk last summer for a girls trip. It kept me covered up enough to wear to lunch after a day at the beach, while still being breathable enough to keep me from overheating. It’s available in more than a dozen colors, from neutrals like white, cream, and black to bright pink, orange, and blue.

Lulu’s beige cover-up hits about mid-calf, offering a bit more protection from the sun—if you’re planning to spend a full day by the water, this might be a good option. Style it with a pair of sandals, a raffia beach bag, and some gold jewelry.

We love Farm Rio for its bold, vibrant colors and patterns. This flowy floral maxi is a statement piece for any tropical vacation and can be effortlessly tied in the back for a comfortable fit.

This colorful sheer cover-up from L Space isn’t technically a dress, but it’s easy to slip on and tie in the front if you’re quickly running to grab a drink at the bar and don’t want to stroll up in your bikini.

We turn to Quince for affordable, well-made travel basics, like this 100% organic cotton cover-up. The high neckline covers your chest from too much sun, while the material is light and airy to keep you comfy. Choose from three neutral hues: black, white, or beige.

If you prefer a floor-length cover-up to wear to lunch, this fitted silhouette has you covered. Even with its length and full sleeves, your colorful bikini can still peek through. This Amazon find is available in a dozen colors, from beige and black to orange, pink, green, and more.

This lightweight, textured dress is perfect for a bride-to-be headed on their bachelorette weekend. Details like its mesh pointelle, scalloped hem, and nearly floor-length silhouette make it a true statement piece.

For something a little bit unique, this crotchet maxi dress is intricately designed with a detailed pattern, cutouts in the front, and a long slit on the leg. This allows a colorful bikini to peek through, while still feeling a bit more covered up.

If you’re shopping for a cover-up before a last-minute getaway, opt for this soft beach dress that’s eligible for Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping. It’s lightweight, breathable, and fully covers your bum.

A chic swimsuit cover-up doesn’t need to break the bank. Case in point: This $30 crotchet knit cover-up from Amazon that looks more expensive than it is and comes in all your favorite colors.

Here’s a sleek cover-up that I’m sure Meredith Blake would wear poolside. The slightly fitted midi is so flattering and will look great paired with your favorite black sunnies and floppy hat.

What we love most about sarongs for the summer, aside from how easy they are to tie on and off, is how versatile and packable they are. They roll up tightly in a corner of your suitcase or weekender, and can be worn as a skirt, scarf, or wrapped around your shoulders in a pinch. This one from Monday Swimwear comes in tons of bright colorways.

Colorful, patterned sarongs are even more fun. This cotton and silk blend wrap can be worn as a poolside skirt or as a scarf if it gets a little breezy at night.

Throwing on a brightly colored beach sarong like this one is an easy way to spice up a basic white or black swimsuit. Simply tie this around your waist for a walk along the water or to grab a drink at the beach bar.

No matter where I’m headed in the summer, I always toss a packable mini sarong like this in my tote bag. This is usually what I keep on throughout the beach day so that I’m a little bit covered up and can walk around more comfortably.

This stylish sarong with a high leg slit and crochet fabric is perfect for that girls trip to Cabo. The 100% cotton material will keep you cool, while the fun and sexy silhouette looks great over any swimsuit.

Another Amazon favorite: this long bamboo cotton sarong that looks much more expensive than it is. Choose from two different lengths and over a dozen colors, including light blue, brown, pink, white, and khaki.

Farm Rio’s floral sarong is just the thing you’ll want to slip on for a tropical vacation. And thanks to its black and white colorway, it’s neutral enough to match any bikini.

If you’re headed on a luxury vacation this summer, we recommend packing Monday Swimwear’s Santa Marta crotchet sarong. This lightweight wrap-style skirt is incredibly chic and easy to slip on and off.

Poolside skirts and shorts are also a great option to slip on with your bikini top. Our top pick is Summersalt’s best-selling ruched swim skirt that is flattering on every body type. Available in a variety of colors, it’s designed to match Summersalt’s core swimsuits and is made with the same waterproof material, so there’s no need to worry about getting it wet after a swim (or wearing it in the pool).

These high-rise shorts are easy to slip on for a game of beach volleyball or frisbee. Made with 100% linen, they’re naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating to keep you cool.

For a shorter style, the Lulus Pier to Pier swim skirt has you covered. It will match any swimsuit you’re wearing and is small enough to keep rolled up in your beach bag just in case.

Another one of our favorite pool skirts from Lulus is this sheer crotchet cover-up. This curve-hugging skirt is very flattering and takes up virtually no space in a beach bag.

If I’m planning to spend most of my day tanning in the sun, I’ll throw a beach pant in my tote bag and wear it with my bikini top. When there’s not much shade around, an airy pant like this one offers some extra sun protection and keeps your legs a bit more covered—especially helpful if you’ve already fallen victim to a sunburn.

I have my eye on these mid-rise, wide-leg pants from Abercrombie for pool days this summer. Made with 100% cotton, they’re lightweight and breezy while keeping most of your legs covered.

These ultra-soft cotton silk blend pants feature ribbed stitching for a more relaxed, flattering look and feel. These are offered in classic black or a cream color, both of which will match any bathing suit you pack.

These patterned knit pants are another great option when you want a little more coverage than a skirt or short can offer. These feature a mid-rise, wide-leg fit and an elastic waistband.

If you only have room to pack one versatile cover-up, let it be this cotton button-down. It’s the one essential I never travel without—I’d wear this over a bathing suit, with denim shorts, or layered over a dress if it gets chilly at night.

This bestseller from Lulus is extremely oversized, so you’ll be covered up and protected from the sun without feeling too hot. Pair it with some big sunglasses and earrings for a sleek and stylish pool ’fit.

If you want something a little bit longer that fully covers your bum, we love this linen shirtdress from Calzedonia that lands just above the knee.

Quince’s linen shirt dress has racked up over 500 reviews and a perfect five-star rating. It’s made with a breathable, lightweight material and offers a relaxed, comfortable fit.