Like salt and pepper, black and white, and Posh and Becks, swimwear has a natural BFF in a cover-up.
They’re an essential of any holiday wardrobe, taking you from beach to bar in almost as much time as it’ll take to slip into your flip-flops.
Typically made of lightweight fabric, they’ll allow air to flow freely through to a damp swimsuit or bikini, giving it a chance to dry while offering an appropriate level of coverage that won’t land you with an indecent exposure charge (the holiday souvenir absolutely no one wants).
The category spans a number of styles, from beach dresses to kimonos and kaftans. They’re usually loose and free-flowing with plenty of room to manoeuvre, but if you’re worried about dressing your curves there are plenty of plus-size options in the mix too.
While a white linen shirt will always have a place in our wardrobe, shopping for a beach or poolside cover-up is your chance to have a little more fun with your look. Opt for a white embroidered robe complete with tassels to channel chilled Balearic vibes, or look to clashing colours and graphic designs if you’re after something more statement.
Not sure where to begin? Have no fear; we’ve rounded up the best-looking options to add to basket now.
From glamorous floor-skimming designs to cute separates to pair with swim pieces, get ready to tick one more thing off your pre-holiday to-do list.
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ASOS DESIGN Curve ruched long sleeve plunge crinkle beach maxi dress in khaki
Sizes: 16 - 30
Dial up the glamour whether you’re on a beach or at a five-star resort with this crinkle maxi dress. The perfect outfit to throw on and go over a one-piece or bikini, it’ll look as good in the sun as it will dancing into the wee hours.
The low-v neck is super flattering while the thigh-high split offers a sexy flash of skin without being OTT. Add some gold jewellery and stylish flats, and you’re good to go.
Buy now £32.50, ASOS
River Island Plus Cream Lace Cover Up
Sizes: 18 - 28
Offering a vintage aesthetic, this dreamy cover-up is the perfect throw-on for both swimsuits and bikinis with plenty of lace panelling to keep air flowing - no danger of winding up a clammy mess in this. While it’s labelled as a cover-up, there’s nothing stopping you from teaming the look with jeans, leggings or even a maxi skirt to channel laidback 70s style.
Buy now £45.00, River Island
Karen Millen Plus Size Shirred Bodice Midi Dress
Sizes: 18 - 24
A little white dress is a summer classic, and you can add the look to your vacay capsule collection thanks to Karen Millen. The brand has this darling midi dress on sale with a square neckline that’s made for wearing over a bandeau or strapless swimsuit.
Buy now £70.00, Karen Millen
Boden Maxi Empire Beach Kaftan
Sizes: 6 - 22
If you’re one for all-black swim ensembles, a cover-up is your chance to inject some colour into your poolside style. Boden’s kaftan offers a splash of sunny colour with a multi-hued paisley print on top, allowing you to team it with a host of accessories. The lightweight fabric is semi-sheer so won’t feel oppressive layered over damp or dry swimwear.
Buy now £75.00, Boden
Boden Linen Kaftan Maxi Dress
Sizes: 6 - 22
Linen is the perfect fabric to wear in the summer, keeping you cool and comfortable as the temperature rises. Swap an oversized white linen shirt for this kaftan-style maxi, covered in a refined nautical stripe for good measure.
The elasticated empire waistband and wrap-style neckline are flattering, especially on larger cup sizes and the skirt sports thigh-high splits to help ventilation without flashing too much skin. The best bit? This option comes with pockets! An excellent option for beach and bar-hopping.
Buy now £110.00, Boden
Monsoon Ikat print maxi kaftan
Sizes: S - 2XL
Turn heads for all the right reasons with Monsoon’s fabulous kaftan, covered in a magenta Ikat print to distract from the fact that it’s so sheer. The boho style is finished with contrast trims and embellishments as well as a matching self-tie waist to keep the silhouette floaty yet cinched. We like the cut-out details across the tops of the shoulders, which will help keep you cool when the mercury spikes.
Buy now £56.00, Monsoon
Monsoon Metallic tassel kaftan dress green
Sizes: S - 2XL
Monsoon’s fun and floaty beach kaftan dress is crying out for a tropical island holiday with gold accents woven into the design to catch passing rays. The piece has fluted sleeves and a flared skirt to keep things breezy when it’s sweltering or you’ve got a wet swimsuit on underneath, while the rich green colour means it won’t go completely see-through when it’s damp.
Buy now £85.00, Monsoon
We Are We Wear Plus sarong in animal print
Sizes: One size
Show off your wild streak with a classic sarong in a winning leopard print. Simply wrap around the waist and tie to the side for quick and easy coverage whether you’re heading back to your sunlounger or to the bar for another refreshing drink.
Buy now £13.00, ASOS
Tropadelic Jaquard Mini Beach Dress
Sizes: 12 - 32
A fun print for party people, this cute mini beach dress is perfect for sipping piña coladas by the pool after doing a few lengths. Dress it up with gold-trim espadrilles and stacks of gold bangles to be ready for the night after a hard day’s sunbathing.
Buy now £35.00, Simply Be
Figleaves Fantasy Cotton Scalloped Maxi Dress
Sizes: 8 - 20
The perfect dress to slip into when you’ve had your fill of sea, sun and sand, this tiered maxi is finished with a red scallop edge border with a cut that will flatter all body shapes. Made from 100 per cent cotton, a natural textile famed for its breathability, it’s a sophisticated look to whip out on hot summer days.
Buy now £45.00, Simply Be
Joanna Hope Beach Kaftan
Sizes: 12 - 32
Worried about how you’re going to fit all your clothes into an under-seat bag? Keep to rigid airline luggage rules and still slay on the beach thanks to Joanna Hope’s design. The monochrome look with partner beautifully with black, white and cream swimsuits while sprinkling a bit of palm-themed pattern into the mix.
It’s a super-thin piece made from polyester, so will not only pack down well but will dry very quickly too. Exactly what you want if you’re planning a pre-flight dip on the way home.
Buy now £36.00, Simply Be
Live Unlimited Mono Animal Print Mesh Jersey Cover Up
Sizes: 12 - 28
Move freely between the water and the bar, restaurant or back up to your hotel suite without feeling self-conscious thanks to Live Unlimited's cover-up. The full-length piece comes in a chic monochrome colourway with a twist at the front for coverage over the chest.
Buy now £69.00, Live Unlimited
