Summer Must-Haves: The Best Beach Cover-Ups for Your Vacation
A good beach cover-up takes you from the sand to lunch without changing. It should be light, easy to pull on over a swimsuit, and flattering on your shape. Here's our guide to the best beach cover-ups for women and plus size beach cover-ups: the main styles, how to choose one for your body type, and our favourite pieces in sizes S–XL and 1X–3X.
The best beach cover-up styles
1. Kaftans
A kaftan for women is the classic beach cover-up: loose, with wide kimono sleeves, and long enough to wear to lunch. Most Gypsie Blu plus size kaftans are one size that fits 1X–3X with a 52-inch length, like the green tropical bird kaftan and the turquoise bohemian floral kaftan.
2. Rayon crepe cover-ups (S–XL)
Soft, light rayon cover-ups that layer over swimwear. Choose the white rayon cover-up, the black rayon cover-up, the turquoise rayon cover-up or the beige and gray stripe cover-up with 3/4 sleeves.
3. Plus size printed cover-ups (1X–3X)
Bright polyester prints made for plus sizes: the multicolor tropical floral cover-up, the white toucan print cover-up, the multicolor cover-up and the green floral cover-up.
4. Short kaftans and tunics
A 36-inch tunic is a short kaftan that works as a quick cover-up over a swimsuit or shorts, like the orange ombre paisley tunic.
5. Maxi dresses and tube dresses
A light maxi dress or tube dress doubles as a cover-up and an evening outfit. See our maxi tube dress guide.
6. Sarongs
A sarong wraps as a skirt or a dress. It's the most packable cover-up, though it needs tying and re-tying through the day.
Turquoise cover-ups
Turquoise is one of the most popular beach colours: it looks bright against tanned skin and blue water. Try the turquoise rayon cover-up (S–XL), or in plus size the turquoise bohemian floral kaftan and the turquoise gold paisley kaftan (one size 1X–3X). More in our blue kaftan guide.
Plus size beach cover-ups
For plus size women, the best swimsuit cover-up is made for your size, not a stretched "one size fits most". Look for a stated size range, sleeves that cover the upper arm, and enough length to feel covered. Our plus size kaftans and printed cover-ups fit 1X–3X (US 16W–26W). See our kaftan size guide.
- Coverage: a 52-inch kaftan for full coverage; a 36-inch tunic for a shorter look.
- Sleeves: 3/4 kimono sleeves cover the upper arm and add sun protection.
- Prints: medium-sized tropical or floral prints are flattering and hide sand and splashes.
- Shape: add a thin belt at the waist for lunch or dinner.
How to choose a beach cover-up for your body type
- Pear shape (wider hips): a kaftan or A-line cover-up that skims the hips, with detail at the neckline.
- Apple shape (fuller middle): a loose kaftan with a V-neck that flows from the bust without clinging.
- Hourglass: a kaftan with a drawstring or a belt to show your waist.
- Rectangle: a tiered or belted cover-up to add shape.
- Petite (5'4" and under): a tunic or shorter cover-up, or a maxi with sandals that add a little height.
- Tall: a full-length maxi kaftan or maxi dress.
Button kaftans at the beach
Our button kaftans have buttons all the way down the front, but they open only to the bust, so they pull on over the head like other kaftans. They don't open fully like a robe; wear them as a dress over your swimsuit.
Best fabrics for cover-ups
- Polyester: light, quick to dry and machine washable.
- Rayon crepe: soft and drapey with a light texture.
- Cotton: soft and breathable; see our cotton kaftans.
- Satin: for a dressier beach dinner; see our satin kaftans.
How to style a beach cover-up
- Beach: flat sandals, a straw hat, sunglasses and a big tote.
- Beach to lunch: add a belt and earrings.
- Beach to dinner: swap to dressy sandals and a clutch, or change into a satin kaftan.
- Cruise: pack one cover-up per two beach days. See our cruise kaftan guide.
More packing help: the ultimate resort wear packing list, what to wear in Hawaii and our resort wear guide.
Beach cover-up FAQs
What is the best cover-up for a plus size woman?
A kaftan made for your size, with sleeves and a long length. Ours are one size that fits 1X–3X.
What sizes are your cover-ups?
Our rayon cover-ups come in S–XL; our printed polyester cover-ups and plus size kaftans fit 1X–3X. Check each product page.
Can I wear a cover-up as a dress?
Yes. Kaftans and longer cover-ups work as dresses for lunch, markets and dinner.
What's the difference between a kaftan and a cover-up?
A kaftan is a loose dress with wide sleeves that you can wear anywhere; "cover-up" describes anything you wear over a swimsuit, including kaftans.
How do I wash a cover-up?
Hand wash or machine wash, then hang to dry. Rinse out salt water and sunscreen after the beach.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock styles arrive in 6–11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12–18 business days, with free US shipping.
