
For years, denim shorts have been the default answer to the question of what to wear over a swimsuit. They’re practical, easy to throw on, and likely already sitting in your closet. But after spending time scrolling through Instagram, browsing new arrivals, and observing what stylish women are actually packing for vacation, one thing has become abundantly clear: swimsuit cover-ups have officially evolved beyond basic sarongs and oversized tees.
This season’s offerings are polished enough to wear beyond the beach and cool enough to rival your favorite summer outfits. Think crochet dresses that double as dinner attire, wide-leg pants that look effortlessly elegant with a bikini top, breezy matching sets, and elevated caftans that channel the kind of ease associated with a South of France getaway.
If you’re ready to retire your denim cutoffs—at least temporarily—these are the swimsuit cover-ups worth adding to your suitcase this summer.
Cover-Up Pants Are the New Beach Essential
If there’s one swim trend poised to dominate this summer, it’s cover-up pants. Airy, comfortable, and undeniably chic, they offer a more elevated alternative to denim shorts while still being just as easy to style.
Playa Lucila
Wide Leg Pants
Coverup pants are set to havve a moment this year.
A shell print worth noting.
J.Crew
Embellished Balloon Pant
This is giving model off-duty.
Crochet Is Still Going Strong
From intricate hand-crocheted dresses to matching skirt sets, crochet continues to reign supreme in the resort-wear category. The texture instantly adds interest to even the simplest swim look.
Ulla Johnson
Tula Coverup Dress
The perfect combination of summers biggest trends—crochet and sheer.
My Beachy Side
Olea Hand Crocheted Dress
This color combination is heavenly.
superdown
Lacen Crochet Skirt Set
A beach party has nothing on this set.
The Vacation Dress You’ll Wear on Repeat
The best cover-up dresses are the ones that seamlessly transition from beach chair to dinner reservation. These versatile styles will quickly become the hardest-working pieces in your suitcase.
Hill House Home
The Enella Tunic
The kind of dress you’ll want to pack for every trip after wearing it once.
Lisa Marie Fernandez
Poet Mini Dress
Every detail on this has me wowed.
Show Me Your Mumu
Paula Pullover
If you like color, this one is for you.
Matching Sets Make Getting Dressed Foolproof
Coordinated cover-ups eliminate all the guesswork. Whether it’s a crochet set or a swimsuit-and-cover-up duo, these pieces ensure you’ll look polished with minimal effort.
I’ve worn the shorts in this little crochet set before and love them.
Bananhot
Bowie Wide Leg Pants
Oseree
Lumière embellished beach cover-up
The little embellishments are the best part.
The Return of the Elevated Kaftan
A little print moment goes a long way.
Monday Swimwear
Kokomo Kaftan
Styling this with pants is the ultimate power move.
If you thought caftans were just for your Mom, your seriously mistaken.
More coverups worth packing:
Once reserved solely for poolside lounging, today’s kaftans feel fashion-forward thanks to modern silhouettes, sheer fabrics, and thoughtful details that make them suitable far beyond the beach.
Shani Shemer
Rebecca Mini Dress
This shade of burgundy is a dream.
Pair this with a contrasting color bikini for a good look.
Free People
Neptunes Net Sarong
The easiest thing you’ll ever pack.
Pucci
Mixed Print cotton beach cover-up
Gear up yet another swimsuit coverup.
Monday Swimwear
Montego Mini Tie Dress
This gold fabric is quite eyecatching.
LE BOP
Camille Maxi Dress
I need this in both colors.
Effortless and versatile.
Hot pants are trending this summer.
Monday Swimwear
Fiji Tunic
Just one button-down shirt goes a long way.
Taller Marmo
Ido Mini Beach Dress
Polo Ralph Lauren
Boyfriend Long Sleeve Cover-Up Tunic
You can style this on the same trip with a skirt or pants for a nice dinner.
O’Neill
Zoey Sheer Cotton Cover-Up Mini Sundress
This gives surfer girl vibes in the best way.
BP.
Open Stitch Cover-Up Minidress
There’s just something about crochet.
J.Crew
Sadie Beach Dress in Cotton Voile Marigold Block Print
Throw this on on the way to the beach and then dress it up at night.
J.Crew
Relaxed-Fit Beach Shirt in Linen-Cotton Blend
You’ll see stylish women in the south of france wearing this all season long.








