Trust Me, These Are the Best Beach Cover-Ups to Elevate Your Summer Swimwear

Holiday season is officially here, and so whether you’re jetting off somewhere sunny, or holding out for a heatwave closer to home, you’ll undoubtedly be thinking about your summer holiday wardrobe.

While swimwear is most likely high on your holiday shopping list, there’s one key item you may not have considered—but trust me, it’s the best way to elevate your pool or beach attire to new levels of chic. Enter: the beach cover-up, an underrated item that’s received a bad (and in my opinion, unwarranted) reputation in the past.

Commonly regarded as the item you simply chuck on to make your way to the cocktail bar after peeling yourself off your sun lounger, the beach cover-up is often an afterthought. It's a necessity as opposed to a conscious fashion choice—or, at least, that's how it has been historically regarded.

This season however, I'm calling for you to rethink what you know about beach cover-ups. I'm here to show you why they should be a key and considered part of your summer packing list.

Firstly, in 2025, the beach cover-up comes in all shapes and styles—think easy-wearing kaftans, linen shirts and beach dresses. It doesn't stop there, however: this year the Y2K revival continues seeing the sarong and even the swim skirt become the ultimate pairing for both swimsuits and bikinis alike. And, for those who want a little more coverage? Beach co-ords are back on the rise in linen, cotton and even crochet for a more statement look.

So, what are you waiting for? Don't leave your beach cover-up to the last minute. Read on for our edit of the best styles to shop now. Trust me, your summer wardrobe will thank you.

The Best Beach Dresses

Easy to throw on yet offering maximum impact, beach dresses are, in my opinion, some of the best beach cover-ups to opt for. A playful mini will look great paired with sandals for summer days out, while a maxi will elevate your look meaning nobody will suspect there's swimwear underneath.

The Best Beach Robes

If you're someone who likes a beach cover-up for its ease, you'd be hard pressed to find something better than a robe. Simply layer on like you would a jacket, and you'll be set for whatever you have planned.

The Best Kaftans

A hybrid between a beach dress and a robe, kaftans offer a loose, relaxed fit while still delivering amply on the style front. Tap into their boho feel in a paisley or floral print or try a block colour for something more statement.

The Best Beach Shirts

Beach shirts are the ultimate versatile beach cover-up, doubling as both an easy swimwear topper and a chic button-down depending on the occasion. Opt for lightweight linen to ensure you aren't left overheating, especially if you go for a long sleeve style.

The Best Sarongs

Right now we can't get enough of 90's and 00's inspired pieces and so it should come as no surprise to hear the sarong has made a comeback. The great thing about these designs is you can tie them in different styles to suit your tastes - mini, maxi, anything goes. You can either tie them as a top with a pair of linen trousers for an interesting styling hack.

The Best Beach Co-Ords

Lastly, if you want a beach cover-up with a sense of polish, you need a co-ord. This year, the best beach co-ords come in many different forms, from shirt and short sets to crochet two pieces, so you'll be sure to find one to suit your tastes.