When you live in a tropical country like the Philippines, you are surrounded by humidity and heat. And when summer comes rolling in, temperatures skyrocket even more—and suddenly, everybody is rushing towards the closest body of water, packed with every essential, from sunscreen to swimsuit cover-ups.
When talking about cover-ups, people often think that they are just plain tunics and clothーbut they aren’t. They are versatile, trendy pieces of clothing that can elevate any beach outfit. So if you need help picking out the perfect cover-up, take a look at our buying guide below, reviewed by fashion stylist Samantha Tidalgo, as well as our top recommendations for cover-ups you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Swimsuit Cover-Ups
Samantha Tidalgo is a former magazine editor with 15+ years of experience working as a creative consultant and stylist for major publications and other advertising mediums, such as TV commercials and events.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
With several swimsuit cover-ups to choose from, the buying process can get a little overwhelming. To make things simpler, we have listed down some of the things to look out for when purchasing a swimsuit cover-up.
Each type of beach cover-up varies in length and function, so choose the one that will fit your lifestyle and personal fashion the best.
Tunics, kimonos, and caftans are loose-fitting cover-ups that come in various prints and colors. All are excellent choices, but when choosing between them— take note of the activities you plan to do at the beach.
Caftans and kimonos are ideal for individuals who want protection from the sun. Both are easy to accessorize and are similar to oversized shirts and dresses, but if you want a sexy swimsuit cover-up, get a kimono. Kimonos have open fronts, like robes, that can be tied using a belt.
On the other hand, tunics have a more formal and polished look. Most end above the knees to flaunt the legs and are flexible pieces that can be worn straight from the beach to dinner.
There are tons of styles to choose from depending on what you want to cover up. For full coverage, you can go for a maxi caftan or a kimono, if you want something light and easy go for something like a mini tunic.
Elevate your beach outfit with a stylish cover-up dress. Most cover-up dresses are double-duty since they can be worn on the beach or a day-to-day basis. From crochet to maxi-style dresses, you won’t ever run out of options.
Cover-up dresses are also comfy and versatile. They come in a lot of fits and designs, and they differ from regular dresses because they are made using a lighter fabric and are usually sheer. This kind of cover-up is perfect to wear for late nights on the beach by yourself or with a loved one.
Crochet dresses are comfortable and breathable, they are perfect for lounging in the pool or long walks at the beach straight to lunch or sunset cocktails.
A sarong is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body and tucked at the waist. Sarongs come in many designs and colors and are a popular choice among cover-ups because of how versatile they are.
Sarongs can be tied to look like a skirt, a toga, a shirt, and sometimes a belt. They are also easy to pack and can be used by any age group. Sarongs are also popular wall decorations and can even be used as a sack to carry your other beach essentials.
Sarongs are the classic cover-ups. You can also use them as a towel or even a picnic blanket at the beach. Lengths can vary from mini to full-length maxi. They are very versatile and can be styled in more ways.
While most swimsuit cover-ups are flexible, loose-fitting, and fit most body types, make sure to choose one that is flattering and one that will make you feel the most comfortable wearing.
Cinched cover-ups are ideal for women with ample cleavage because they provide the chest with enough coverage. While those with smaller busts may opt to look at kimonos and beach rompers since they can help accentuate the chest area.
For curvy women looking for a plus-size cover-up or petite women who want to lengthen their bodies— dresses like maxis and tanks paired with wedges or sandals are comfy. They will also make you look taller and are flattering to most body types.
Caftans are great cover-ups for all body types, and you can pair them with accessories and beach bags. It can be worn day to night!
When choosing between different cover-ups, you want one that will keep you protected from the sun and cool from the humid weather. So select the ones made of a breathable, light fabric. Out of all the breathable fabrics, cotton comes in number one, followed by nylon and polyester.
Cotton is used in several “non-active” summer garments because of how soft it feels and how easy it is to maintain. But if you’ll be wearing your cover-up after swimming or doing other beach activities, nylon and polyester fabrics are recommended since they dry faster and are resistant to abrasion.
To make your outfit look more put together, purchase a cover-up that is flexible and matches the majority of your swimwear. To get the most uses out of it, you have to make sure it goes with almost everything. So try looking for cover-ups that come in simple colors like black, beige, and cream.
An example of versatile cover-ups are sheer ones and simple wraps like sarongs. Crochet beach cover-ups are also gaining popularity because of the fun patterns they come in. You also want to be able to show off your swimsuit underneath, so choose a cover-up that won't completely overshadow it.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | H&M Crochet-Look Beach Dress | ![]() | Make Your Bikini Pop With This Black Swimsuit Cover-Up | |
2 | Ocean Essentials La Finca Polo | ![]() | Versatile Swimsuit Cover-Up for On and Off the Beach | |
3 | Coral Manila Catalina Wrap | ![]() | Explore the Different Ways to Wear This Swimsuit Cover-Up | |
4 | O'Neill Long Mix & Match Dress | ![]() | A Maxi Dress for All-Day Wear At the Beach | |
5 | Pinas Sadya Liwanag Cover Up Poncho in Binakol Pockets Handwoven by Tboli Tribe | ![]() | Support Local With This Artisan Cover-Up | |
6 | Vida Swimwear Bikini Cover Up Beach Dress | ![]() | Crochet Swimsuit Cover-Up Perfect for the Summer | |
7 |
Batwing Sleeves Asymmetrical Hem Cover Up Dress | ![]() | Classy Cover-Up That Will Make You Look Effortlessly Beautiful | |
8 | Sexy Solid Color Beach Skirt Swimwear Cover Up|Red | ![]() | Style Your Swimsuit Cover-Up in Different Ways With This Self-Tie Sarong | |
9 | Sexy Beach Swimsuit Cover Up | ![]() | Classic Plain Boho Swimsuit Cover-Up | |
10 | Womens See Through Boho Beach Mesh Sheer Bikini Cover Up | ![]() | Pants Swimsuit Cover-Up to Make You Look Taller |
If you love to wear neon or colorful bikinis, this is the perfect swimsuit cover-up for you! It has crochet detailing with holes just enough for your bikini or swimsuit to peek through! If you prefer a more modest look, this cover-up has a high round neckline and a straight-cut hem, giving you more coverage. This is a great beach staple since it will go with any style and any color of swimsuit.
It's made of 75% polyester and 25% cotton, which makes it dry fast while still feeling comfortable on the skin when wet. You can wear it while lounging around the pool or beach during the day, and you can also wear it as you party the night away! If you're planning a beach or pool trip soon, this one is a must-have for sure.
Swimsuit cover-ups are meant to be easy-to-style, versatile pieces that give you an effortless laidback look. This one from Ocean Essentials does just that— elevating a plain polo shirt and making it comfortable and suitable for the beach. This swimsuit cover-up comes in various colors and is made of light cotton linen to make it extra lightweight.
You can wear it by itself or tie it at the waist to elevate your beach outfits. You can incorporate it in your everyday outfits, too, especially during the summer. If you're looking for a swimsuit cover-up that you can style in many different ways both on and off the beach, definitely consider this one!
This cover-up is a wrap that can be worn in multiple ways: as a sarong, top, scarf, and more—the possibilities are endless! It has a multicolor floral design that is easy to style and mix and match. Plus, it's made of a sheer soft chiffon fabric that will feel soft against your skin.
This swimsuit cover-up is guaranteed to look great in pictures, perfect for those who like doing photoshoots when they travel. Since there are a lot of ways you can tie it, you will also be able to get the perfect fit, no matter your size, shape, and height. You can even wear it in your hair as an accessory during dinner time or in your everyday outfits.
Maxi dresses are popular swimsuit cover-ups because all you have to do is throw them over your bikini, and you're ready to go. They will make you look put together without having to try too hard. Maxi dresses will also make you look tall and are very easy to dress up or down. This particular one by O'Neill is great, as it's made from a lightweight flowy material that will look great and feel comfortable.
It has a deep V neckline and a high slit on the thighs, which is really sexy and flattering on a lot of body types. Other than the beach or pool, you can also style this and wear this to other occasions like outdoor parties or gatherings, date nights, and more. For the perfect maxi dress swimsuit cover-up, look no further!
Handwoven by the Tboli Tribe, this cover-up is a great way to support local and still stand out. This versatile poncho features the Binakol weave of Abra. It will match different kinds of swimsuits, and you can also wear it over other types of clothing like tight tops or plain dresses. It has pink and orange pockets, perfect if you want that pop of color.
It's free size with a relaxed oversized fit, so it's bound to look good on anyone. It's a more unique option compared to other cover-ups that you see online since each piece is handmade and special. It's definitely more of an investment, so if you're looking for a high-quality swimsuit cover-up that you can wear for years to come, this one is worth a try.
The perfect swimsuit cover-up for summer is here with its crochet details and pastel orange and blue colorway! This swimsuit cover-up has a V neckline, quarter sleeves, and V hemline, guaranteed to look sexy and flattering on your body. You can wear it as is or off one shoulder for a laid-back boho look. Y
ou can pair it with practically any swimsuit and you'll still look good! Even though it's crocheted, it provides a lot of coverage. You can even wear it over a bralette and short shorts for a fun summer outfit. Users have left great reviews for this cover-up, saying that they love its design and fit.
This swimsuit cover-up is a sheer dress with a deep V neckline and a high slit, giving you an effortlessly put-together look. It comes in sheer black or white, so it's a versatile piece that will match anything. It has a batwing cut on the sleeves and a cinched waist, which will give you that hourglass effect.
It's perfect for the beach and it will match boho accessories beautifully, especially if you get it in white. It's light and flowy, making you feel super comfortable, especially if it's extra hot in the pool or beach. Customers love this swimsuit cover-up, saying that it has a soft fabric and that it has top-notch quality.
Sarong-style swimsuit cover-ups are very popular since they give you some coverage while still allowing you to flaunt your swimsuit. You can tie them at the side of your hip as a mini skirt or over your bikini top. This particular cover-up has a plain design and comes in a variety of colors, perfect for mixing and matching with your swimsuits.
It has a thin, see-through material that's light and flowy, perfect for the hot and humid summer days at the beach. People who bought this love its quality, and a lot of them say they want it in all colors! If you're looking for a plain sarong-style swimsuit cover-up, definitely check this out!
If you're looking for a plain and simple swimsuit cover-up, you won't go wrong with this one! It's a linen robe with crochet and tassel detailing at the waist. However, since it's made of linen material, it may not be as see-through as other sheer cover-ups.
Because of the plain color, you can pair this cover-up with swimsuits with colorful prints or fun colors. You can also style it with accessories like a floppy sun hat and strappy sandals for an Instagram-ready look! If you have a beach trip soon, make sure to add this to your cart.
If you're looking for more coverage for your legs, check out this swimsuit cover-up. They're light and airy see-through pants that come in plain black, white, and apricot to match different bikini tops and swimsuits. They will make you look taller and will elongate your body, especially if you get them in black.
They have wide legs, so you'll be comfortable walking around in these since they won't stick to your body when you sweat or get wet. However, keep in mind that it takes a while before it's delivered, so make sure to order it in advance before your beach trips.
Below are some of the most asked question online answered by fashion stylist Samantha Tidalgo.
With the dry season closing in, you might find the sudden urge to add to cart new outfits to step-up your beachwear game. So we listed down below some articles that we think would make great additions to your closet.
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No. 1: H&M|Crochet-Look Beach Dress
No. 2: Ocean Essentials|La Finca Polo
No. 3: Coral Manila|Catalina Wrap
No. 4: O'Neill|Long Mix & Match Dress
No. 5: Pinas Sadya|Liwanag Cover Up Poncho in Binakol Pockets Handwoven by Tboli Tribe
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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