Beach Cover Ups: Sarongs, Shirts, Kaftan Minis and Sheer Sets to Wear Over Swimwear

A good cover up does two jobs: it protects you from the sun on the sand, and it makes you dressed enough for the beach club, the walk into town and lunch. Here are the cover ups worth packing, and how to wear them, with pieces from Shona Joy at Coveti. For swimwear, browse designer beachwear.

The sarong

1. Celina Cotton Voile Sarong

Cut from 100% organic cotton voile in a large palm leaf print, sage and pistachio on black. A multi wear sarong in one size. Shona Joy styles it tied at the hip over a black tank.

A sarong is the most versatile cover up you can pack: tie it at the hip as a skirt, under the arms as a dress, at the neck as a halter dress, and over the shoulders against the sun. For eight ways to tie one, read how to tie a sarong.

The shirt

2. Celina Cotton Voile Shirt

The same organic cotton voile as a collared shirt with long cuffed sleeves and buttons, in a loose fit. Wear it open over a bikini, knotted at the waist, and buttoned with the sarong for lunch.

The silk mini

3. Eclipse Silk Viscose Mini Dress with Belt

Cut from silk twill (61% viscose, 39% silk) in an abstract leaf print of butter, pistachio, cocoa and black. A plunged V neckline, long flared sleeves and an adjustable belt. Belt it for a beach club lunch; wear it loose over swimwear at the pool. The silk is hand wash only, so keep it away from sunscreen.

The sheer set

The Aura Sheer Blouson Top in Ivory and Aura Semi Sheer Pant in Ivory are a light semi sheer set, lined, that covers you from wrist to ankle, the best choice in strong sun. The blouson top alone, tied at the hem, works over a one piece.

The evening cover up

4. Mirelle Sheer Sequin Racer Back Maxi Dress

A sheer open knit with sequin embellishment in Opal, an ivory with a pearly sheen, unlined and sheer. Worn over a slip it is a party dress; over a swimsuit at a beach bar after sunset, it is the evening cover up.

How to choose a cover up

For sun protection: long sleeves and a denser weave; voile and semi sheer fabrics protect less than they seem to, so wear sunscreen underneath. For a beach club: something that reads as clothing, like a belted mini and a shirt worn with the sarong. For packing: cotton voile and lyocell are light and dry fast. For wet swimwear: cotton is forgiving; keep silk for when you are dry.

Caring for silk twill and cotton voile

The Eclipse silk twill is hand wash only: cold water, a mild silk friendly detergent, no wringing, no rubbing, dry flat in the shade and a cool iron on the reverse. The label says do not dry clean, and the belt on the mini should not be washed. The Celina cotton voile is easier: cold hand wash separately, dry in the shade and a warm iron on the reverse, and it can be dry cleaned. Cotton voile softens with every wash.

Frequently asked questions

What is a beach cover up?

A light garment worn over swimwear for sun protection and modesty off the sand: a sarong, a shirt, a kaftan, a sheer set and a short dress.

How do you wear a sarong as a cover up?

Tie it at the hip as a skirt, under the arms as a short dress, and at the back of the neck as a halter dress.

What is the best fabric for a beach cover up?

Cotton voile and lyocell are light, breathable and quick to dry. Silk is beautiful for a beach club but should be kept away from wet swimwear and sunscreen.

Can a shirt be a beach cover up?

Yes. A light, loose shirt worn open over swimwear covers the shoulders and buttons up for lunch.

Is the Shona Joy Celina sarong one size?

Yes. The Celina Cotton Voile Sarong is one size, in 100% organic cotton voile, and can be worn several ways.

Related guides: how to tie a sarong, Shona Joy resort wear, cruise outfits, designer beachwear, vacation dresses, beach wedding guest dresses, the Shona Joy Aura collection, Shona Joy summer dresses.