The 14 Best Beach Cover-Ups of 2024

Remember when beachwear meant the bare necessities for fun in the sun? Now, it’s a clothing category all its own. “Beachwear” encompasses all things vacation-adjacent; it’s what you wear to get some sun (i.e. tube tops and bikinis) and to protect your skin from the harsh rays between swimming and soaking, aka beach cover-ups.

It used to be that “beach cover-ups” translated to whatever you wore over your bathing suit en route to the beach, like a sundress or a pair of shorts and an oversized t-shirt. While still viable options, the best beach cover-ups aren’t afterthoughts or separate pieces sloppily thrown together on your way out the door. Today, cover-ups are fashion statements, meant to turn as many heads as the season’s best bikinis.

Cover-ups are still an up-and-coming market, but there are plenty of options to choose from, so we’ve narrowed down the best of the best below to cut your shopping time in half.

DISSH Capri White Linen Sheer Maxi Dress

Courtesy of DISSH

This linen maxi has everything you want in a cover-up—it’s loose, lightweight, easy to throw on, and can take you from the beach through the rest of your day without looking out of place. The neckline works with various swimsuit tops and the relaxed fit will keep you cool. It comes in two colors, and can easily transition to a nighttime look.

J. Crew Relaxed-Fit Beach Shirt

Courtesy of J.Crew

This button-down beach dress is the perfect cover-up to take you from the pool to lunch and wherever the day calls you. The lightweight linen-cotton blend will keep you cool, and it looks just as good buttoned up as it does undone. Side slits at the thigh add movement and extra temperature control. It runs slightly big, so size down if you’re not into the oversized look. If an all-black cover-up sounds unbearably hot, fear not-it comes in four colors.

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Sheer Maxi Dress Cover-Up

Abercrombie & Fitch

This maxi cover-up from Abercrombie feels amazing on the skin. It’s lightweight but oh-so-soft, and while formfitting, simply veils the skin rather than hug it. It comes in two color options – black and beige shimmer – and sizes range from XXS to XL.

& Other Stories Fringed Crochet Midi Dress

Courtesy of & Other Stories

This stunningly transparent midi dress references the netting look that was big in the 70s. It features a scoop neck and fringe bottom with floral appliqués. We especially love this style for brides, as the Pinot Blanc would look perfect atop either a white one-piece or a cheeky bikini. Honeymooners on the hunt for their beach cover-up, look no further.

Electric & Rose Amber Linen Dress

Electric & Rose

There are plenty of plain mini dress cover-ups on the market, but if you’re looking to switch things up with a fun patterned frock, feast your eyes on the Amber Linen Dress from Electric & Rose. It comes in two design options: The Kinney Stripe, which looks like stripes of saltwater taffy, and Beach Scene, which features cartoonish imagery of the sun and palm trees. Both are cute, both are coveted.

Dynamite Open Knit V-Neck Maxi Dress

Dynamite

Knit-style cover-ups are a modern classic, and this design from Dynamite masters the effortlessly cool aesthetic we look for in a crocheted style. Available in three colorways (Amber Squirrel Orange, Jet Black, and Sea Salt Off-White), the form-fitting garment hugs and enhances natural curves. It’s also a great day-to-night transition piece, as it features a scooped v-neckline and side slit, emitting a sexy, yet sophisticated elegance for sit-down dinners.

Etam Linen Blend Sleeveless Buttoned Playsuit

Etam

An alternative one-and-done option to dresses is the playsuit, and Etam’s version is adorable. It’s made from a linen blend, plus the piece is sleeveless, so you’ll be comfortable and cool in the sun. It’s available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and three color options: Beige, Khaki, and Indigo.

Diarrablu Sirene Kimono

Diarrablu

When we think kimono, we think color, and Diarrablu’s Sirene style comes in over a dozen vibrant patterns. The one-piece cover-up is made from a sheer and soft-to-the-touch chiffon fabric. It boasts a relaxed fit, plus a sash belt for easy closure. It’s light, airy, and sure to turn heads everywhere, from the beach to the pool.

Lspace X Anthropologie Gigi Top and Sundown Cargo Pant

Lspace

Cargo pants are having a moment in 2024, but although this pant set could be described as “trendy,” we’ve zeroed in on its Ibiza lace fabric detailing, which gives the beach cover-up a more timeless feel. The three-quarter sleeve top and wide-leg bottoms are as comfortable as they are stylish, and can be taken from a day tanning on the beach to a night spent Tiki bar hopping.

Aerie Pool-To-Party Lurex Cinched Short and Tube Top

Aerie

Aerie’s Pool-To-Party shorts cover-up set is prepped and ready for long days spent partially at the beach and on the boardwalk. Made from a blend of cotton and metallic, its cinched side detail and textured lightweight fabric make the pair equally fashion-forward, while its elastic waistband caters to the wearer’s comfort.

J.Crew Side Tie Beach Skirt

Courtesy of J.Crew

Sarongs are the optimal choice for those who’d like some coverage around their bottom and legs without committing to pants. Sure to match any suit you decide to don that day, this 100% cotton wrap skirt will stay put thanks to side ties, and keep you cool with its gauzy fabric.

Calzedonia Linen Shirt Dress

Calzedonia

Button-down cover-ups aren’t meant to mimic your office uniform. Calzedonia’s top is the perfect example of this. The linen blend is subject to wrinkles, but that natural imperfection makes it ideal for the beach and pool. We also love its slightly oversized fit and above-the-knee length. Pair it with shorts or skip bottoms and go straight to your sandal options.

AE Cinch Front Hey Baby T-Shirt

American Eagle

You might not be reaching for oversized T-shirts as your cover-up, but tees are still trending in 2024 – specifically ones that pay homage to the styles of the 90s and early aughts. Enter American Eagle’s Cinch Front Hey Baby T-shirt that gives us throwback vibes but with a modern edge. We’re obsessed with every nostalgic detail, from the v-neck cinched front to the lettuce trim at its hem and sleeves, and we can (almost) guarantee you will be, too.