best beach cover ups

32 best beach cover-ups for summer to elevate your swimwear: From sarongs to kaftans, wraps & more

Let these beach cover-ups level up your holiday looks this summer…

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Updated: August 9, 2022

As the warm weather hits the UK and we plan our next holiday, there's no better time to give our swimwear collection a refresh. Beach cover-ups are a practical accessory that never goes out of style - from sarongs to kaftans, beach dresses and wrap-around kimonos - so they’re a must-have for your summer wardrobe.

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Beach cover-ups are trending right now - and whether you prefer a staple black kaftan or a sparkly statement sarong - they’re a great way to feel comfortable whilst elevating your swimwear. That’s why we’ve searched high and low to find the best beach cover-ups to shop to upgrade your beach looks this summer.

Beach cover-up kimonos we love

Maxi floral print kimono, £34, ASOS 

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We can't get enough of this dreamy floral kimono from ASOS.

Animal print embellished cover-up, was £65, now £20, River Island 

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River Island has a great selection of glam beach wear for summer - and we love the embellished detailing on this animal print kimono.

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Lace beach cover-up, £19.99, Amazon

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Amazon has so many stylish options when it comes to swimwear - and this floral lace kimono has received glowing reviews. One happier customer wrote: “Really well made and absolutely stunning. I’ve brought this for a holiday and ordered some similar that are high branded and I can’t even tell the difference”.

MORE: 17 best smock dresses to beat the heat this summer

Emily Atack swirl long beach kimono, £27.99, New Look

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This gorgeous swirl print kimono is part of New Look's Emily Atack edit - and the matching bikini is also available to shop.

Moda ruffle kimono, £30, ASOS 

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This sunshine yellow kimono with frill detailing is just perfect for the beach. 

Island kimono, £145, OutDazl

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This pastel blue kimono with palm trees is so stunning!

Kaftans we love

River Island tie dye kaftan, £60, ASOS

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We can’t get enough of the yellow and purple tie-dye print on this maxi kaftan - and it even has embellishments for that extra wow factor.

Crochet long beach kaftan, £20.99, New Look

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The floaty design and flared sleeves on this kaftan will provide comfort and cover whilst still looking chic. 

Boohoo tie dye animal maxi kaftan, was £22, now £17.60, Debenhams 

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This vibrant tie-dye kimono will level up even the plainest of swimwear. The neon colours paired with the animal print is guaranteed to turn heads.

Topshop fruit print beach cover-up, £38, ASOS

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This sheer kaftan is so glam but will also keep you protected from the sun. We recommend teaming it with a pair of white sandals or wedges. 

Embroidered kaftan dress, £82.50, Boden

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Another pretty embroidered kaftan - and this one is so versatile. Wear to the beach, the park, out for dinner - it’s the perfect all-rounder. 

Beach lace kimono, £40, Accessorize 

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Designed with lace embellishment and a tie at the waist, this sheer kaftan is so flattering.

Sarongs we love 

Linen blend midi wrap beach skirt, £35, Marks & Spencer

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Long sarongs are a must-have for throwing during the summer. This zebra print beach skirt is so stylish, and the opaque design means you can wear it to dinner or when exploring the sights on holiday.

Abstract swirl beach sarong, £12.80, Boohoo

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If you’re on the hunt for a shorter sarong, this wrap-around mini skirt will look so pretty paired with a bikini and sandals.

Mint Velvet spot print sarong, £39, John Lewis 

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For a sarong that covers you up whilst still looking stylish, try this Mint Velvet spot print cover-up. We recommend pairing it with a black or white bikini and sandals for an effortless summer look.

Bayu the Label woven sarong, £35, Selfridges 

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This Bayu the Label woven sarong is so chic. 

Love & Other Things three-piece bikini & sarong set, was £29, now £20, ASOS

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If you really want to elevate your swimwear attire, this sarong set will do just that. It comes with a cross-back bikini and a mesh glitter sarong - and it's just perfect for a poolside beach party.

READ: 22 stylish plus-size swimsuits for summer 2022: From ASOS Curve to River Island Plus & More

Emilio Pucci printed sarong, £240, NET-A-PORTER

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Printed with the labels lively Iride patterns, this vibrant sarong is so classy. It ties at the side - and will instantly upgrade your holiday look with its gorgeous colours.

Wave sarong & bikini set, £21, Cider

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Everyone is matching their sarong with their bikinis right now - and we can’t get enough of the swimwear set with a cool swirl print.

Gold trim beach sarong, £9.60, Boohoo

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The gold trim on this mini sarong is so beautiful. We recommend pairing it with gold jewellery and sandals for a super glam look.

Norma Kamali sarong, £95, MATCHESFASHION

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Is there anything better than white swimwear to complement your sunkissed glow? This Norma Kamali sarong may be worth the investment if you’re looking for a staple holiday piece - and it will go with any bikini or swimsuit.

Rio Bambo dual sarong, £45, Wolf & Badger 

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This vibrant red sarong can be styled to wear as a maxi or mini beach cover-up - and it’s made from 100% recycled bamboo.

Gardenia mini sarong, £10, SLA The Label

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From SLA The Label's new Swim collection comes this mini beach sarong in a beautiful floral print. It also doubles up as a hairband for the prettiest summer accessory.

Beach dresses we love

Raga Sunsets by the Beach tie-dye beach dress, was £165, now £81, ASOS 

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This yellow tie-dye beach dress is so dreamy! If you love it you better hurry though, as it's selling out fast.

Tie-dye asymmetric beach dress, was £45, now £35, River Island 

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Plunging neckline? Tie-dye print? Floaty fabric? This asymmetric beach dress ticks all the boxes - and it's in the sale! 

Seersucker beach dress, was £65, now £21, Lands' End

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The colourful seersucker material of this wrap dress makes it great for beach to bar.

Cotton embroidered beach dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer 

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The embroidered sleeves on this beach mini dress is giving us bohemian-chic vibes!

MORE: Swimsuit fan? Here are 9 of Amazon's top-rated swimsuits

Cami sheer beach maxi dress, £34, ASOS

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This sheer cami dress is perfect for slipping on at the beach to explore, or dress it up to wear to dinner. Either way, it’s a must for your holiday wardrobe. 

Nora beach dress, £69.95, now £35, Atterley 

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If you’re on the hunt for a staple cover-up that you can wear year on year, this may be the perfect investment.

Embroidered lace beach dress, £46, now £25, River Island

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The white embroidered lace on this beach dress will instantly level up any beach look.

Flutter sleeve maxi beach dress, £25.50, ASOS

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Throw on over swimwear or dress this beach dress up for an effortlessly glam look.

The seashells summer dress, was £65, now £40, Wilder Ones

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For a bold and vibrant print, look no further than this beach dress by Wilder Ones. It's lightweight with a relaxed fit, plus it has pockets!

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