When it comes to spring wardrobe staples, cover-ups easily top the list. Don't get us wrong—we're all about denim shorts, shirt dresses, and swimsuits, but a throw-on-and-go cover-up is one of the most versatile closet purchases you can make during the warmer months. And these days, cover-ups come in a wide range of styles that are so much more flattering than the options of our youth—we're talking chic wide-leg pants, lightweight knits, and breezy frocks. The best part? Today's styles will take you so much further than the pool or beach. In fact, they're versatile enough to serve as anything from tunics to date night dresses. With that in mind, we used our shopper data to round up a list of the 10 best cover-up styles for staying cool and covered when you're going to and from the beach, pool, or lake.
How We Found The Best Swimsuit Cover-Ups
Shopping for the essentials shouldn't be a chore, which is why we created Rank & Style. Our data-driven Top 10 lists are all vetted by our algorithm that factors in real user reviews, social media buzz, and best-seller lists to rank and curate products. Whether you want a linen tunic or a beach-to-street maxi dress, keep scrolling to shop the best cover-ups on the market for every style and budget.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Black One-Pieces. Opening image: jcrew.com
March 8, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
BUTTZO Cotton Beachwear Cover Up
Overall Score
4.2
10
BUTTZO Cotton Beachwear Cover Up
4.1
2846 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: With its eyelet trim, cool cutouts, and trapeze shape, you could easily mistake this Amazon cover-up for a Free People find. Even better? It rings up under $30.
WHY WE LOVE IT: "I just brought this adorable cover-up on a recent beach vacation and got so many compliments! The fabric is great, and the design makes it look way more expensive than the $27 price point."—Beth Zerdecki, Chief Marketing & Product Officer
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L Space Anita Cover Up
Overall Score
4.25
09
L Space Anita Cover Up
4.18
119 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: The best thing about this cover-up is that there are multiple ways to wear it thanks to the side slits: open and breezy, buttoned up and swingy, or tied at the waist. Plus, the fabric is gorgeous and lightweight—just right for throwing on post pool.
STYLE WITH: Tie up the hem and add denim shorts and sandals to make it a full-on outfit.
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Kona Sol Button-Up Cover Up Shirtdress
Overall Score
4.35
08
Kona Sol Button-Up Cover Up Shirtdress
4.4
23 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: This should come as no surprise, but Target knows what they're doing when it comes to cover-ups. This one fits just like your comfiest oversized button-down, and it comes in dreamy breach-ready colorways like sage green and blue stripes.
USER REVIEW: "Love it! So comfy and oversized. I wore it like a dress, a cover-up, and everything in between. I even had to stop by Target to buy it for my friend because she loved mine so much."
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Aerie Chiffon Cape
Overall Score
4.35
07
Aerie Chiffon Cape
4.7
67 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: There's something about a cape-style cover-up that screams chic, especially when it comes in leopard print. This one's made with airy chiffon, so it'll keep you simultaneously cool and covered up.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This cover-up also comes in blue tie-dye and two pretty floral prints.
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L Space Pacifica Shirt Dress
Overall Score
4.4
06
L Space Pacifica Shirt Dress
4.11
163 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: If you're tired of cover-ups due to their billowy fits that do nothing for your figure, this one might just make you change your mind. It has a comfy elastic waist for a flattering look, but it's still just as cozy to throw on as the rest.
STYLE WITH: Throw this over a one-piece swimsuit for a complete beach look.
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Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress
Overall Score
4.4
05
Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress
4.2
258 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: The billowy cut, the sexy spaghetti straps, the peek-a-boo back—we could go on and on about what makes this cover-up such a win. It's the kind of cover-up that doesn't even look like a cover-up, so it'll basically be the MVP of your wardrobe during your next beach vacation.
USER REVIEW: "Absolutely adore this! I bought three different colors after loving the first one so much, and I pretty much live in them. I am starting to wonder what I used to wear before?! I think this is my most flattering and favorite thing I've worn since I can remember. I'm not a dress person, but it just fits and flatters exactly where I need it to."
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SummerSalt The Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
Overall Score
4.55
04
SummerSalt The Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up
4.8
164 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: SummerSalt only continues to impress, and this cover-up is a prime example. The silky, lightweight fabric is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, so it'll still look put-together when you've only got five minutes to head to dinner from the beach.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Did we mention it's also made of recycled plastic bottles?
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J.Crew Button-Up Beach Cover-Up
Overall Score
4.6
03
J.Crew Button-Up Beach Cover-Up
4.7
59 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: With lightweight linen and a gorgeous selection of shades, this button-up couldn't be more perfect for going from beach day to dinner on the bay. We're also happy to report that it comes in multiple colorways—six solids and three striped, to be exact.
USER REVIEW: "This is the perfect and most stylish beach shirt! Literally. There isn't anything like it! I loved it from the moment I saw it on the hanger!"
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Harhay Swimwear Cover Up
Overall Score
4.65
02
Harhay Swimwear Cover Up
4.3
20488 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: The stunning crochet design makes this cover-up look so expensive, but it's actually a total steal. We're glad there are 27 color options, because we'll definitely be ordering more than one.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This $20 cover-up has over 20,000 rave reviews on Amazon. Yes, you read right.
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Ekouaer Swimsuit Beach Cover Up Shirt
Overall Score
4.75
01
Ekouaer Swimsuit Beach Cover Up Shirt
4.1
21669 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
THE DETAILS: With its high-low hem and classic silhouette, this cover-up shirt couldn't be more effortless. And with over 21,000 rave reviews, it's safe to say most people agree.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: With over 30 colors and patterns to choose from, there's basically an option to match every swimsuit in your closet.
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