The perfect beach cover up is the one you reach for without thinking — the piece that takes you effortlessly from the sun lounger to the beach bar, from the pool to the promenade, without missing a beat. Our edit of women's beach cover ups spans everything from hand-painted sarongs and flowing kaftans to crochet knit dresses, sheer mesh tunics, and bamboo-fabric wraps — all chosen for their style, versatility, and that unmistakable holiday feeling. Enjoy free UK delivery over £50 and find your perfect beachwear cover up today.
Why Women Love Our Beach Cover Ups at Oh So Luxe
A great swimsuit cover up does more than cover your bikini — it's a style statement in its own right. Our collection is curated for the woman who wants to look as good walking along the seafront as she does lying on the beach, with styles that transition seamlessly from morning swim to afternoon lunch without a wardrobe change.
From the artisan craftsmanship of our hand-painted Nomad Sari kaftans and sarongs to the relaxed bohemian ease of our crochet beach cover up dresses and the clean, contemporary lines of our bamboo sarongs, every piece in our edit has been chosen because it earns its place in a holiday wardrobe. Browse our full women's swimwear and holiday clothing edit for the complete resort look.
- Sarongs & pareos — hand-painted coastal designs, bamboo fabric, and classic tie styles in a range of prints and colours
- Kaftans — hand-painted evil eye and Greek motif styles from Nomad Sari, flowing and effortlessly elegant
- Crochet & knit cover ups — white crochet fishnet, hollow knit halter dresses, and open-weave maxi styles
- Beach cover up dresses — printed tunics, floral dresses, Cuban-style frilled tunics, and openwork maxi dresses with side slits
- Sheer & mesh cover ups — tulle tunics, sheer mesh dresses, and co-ord sets for a more fashion-forward beach look
- Co-ord sets — knit boho skirt sets, hollow bikini crop top and skirt sets, and shorts and top combinations
We're an owner-run boutique and always happy to help you find the right style for your holiday — just get in touch.
How to Style Your Beach Cover Up
The art of the beach cover up is all about effortless layering. A sarong tied at the hip over a bikini is the ultimate poolside classic — wrap it as a skirt, drape it over the shoulders, or knot it at the waist for three completely different looks from one piece. A kaftan slipped over a swimsuit instantly elevates your beach look, while a crochet cover up dress worn over a bikini is perfect for a casual beach lunch.
For evenings, a beach cover up dress in a printed or floral fabric can double as a holiday dress — add sandals and jewellery and you're ready for dinner without changing. Our bamboo sarongs are particularly versatile — lightweight enough to pack flat, beautiful enough to wear as a scarf or wrap on cooler evenings.
- Pool to bar: Slip a sheer mesh tunic or crochet cover up over your bikini for an instant style upgrade
- Beach to lunch: A printed kaftan or floral beach dress works beautifully over a swimsuit with flat sandals
- Evening: A knit maxi cover up dress with side slits doubles as a holiday evening dress
- Sarong styling: Tie at the hip as a skirt, wrap around the body as a dress, or drape over the shoulders as a shawl
Care Tips for Beach Cover Ups
- Crochet & knit cover ups: Hand wash in cool water or use a delicate machine cycle in a laundry bag. Lay flat to dry to prevent stretching. Never wring.
- Sarongs & pareos: Hand wash gently in cool water to preserve hand-painted designs and colours. Air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Bamboo fabric: Machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or air dry. Bamboo fabric is naturally soft and becomes even softer with washing.
- Sheer & mesh styles: Hand wash or delicate machine cycle in a laundry bag. Air dry flat. Avoid high heat which can damage delicate mesh fibres.
- Printed tunics & dresses: Follow individual care labels. Most can be machine washed on a cool cycle — turn inside out to preserve print quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach cover up for a holiday?
The best beach cover up depends on your holiday style and destination. For a relaxed, bohemian look, a crochet cover up or sarong is perfect. For a more polished resort look, a kaftan or printed beach dress is ideal. If you want maximum versatility, a bamboo sarong can be worn multiple ways and packs flat in a suitcase. Browse our full edit and contact us if you'd like a recommendation.
What is the difference between a sarong and a pareo?
A sarong and a pareo are essentially the same thing — a large rectangular piece of fabric worn wrapped around the body as a skirt, dress, or cover up. The term pareo originates from Polynesia, while sarong is more commonly used in South and Southeast Asia. Both are tied or knotted rather than sewn, making them incredibly versatile. Our hand-painted Nomad Sari sarongs and bamboo pareos are beautiful examples of both styles.
Can I wear a beach cover up as a dress?
Absolutely — many of our beach cover up dresses are designed to be worn as standalone holiday dresses. Our knit maxi dresses with side slits, printed tunics, and floral beach dresses all work beautifully as holiday evening wear with the right accessories. A kaftan worn belted at the waist with sandals is a classic resort look that works from beach to dinner.
Do you stock plus size beach cover ups?
Yes — many of our beach cover ups are available in a range of sizes, and styles like sarongs, kaftans, and wrap-style cover ups are naturally flattering and adjustable for all body types. Check individual product pages for size information, or contact us and we'll help you find the most flattering style for you.
What should I wear as a beach cover up over a bikini?
Over a bikini, a crochet cover up or sheer mesh tunic gives a relaxed, effortlessly cool look. A sarong tied at the hip is a timeless classic. For something more structured, a beach shirt dress or printed kaftan offers more coverage while still feeling light and holiday-appropriate. Browse our full bikini cover up edit to find your perfect match.
Your Holiday Wardrobe Starts Here
From the first morning on the beach to the last sunset of the holiday, the right beach cover up makes every moment feel more beautiful. Explore our full collection of women's beach cover ups, discover our holiday clothing and women's swimwear edit — and enjoy free UK delivery over £50 on qualifying orders. Because every holiday deserves a wardrobe as good as the destination.