What to Wear Over a Swimsuit

A woman wears a white button-front shirt cover-up standing in a green and sandy beach oasis.

SUMMARY:

☼ You have plenty of options for beach and pool swimsuit coverage, ranging from traditional cover-ups to oversized shirts and more. 


☼ To find the perfect cover-up, prioritize comfort, style, functionality, breathability, and easy maintenance. 


☼ Anthony’s offers a wide variety of cover-ups for every woman and every need!    



Searching for what to wear over a swimsuit? Here are a few options to consider, plus tips on finding the right cover-up for you.

Cover-Up Options + Tips for Shopping

Whether you’re getting ready for a resort vacation or you’re prepping for a pool party at your friend’s house, finding the perfect bathing suit is likely a top priority. It’s important to find one that’s equally flattering, stylish, and comfortable so you can enjoy the sun and water to their fullest extent.  


But your choice of swimsuit shouldn’t be the only thing on your mind when you’re planning your summer outfit; finding what to wear on top of your swimsuit is important too! And you don’t necessarily need a cover-up – there are a few different garment options you can consider throwing on top of your bathing suit that are cute, comfortable, and functional.  


Below, we’ve listed some of our tried-and-true tips for deciding what to wear over swimwear, as well as six options to consider while you browse through the Anthony’s collection.  

Tips for Finding the Perfect Cover-Up Option

When shopping for the perfect cover-up, make sure to keep these tips in mind: 

Shop for comfort, style, and functionality.

The ideal cover-up looks cute, feels good, and functions as it should – don’t shop for something that’s going to drag you down on a warm day or feel uncomfortable against wet skin.

Make sure the fabric is breathable.

Since you’re likely wearing your cover-up in hot weather, make sure you choose breathable fabric to avoid overheating. 

Opt for easy maintenance.

You shouldn’t have to worry about caring for your cover-up – you should be able to hand wash it along with your bathing suit without worrying about getting it dry cleaned.

What to Wear Over Your Swimsuit

Searching for what to wear over a one-piece swimsuit? Need a cover-up for your bikini? We’ve got you covered! Here are six different options to consider.  

A woman wears a black waffle knit sleeveless cover-up.

1. The Standard Cover-Up

If you’re searching for something to wear over a wet swimsuit, standard cover-ups make a great choice. The Waffle Knit Sleeveless Cover-Up by Jordan Taylor, for example, is made with unique waffle-knit textured fabric and features a full zip-through front. This makes it easy to slip on and off as you transition from the pool to the chair while you soak up the sun. Plus, the fabric can work well to soak up extra moisture while you’re lounging, so you don’t remain soaking wet for long. 

Waffle Knit Sleeveless Cover-Up - Jordan Taylor

A woman wears a blue tunic cover-up.

2. A Cute Tunic Dress

Looking for a cute and casual swimsuit cover that you can wear throughout your beach vacation? Try J. Valdi’s Cancun Lace Neck Tunic Cover-Up. Its unique lace-up neckline is intriguing, while its crinkle-textured fabric adds a nice dimension to the look. Wear it to the pool, to the bar, or while you’re walking on the beach for a nightcap.   


Cancun Lace Neck Tunic Cover-Up - J. Valdi

A woman wears a white oversized cover-up shirt over a navy blue tank bathing suit.

3. An Oversized Shirt

If you’re searching for a classy beach cover to wear over a bathing suit, look no further than the Crinkle Button-Front Shirt Cover-Up by Maxine. Designed to fit like an oversized button-down, this cover-up is cute and practical. We carry it in white, navy, and black, so you can coordinate it with almost any solid or printed swimsuit to look effortlessly put-together.  


Crinkle Button-Front Shirt Cover-Up - Maxine

A woman wears a blue printed cover-up dress.

4. A Batik Dress

In need of a cover-up with a feminine touch? Try the Treasures of Bali Leaves Annie Ringed Strap Cover-Up Dress. It’s simple, yet eye-catching, with a leafy batik print on lightweight rayon fabric. Plus, there are ringed details on the shoulder straps of this deep blue sleeveless cover-up, for an extra unique touch. 


Leaves Annie Ringed Strap Cover-Up Dress - Treasures of Bali

A woman wears a blue and white patterned wide leg jumpsuit.

5. A Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Swim cover-ups aren’t limited to just shirts and dresses. If you want an option with lightweight material and pant legs, consider the Batik Wide Leg Jumpsuit by J. Valdi. It’s a stylish and simple jumpsuit cover-up that features adjustable camisole straps and a relaxed silhouette for easy mobility and maximum comfort. Its blue and white design is perfect for days spent poolside or at the beach, and is best paired with a beverage in your hand and a summery smile on your face! 


Batik Wide Leg Jumpsuit - J. Valdi

A woman wears a white tunic cover-up.

An Embroidered Cotton Tunic

Sometimes breezy 100% cotton is the only fabric you want against your skin on a hot day. That’s when the featherlight Sunny Oceans Embroidered Fish Cotton Tunic shines. This festive tunic has fish designs embroidered onto the semi-sheer white cotton material, so it looks and feels like a breath of fresh air.  


Embroidered Fish Cotton Tunic - Sunny Oceans

Other Accessories to Consider

If you plan on wearing a cover-up to the pool or beach and heading elsewhere after a dip in the water, make sure to accessorize! Here are a few other pieces we suggest to complete the look: 

Straw hats 


☼ Sunglasses 


☼ Flip flops 


☼ And of course, sunscreen! 

Shop Anthony’s for Your Cover-Up Needs

From blouses and dresses to capris, shorts, swimsuits, and classic cover-ups, we have everything you need to look and feel comfortable and confident on the beach this season.  


We offer a wide variety of coverage options from lightweight caftans made with breathable fabrics to basic dresses that make transitioning from the water to the beachside bar simple and seamless.  


Browse our entire collection of cover-ups now to find your new favorite summer outfit! 

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