Headed to the beach for Labor Day or stretching summer into warm fall days on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts? A good cover-up lets you swim, lounge, then grab tacos without a full outfit change. This guide breaks down what a beach cover-up is, why you’ll want one, the best styles for different bodies and vibes, plus quick tie tutorials you can master in minutes. You’ll also find color tips for bright sun, fabric advice, and easy mix-and-match
ideas with Knot Right Threads favorites.
What is a beach cover-up, and what is it called?
A beach cover-up is any layer you throw on over your swimsuit for sun protection, a bit of modesty, and a café-ready look. You’ll see lots of names for them, including sarong, pareo, kaftan, tunic, beach dress, and swim
cover up. Some people use simple pieces like oversized button-downs or lightweight hoodies to do the same job.
Why use a cover-up?
Sun smart: Even if you apply sunscreen, your shoulders, chest, and back appreciate extra shade midday.
Quick modesty: Walk from sand to street without feeling exposed.
Practical: Sand brushes off easily, and you can sit on a patio chair comfortably.
Style: Add color and shape to your swim look, then pair with a hat and sandals for instant outfit energy.
What can you use as a beach cover-up?
You have lots of options depending on your style and the plan for the day.
- Sarong or pareo: A long rectangle of lightweight fabric that ties at the waist, chest, or neck.
- Kaftan or tunic: Flowy, airy, and forgiving. Great for all body types.
- Beach dress: Often called a sundress, slip dress, or cover-up dress. Look for breathable fabrics.
- Oversized shirt: A men’s linen or cotton button-down, worn open or half-tucked.
- Knit set or skirt: A crochet skirt or ribbed midi over swim bottoms.
- Lightweight hoodie or sweatshirt: Perfect for breezy evenings and boat rides.
- Tank and shorts: Pair your bikini top with soft shorts and a tank for a sporty look.
Fast sarong tutorials you can tie in 30 seconds
- Classic waist tie: Wrap the sarong around your hips, overlap ends at one side, double knot. For more coverage, wear higher on the waist.
- Side slit skirt: Hold the fabric at your back, bring ends to the front, knot just off-center so a slit opens on one thigh.
- Halter mini dress: Hold the sarong behind you at bust level, bring corners forward, cross over your chest, tie behind the neck. Add a belt for shape.
- One-shoulder dress: Wrap under one arm, gather the two top corners over the opposite shoulder, double knot. Secure with a brooch if you like.
Tip: Double knot and give the knot a firm tug so it stays put after a dip.
How to turn a scarf into a beach cover-up
A large square scarf or lightweight wrap can become a cover-up in seconds.
- Bandana top: Fold into a triangle, wrap around the chest, tie behind the back, then add a shirt or button-down for coverage.
- Mini skirt: Wrap around hips and knot. If the scarf is smaller, wear over high-rise bottoms.
- Halter swing top: Fold into a triangle, knot the two long ends behind your neck, then tie the bottom point to your back strap or use a small clear hair elastic to create a tie point.
- Shoulder wrap: Drape across shoulders and knot in front for patio dining.
Choose scarves in breathable weaves so they dry fast and do not trap heat.
The best materials for cover-ups
- Cotton voile or gauze: Soft, breathable, and quick to dry.
- Linen or linen blends: Airy with a crisp look. Expect natural wrinkling.
- Viscose or rayon: Flowy and light, drapes beautifully.
- Mesh and crochet: Great texture and airflow. Layer over a simple suit.
- Performance knits: Moisture wicking and smooth on sun-touched skin.
Avoid heavy, clingy fabrics at midday. If you plan to jump in and out of the water, pick quick-drying weaves and darker colors to disguise splash marks.
Colors that flatter in bright sun
- Brights pop: Turquoise, coral, hibiscus pink, lemon, and cobalt look electric against blue water.
- Earth tones glow: Terracotta, olive, and sand complement tans and neutral suits.
- Light neutrals photograph well: White, cream, and oat feel clean and coastal. Pair with a colorful hat or bag for contrast.
- Consider undertones: If you have warm undertones, try coral and golden yellow. If you have cool undertones, lean into sapphire, fuchsia, and seafoam.
In strong sun, glossy fabrics can glare. Matte finishes keep colors even in photos.
Fit tips: choose your vibe and your silhouette
- Easy and flowy: Kaftans, tunics, and A-line beach dresses skim curves without clinging.
- Defined waist: Tie a sarong high on the waist or add a belt to a loose dress to shape your middle.
- Leg lengthening: Side-slit sarongs and high-low hems show movement and length.
- Shoulder balancing: If you want more coverage up top, pick cap sleeves or a draped scarf halter. If you want to highlight shoulders, go strapless or halter with a straight skirt.
How to cover up on the beach without bulky layers
- Start with your swimsuit and plan one intentional layer: a sarong, a tunic, or a lightweight hoodie.
- Add one accessory for sun: a brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Keep footwear simple: slides or sandals that handle sand.
- Choose a micro palette: two or three colors so everything mixes easily.
Mix and match with Knot Right Threads
- You can build easy beach outfits with pieces you will wear all season. Pair a breezy sarong with one of our womens tank tops for café stops, or layer over your suit with soft, sun friendly tops. When the breeze picks up at
sunset, pull on one of our sweatshirts for warmth that still feels coastal. - Round out the look with protective headwear. Our trucker hats are light, vented, and beach ready; they pair well with sundresses and sarongs alike. If you prefer a round brim, try a bucket hat or a classic beach hat for more
shade and a playful finish.
Pro tip for late summer trips: Pack a cover-up dress, one sarong, a neutral tank, and a warm layer. You will be ready for boardwalk ice cream, dockside dinners, and bonfire nights.
Cover-up alternatives if you are packing light
- Oversized tee as a mini dress: Cinch with a tie or let it hang loose.
- Kimono or sheer duster: Toss on for instant drama with zero effort.
- Athletic skort: Quick drying and perfect for a beach walk or bike ride.
- Performance sun shirt: Wear open over your suit or buttoned for extra coverage.
Quick grab list for your beach bag
- Cover-up of choice folded small.
- Hat for sun, plus sunglasses.
- Refillable sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a scrunchie.
- Flip flops or slides that rinse clean.
- Light layer for wind or AC.
When to swap to an evening layer
As the sun dips, temperatures and wind shift fast. If your afternoon was all about sarongs and tanks, trade up to a cozy top before heading to the pier. A beach sweatshirt keeps you warm without feeling heavy, and it looks
great over a slip dress or with soft shorts.
FAQs, answered quickly
- What is a beach coverup? Any lightweight layer you wear over swimwear for sun protection, modesty, and quick transitions off the sand.
- What is the purpose of a beach cover up? Sun safety, comfort, and café ready style.
- What to use as a beach cover up? Sarongs, tunics, beach dresses, oversized shirts, tanks with shorts, or light hoodies.
- What is a swim cover up called? Also called sarong, pareo, kaftan, tunic, or beach dress.
- What are beach dresses called? Sundresses, slip dresses, and cover-up dresses.
- What are some cover-up alternatives? Athletic skorts, sheer dusters, crochet sets, and performance sun shirts.
- How to turn a scarf into a beach cover-up? Use it as a halter top, mini skirt, bandana top, or shoulder wrap.
- What materials work best for cover-ups? Cotton voile, gauze, linen blends, rayon, mesh, and performance knits.
- What are the best colors for beach cover-ups? Brights, soft earth tones, and light neutrals, chosen to suit your undertone.
- How to cover up on the beach? Keep it simple with one light layer, sun hat, and sandals.
Ready to go from sand to street?
Keep your beach days easy. Choose one cover-up that suits your style, add a sun smart hat, and pack a warm layer for breezy evenings. Shop Knot Right Threads for mix and match pieces that travel well, feel good, and
give back to causes we care about as an Ocean Lovers community. Explore womens tank tops for daytime looks, grab breathable staples, and keep cozy with our sweatshirts when the wind picks up. Do not forget
headwear, our trucker hats look great with everything from sarongs to sundresses.
Shop now and build beach outfits you will wear on repeat.