Beach Cover Ups for Women

Beach cover ups should slip on fast, feel light over a swimsuit and look neat when you walk into lunch. Barbara Gerwit does not make swimwear. We make the layer that goes over it: tunics, collared styles and easy dresses in bright prints and solid colors. Each one works at the beach and well beyond it.

Tunic Swimsuit Cover Ups

A tunic is the classic swimsuit cover up. Our tunics cover the hips, and most measure about 28 to 32 inches long in X-Small, getting a little longer in each size. Choose a slit neck knit tunic in a bold print, a nylon tunic that is light and smooth, or a sleeveless V-neck tunic in a solid color. Many tunics come with 3/4 sleeves for a little more sun cover on your arms. Shop all of our tunics.

Collared and Shirt Style Cover Ups

A collared tunic gives your shoulders and neck more cover. Our shirt collar tunics look like a crisp beach shirt, and our nylon button down styles can be worn open like a light jacket over your suit. Wear them closed with capris when you leave the sand. See all of our collared styles, including shirt collar dresses.

Dresses That Work as Cover Ups

A sleeveless knit dress is a cover up and a lunch dress in one. Pull it over your suit at the pool, then wear it to the beach bar or the shops. Our sleeveless styles and halter dresses stay cool in the sun, and our dresses with pockets give you a place for your room key. For a longer look, try a maxi dress.

Silky Rayon and Linen Tunics

For a dressier cover up, choose an embroidered tunic. Our silky rayon tunics have a soft, fluid drape and detailed embroidery. Our linen tunics are airy and light for the hottest days. These fabrics are best for lunch, dinner and walking in town, not for sitting in wet sand. Rayon and linen need gentle care: turn inside out, wash cold on a delicate cycle, and hang or lay flat to dry.

Which Fabric Is Best for a Cover Up?

Nylon is the best pick for the pool and the beach. Our nylon is 92% Nylon / 8% Spandex. It is smooth and light, resists everyday wrinkles and dries faster than cotton. Our cotton knit, 95% Supra Cotton / 5% Spandex, feels soft and natural and stays comfortable in the heat. Silky rayon and linen are cool and pretty, but save them for when you are dry. Read more in our Fabric Guide.

From Beach to Lunch

A good cover up should not need a change of clothes. Wear a tunic over your swimsuit, then add palazzo pants, capris or a skort for lunch. Many of our prints repeat across tunics and bottoms, so matching is easy. Add a coordinated scarf, a resort tote and flat sandals, and you are set for the day. Orders over $200 get a free resort tote.

How Many Cover Ups to Pack

For a one week beach trip, pack two or three cover ups. Bring one nylon tunic for the pool, one sleeveless dress that also works for lunch, and one embroidered tunic for a nicer dinner. On a cruise, keep one cover up in your day bag for the pool deck. See our beach wear and cruise outfits pages for more packing ideas.

Sizes and Fit

Most styles run from X-Small (0-2) to X-Large (16-18), and select styles come in extended sizes. Our tunics and dresses skim the body, so they slide on easily over a swimsuit. Check the measurement chart on each product page for length, bust and hip before you order.