When you are going on a beach holiday, you want to make sure you have a good bathing suit or bikini. Check our article on the best bathings suits for women over 40 for that. However, just as important is to find the best bathing suit cover ups.

A great swimsuit cover up can help you to feel more confident on the beach or by the pool as well as ensuring that you can easily head from the beach to lunch. Below, you’ll find all our favorite cover-ups as well as ways to wear them.

What to look for to find the best bathing suit cover ups?

Below are some of the requirements to think about when choosing a good bathing suit cover up:

Ideally it fits with your bathing suit

Why should coordinating your clothes stop at the beach? You could either choose a matching style of cover-up, or you could always opt for a neutral such as black or white which will go with all of your swimwear.

Or, of course, the other way around – a plain swimsuit and a patterned cover-up.

Is it easy to put on?

You want adding your cover-up to your bathing suit to be easy and quick as you may be taking it on and off several times during the day.

my favorite beach cover up | 40plusstyle.com

Seafolly Desert Tribe Kaftan (similar here)

It’s good for the beach but can also double as a stylish dress

Choose the right cover-up and you can wear for lunch or even dinner. Or, you could even style your cover-up as a long duster jacket for another outfit idea. Of course, not all bathing suit cover ups need to comply with this, but it’s nice to have a few options that can do this.

It needs to protect you from the sun

Bathing suit cover ups shouldn’t just cover up the parts of your body you perhaps aren’t so confident about. They should also cover your shoulders and back to protect you from the sun and its aging effects

No matter which beach destination you choose, there is likely to be plenty of sun and beautiful beaches so coverups (and lots of sunscreen) are essential. Below are some of the best tunics and caftans for the beach this season.

Suzie wears a beige beach cover up | 40plusstyle.com

Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for a maxi cover up that could easily take her from beach to lunch.

Get her look with this similar cover-up (other options here and here), sunglasses, earrings and necklace.

It needs to be stylish

It goes without saying that you want to feel good about yourself, especially on the beach where you may be more conscious of your body. A great bathing suit cover up will give you confidence!

The best bathing suit cover ups to choose this season

Now that you’re thinking about the style and type of cover-up you might like, below you will find some of the most stylish swimsuit cover-ups to choose this season:

Short swimsuit cover-ups

A short swimsuit cover up that covers the most important areas is fabulous for strolling on the beach and would also look lovely worn over leggings with sandals for evening or with your white jeans for an evening away from the beach.

Bthing suit cover ups - Elan Dobby Stripe Long Sleeve Cover-Up Shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Dobby Stripe Long Sleeve Cover-Up Shirtdress

A belt can change the silhouette of a shirt dress so you can achieve different looks.

Bathing suit cover ups - Summersalt The Silky Luxe Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Silky Luxe Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-Up

Melissa Odabash Emily Lace Inset Long Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Melissa Odabash Emily Lace Inset Long Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress

tunic cover-up

The Robin Piccone cover-up (below) features a tie neckline and stripe detailing will add interest to your bathing suit outfit.

Bathing suit cover ups - Robin Piccone Natalie Cover-Up Tunic | 40plusstyle.com

Robin Piccone Natalie Cover-Up Tunic

The Blooming Jelly cover-up (below) features an interesting textural pattern, and comes in a huge choice of colors. Reviewers say it is classy, nicely made, and figure-flattering.

Bathing suit cover ups - Blooming Jelly Chiffon Cover-Up | 40plusstyle.com

Blooming Jelly Chiffon Cover-Up

The chiffon cover-up (below) features boho styling, and reviewers say they got lots of compliments when wearing it.

Bathing suit cover ups - CPOKRTWSO Chiffon Bikini Cover-Up | 40plusstyle.com

CPOKRTWSO Chiffon Bikini Cover-Up

hoodie cover-up

For a warmer and more casual cover up, how about the striped cover-up (below) which could be ideal for cooler vacation spots or to pop over your shorts when the sun goes down.

Bathing suit cover ups - La Blanca slouchy hooded sweater cover-up | 40plusstyle.com

La Blanca Slouchy Hooded Sweater Cover-Up Tunic

romper

Of course, you don’t just have to choose a top to cover up with at the beach. You could choose an all-in-one to wear over your swimsuit. Then if you’re heading for lunch, you pop your sandals on, or some sneakers for sightseeing.

Bathing suit cover ups - Elan Cover-Up Romper | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Cover-Up Romper

Bathing suit cover-ups - Sandra wears a print romper | 40plusstyle.com

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above chooses a romper style cover-up and teams with bright sandals.

Check out this romper that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, tote and sunglasses.

dresses

Now, let’s take a look at some longer dresses you could choose to wear on the beach.

midi cover-up

Midi lengths are very of-the-moment, the cut-out on the cover-up below will accentuate your figure and the floral midi cover-up will flatten almost any body type.

Vix Swimwear Cutout Midi Cover-Up | 40plusstyle.com

Vix Swimwear Cutout Midi Cover-Up

La Blanca Floral Off the Shoulder Cover-Up Midi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

La Blanca Floral Off the Shoulder Cover-Up Midi Dress

Another great cover-up brand is Elan, which has a good choice of styles in all lengths, including the midi style (below).

Elan Ruched Shoulder Tiered Cover-Up Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Ruched Shoulder Tiered Cover-Up Dress

long cover up

Moving on to maxi styles, the linen cover-up below offers some subtle sex appeal, thanks to the side splits, which still keeping you covered.

L Space Capistrano Long Sleeve Linen Cover-Up Tunic Dress | 40plusstyle.com

L Space Capistrano Long Sleeve Linen Cover-Up Tunic Dress

maxi dress

A maxi cover up dress is a lovely chic option for the beach. This one (below) doesn’t cover your shoulders so be sure to add plenty of sun protection, but it will be super stylish when you go for dinner on the beach in the evening.

Bathing suit cover ups - Elan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Elan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi Dress

If you want to cover-up any lumps, bumps or so-called “imperfections,” then print can be a great way to confuse the eye and draw attention away. The Lands’ End dress (below) comes in an on-trend tie-dye.

Lands' End Jersey Swim Cover-up Maxi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Lands’ End Jersey Swim Cover-up Maxi Dress

Robyn wears a maxi style bathing suit cover-up | 40plusstyle.com

Robyn @robbiesue1970 above chooses a floral print maxi style.

Get her look with this similar maxi dress, sandals, sunhat, earrings and sunglasses.

wrap cover-up

Wrap dresses are incredibly flattering for women of all body shapes. So, why not a wrap style cover-up? The H&M wrap (below) is super easy to slip on over your swimsuit and is usually released in different colors and prints each summer season.

Plus, you could easily wear it with leggings or pants for evening.

H&M Beach Wrap Dress | 40plusstyle.com

H&M Beach Wrap Dress

The ruching on the wrap cover-up dress (below) makes this a very flattering choice. Plus, it is made of rayon and silk so has a luxurious feel while keeping you cool.

ViX Swimwear Lia Wrap Cover-Up Dress | 40plusstyle.com

ViX Swimwear Lia Wrap Cover-Up Dress

printed cover-up dress

We like the graphic print on the v-neck cover-up below and the fact it ties at the waist to add shape to your silhouette. You can decide how tight you want to tie the belt for the cover-up effect you want to achieve.

Bsubseach Tie Dye Long Kimono Swimsuit Cover up | 40plusstyle.com

Bsubseach Tie Dye Long Kimono Cover-Up

While many cover-ups are loose, if you like to emphasize your waist, the pull-on cover-up (below) is perfect. It comes in a wide choice of prints and patterns, and reviewers say the drawstring waist makes it flattering for a number of body types.

Ekouaer Tie Dye Cover-Up | 40plusstyle.com

Ekouaer Tie Dye Cover-Up

long sleeve dress

Many beach cover-ups are sleeveless. But, if you prefer to cover-up your upper arms because you don’t feel confident about them or you want to avoid sunburn, a longer sleeved style like these ones below could be the answer.

You could choose a very glamorous option that will definitely take you from beach to bar. The print on the maxi cover-up (below) has an on-trend 70s feel. There is a good choice of colors and different grahical or boho prints in this style so you’re sure to find a favorite.

Ailunsnika Rayon Multicolor Swimsuits Cover Up | 40plusstyle.com

Ailunsnika Rayon Multicolor Swimsuits Cover Up

crochet dress

The crochet style (below) drapes across the body. Like many cover-ups, it is see-thru though, so this is one to keep for the beach rather than doubling as a dress. Unless, of course, you add another layer underneath, like a camisole.

HARHAY Swimwear Cover up | 40plusstyle.com

HARHAY Swimwear Cover up

Melanie in a crochet beach cover up | 40plusstyle.com

Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above shows how a crochet cover-up can look super stylish when you can see your swimsuit underneath.

Steal her look with this similar swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, straw tote and hat.

kaftans

I couldn’t resist adding some extra kaftans as they are one of the easiest styles to wear at the beach.

They provide the best coverup and you can potentially feel like and look like a goddess in one of these. It feels exotic and glamorous to wear one.

You could easily wear for the beach during the day and then add some heels and jewelry for dinner. If you choose a short cover-up, you can wear pants underneath.

Boden Smocked Neck Beach Kaftan | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Smocked Neck Beach Kaftan

BLEU by Rod Pompom Cover-Up Caftan | 40plusstyle.com

BLEU by Rod Pompom Cover-Up Caftan

Free People Groovy Baby Geo Print Maxi Caftan | 40plusstyle.com

Tommy Bahama Colorblock Cover-Up Caftan

Bathing suit cover-ups - Angela wears a black and white maxi style | 40plusstyle.com

Angela @angelamashelle above (read her style interview here) looks incredibly glamorous in her maxi cover-up.

Recreate her outfit with this similar kaftan, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

kimonos

Onto some kimono options for you. Kimonos are great worn as you would a jacket, for instance over your t-shirt and shorts to add coverage and style, as well as wearing over your swimsuit.

Breezy Lane Print Kimono | 40plusstyle.com

Breezy Lane Print Kimono

MJ SERECA Burnout Kimono | 40plusstyle.com

MJ SERECA Tassel Kimono

Moss Rose Print Kimono | 40plusstyle.com

Moss Rose Print Kimono

The best bathing suit cover ups - from beach cover up to maxi kaftan! | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above chooses to perfectly match her swimsuit with her cover-up.

She is wearing a kimono from Gottex (another option here), sandals from STAUD and hat from Amazon. Check out this similar swimsuit (other options here and here), hat, earrings and sunglasses.

sarongs

If you just want to add a little extra coverage while you’re on the beach – perhaps because you aren’t so confident about your hips or thighs – then a short wrap or sarong can be the perfect option.

Summersalt The Easy Breezy Voile Sarong | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Easy Breezy Voile Sarong

Vitamin A Sirena Tassel Cover-Up Sarong | 40plusstyle.com

Vitamin A Sirena Tassel Cover-Up Sarong

Vitamin A Sirena Tassel Cover-Up Sarong | 40plusstyle.com

Seafolly Modern Take Cotton Cover-Up Pareo

Suzanne in a sarong beach cover up | 40plusstyle.com

Suzanne @asksuzannebell above (read her style interview here) chooses a knee-length sarong with her cut-out swimsuit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, sarong, hat and sunglasses.

skirts

You could also try a wrap style skirt that you can simply wrap around your swimsuit when you want to leave the beach and go get a drink or a meal.

Summersalt The Silky Luxe Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Silky Luxe Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt

Summersalt The Short Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Short Beach to Brunch Wrap Skirt

Cover-up pants

Prefer to cover up your lower body too? Then these cover-up pants are for you.

They are easy to combine with some of your tunics and kaftans too!

Summersalt The Palazzo Pant With Ties | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Palazzo Pant With Ties

Summersalt The Easy Breezy Eco Voile Wrap Pant | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Easy Breezy Eco Voile Wrap Pant

Bathing suit cover ups - Nikki wears print palazzo pants at the beach | 40plusstyle.com

Nikki @midlifechic above opts for print pants for a day at the beach.

Steal her look with this similar halter top, pants, sandals, earrings and necklace.

What to wear with your cover-ups

Now that you’ve chosen your favorite cover-up style, how exactly will you wear it? Take a look (below) for cover-up inspiration.

The obvious way (with your swimsuit)

Of course, your beach cover-up is designed primarily to be worn over your swimsuit. You can choose a cover-up in matching or contrasting shades.

Stylish way to wear your beach cover up | 40plusstyle.com

La Blanca Cross Back One-Piece SwimsuitVitamin A Sirena Tassel Cover-Up SarongSam Edelman Gigi SandalMassimo Dutti Raffia ToteBrixton Joanna Straw Hat

Add some leggings for evening

Leggings are perfect too. So comfortable and easy to wear on holiday. You can pop your leggings under your cover-up so you’re ready for lunch or for sightseeing. And they’re easy to pack in your suitcase as they don’t take up much room at all.

Wearing a beach cover up with your leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Melissa Odabash Emily Lace Inset Long Sleeve Cotton ShirtdressZella Perform Crossband 7/8 LeggingsMassimo Dutti Leather SandalsMassimo Dutti Raffia ClutchMassimo Dutti Choker Necklace

Check this article for the best leggings for women over 40.

With jeans

Your swimsuit cover-up doesn’t have to be kept only for the beach. You can wear for day-to-day too by adding over the top of your t-shirt and jeans.

Beach cover up with jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Summersalt The Silky Luxe Short Effortless Shirtdress Cover-UpAG Farrah Crop Bootcut JeansPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe SandalTory Burch Small Kira Chevron Leather Convertible Shoulder BagLorsoilyn Raffia Earrings

With shorts

I love wearing my shorts on vacation. They make for a great relaxed look while combining them with kaftans and kimonos.

Wearing your beach cover up with shorts | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Dobby Stripe Long Sleeve Cover-Up ShirtdressNYDJ Linen Blend Bermuda ShortsTory Burch Howell Court Sneaker – Tory Burch Small Kira Chevron Leather Convertible Shoulder BagCOIRIS Seed Bead Necklace and Earrings Set

With glamorous accessories

Choose a glamorous cover-up that can easily take you to a fancy lunch or dinner.

Cover-up with glamorous accessories | 40plusstyle.com

Elan Ruched Shoulder Tiered Cover-Up DressSARTO by Franco Sarto Greene SandalNina Kimberly Minaudière ClutchKendra Scott Kendall Wire Drop Earrings

Beach pants and kaftan together

If you’re looking to put together a full outfit that will look lovely for lunch, add your kaftan over your beach pants.

Beach pants and kimono together | 40plusstyle.com

MJ SERECA Tassel KimonoLa Blanca Cross Back One-Piece SwimsuitSummersalt The Easy Breezy Eco Voile Wrap PantSARTO by Franco Sarto Greene SandalMassimo Dutti Raffia ToteBrixton Joanna Straw Hat

For more guidance check our article on how to wear shorts over 40.

As a lightweight jacket for evening

Even if you’re heading on vacation somewhere warm, you will want a lightweight cover-up. Your beach kaftan can do double duty as a cover-up for your shoulders in the evening.

A cover-up as a lightweight jacket for evening | 40plusstyle.com

Moss Rose Print KimonoChelsea28 Cross Back Cutout DressSARTO by Franco Sarto Greene SandalNina Kimberly Minaudière ClutchKendra Scott Kendall Wire Drop Earrings

Layered over a t-shirt

The maxi dress (below) would look great layered over a plain white t-shirt.

Cover-up layered over a t-shirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS The Clean Cut T-ShirtElan V-Back Cover-Up Maxi DressSam Edelman Gigi SandalMassimo Dutti Raffia ToteLorsoilyn Raffia EarringsChic Lariat Necklace 

wrap dress

If you’ve chosen a wrap style, wear off the beach too over your leggings or jeans.

Wrap dress | 40plusstyle.com

ViX Swimwear Lia Wrap Cover-Up DressLyssé Flattering LeggingsPaul Green Cayanne Peep Toe SandalTory Burch Small Kira Chevron Leather Convertible Shoulder BagCOIRIS Seed Bead Necklace and Earrings Set

Top brands for cover-ups

Your beach cover ups together in one capsule

Take a look (below) at the cover-up outfits, together in one capsule. You can see you can mix and match the different cover-ups, pants, shorts and swimsuits to create lots of different looks.

Bathing suit cover-ups capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best bathing suit cover-ups here:

More bathing suit cover-up inspiration for you

The capsule (below) is mostly past season, but should still give you outfit ideas for the beach.

Bathing suit cover-ups capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

I hope you have been able to find the best bathing suit cover ups for your needs.

If you need something to wear underneath, be sure to check out the best bathing suits and swimwear.

Have you find the best bathing suit cover ups yet for your style?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Women’s Beach Outfits For Your Summer Vacation
  2. The Best Bathing Suits For Women Over 40 – Swim Suits That Make You Feel Fabulous!
  3. 20 Of The Best One-Piece Bathing Suits For Women Over 40
  4. Stylish Travel Clothes For Women That Are Stylish AND Comfortable

Like this article on the best bathing suit cover ups? Share it on Pinterest!

The best bathing suit cover ups for women over 40 | fashion over 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Sheree @shesheshow

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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