Swimsuit Cover-Ups & Beach Kaftans

A cover-up has to go on over a damp swimsuit. That one requirement rules out most of what gets sold as beachwear — anything fitted, anything with a zip, anything that clings the moment it touches wet skin. Open kimonos and wide-cut kaftans go on easily and stay comfortable. It's why this collection is built almost entirely from those two shapes.

The second thing to look for is a waist tie, because that's the difference between a cover-up and an outfit. Belted, the Morris Pink Wrap Kaftan or the Elyse Blue Kaftan reads as a dress and takes you straight from a lounger to lunch. Loose, it's a cover-up again. One piece doing two jobs is the whole argument for buying one good one rather than three that only work poolside.

The Gardenia Kaftan in emerald and Retro Kaftan are both $228, reduced from $398 and $378. The BellaDonna Kimono is $198 and the Mor Kaftan Wrap Kimono $178. For lighter, shorter options: the Arena Printed Tunic from $78, the Scarf Print Resort Dress from $88, and the Ramona Purple Maxi at $68. Every print is drawn in-house by Sandhya Garg, Project Runway Season 13, and made in limited runs.

On sizing. Most kaftans and kimonos here are cut as one size, which genuinely works across a wide range — there's no waistband or fixed hip measurement to fit, and the belt adjusts to you. The remaining pieces run XS to XL. If you need a larger size or a specific length, any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail, and the full plus size resort wear range runs to 3XL.

Practical notes. Choose a print over pale solids — thin light fabric turns translucent when damp, and a print hides sun cream marks and salt. Pack one belted kaftan rather than two cover-ups and a dress; it does the work of all three and takes up less case space. And if you'll wear it to dinner, check it doesn't crease hard in a suitcase — viscose and viscose-linen blends recover far better than pure linen.

Shop the full resort collection: all resort wear · cruise wear · vacation wear · resort casual · resort evening wear · plus size resort wear
By style: kaftans · kimonos · tunics · tropical prints · sundresses · linen dresses · maxi dresses · beach wedding guest

Read more: what is resort wear for women, resort casual attire explained, what to wear on a cruise, resort packing essentials, and travel outfits for women.

Check the size chart before ordering. Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a swimsuit cover-up?
It has to go on over a damp swimsuit without sticking, which rules out fitted shapes, zips and clingy fabrics — open kimonos and wide kaftans work best. Look for a waist tie if you want it to double as a dress, and choose a print over a pale solid, since thin light fabric can turn translucent when wet.

Can you wear a beach cover-up as a dress?
Yes, if it belts and the fabric isn't sheer. A kaftan with a waist tie reads as a dress when cinched and as a cover-up when loose — add sandals and jewellery and it works for lunch or dinner. That versatility is the main reason to buy one well-made cover-up rather than several single-purpose ones.

What is the best fabric for a beach cover-up?
Viscose, viscose-linen blends and lightweight cotton all work well — they're breathable, they don't cling to damp skin, and they dry quickly. Pure linen creases hard in a suitcase; heavy jersey clings. Avoid anything very thin in white or cream, which becomes see-through when wet.

Do cover-ups come in plus sizes?
Most kaftans and kimonos here are cut as one size and accommodate a wide range, since there's no fixed waist or hip measurement and the belt adjusts to you. The remaining pieces run XS to XL. For larger sizes, see the plus size resort wear collection, which runs to 3XL, or order any style made to your measurements.

How many cover-ups should I pack for a week away?
One or two, if they're the right ones. A belted kaftan that works as a dress replaces a cover-up, a lunch outfit and an evening piece, which is more useful than three single-purpose items. Pack a print rather than a solid — it hides sun cream, salt and creasing across a week of wear.