When it comes to holiday packing, no piece works harder than a great beach cover up. Effortlessly versatile, the right beach cover up takes you from morning poolside lounging to sunset drinks by the sea - no outfit change required. Whether you call them kaftans, beach cover ups, or resort wear, the principle is the same: lightweight, stylish, and endlessly easy to wear.

At Beach Cafe, we've curated a stunning edit of beach cover ups from the world's most sought-after designers. Here's our pick of the best styles to pack this summer.

The Kaftan - The Ultimate Beach Cover Up

Nothing defines effortless holiday dressing quite like a kaftan. A good beach kaftan slips straight over your bikini, requires zero thought, and instantly elevates any poolside look. Our kaftan collection features styles from Pitusa, Seafolly and Juliet Dunn - three designers who have perfected the art of the beach cover up.

Pitusa is beloved for its lightweight, breathable cotton kaftans in vibrant prints and earthy tones, made using traditional hand-weaving techniques. Seafolly's kaftans are designed to complement their iconic swimwear - think relaxed silhouettes, V-necklines and easy-to-pack fabrics. Juliet Dunn brings an artisanal touch with intricate embroidery and rich colours that make a kaftan feel as special as any evening outfit.

For the best beach kaftan, look for styles with a mid-thigh or maxi length, a V-neck for easy on and off over swimwear, and a fabric that dries quickly.

The Maxi Cover Up Dress - For Evenings by the Sea

For beach destinations where you'll be heading straight from the sand to dinner, a maxi beach cover up dress is your best friend. Full-length styles from our beach dresses collection by Miss June Paris and Sundress are perfect for this - beautifully made, with feminine silhouettes that look just as elegant over a swimsuit as they do with sandals and a bag.

Sundress is particularly well known for its embroidered cotton styles - each piece is a work of art that doubles as a beach cover up and a proper going-out dress. Miss June Paris brings a French Riviera sensibility to resort dressing, with flowing maxi styles in natural fabrics that feel luxurious but pack flat.

The Short Beach Cover Up - For Poolside Days

When you're spending the day at the pool and want a lightweight beach cover up you can pull on between swims, a shorter style is often more practical. Mini kaftans and shirt-style beach cover ups are ideal - easy to throw on, easy to take off, and cool enough to wear in the heat.

Away That Day specialises in this kind of effortless poolside dressing - their short cover up styles are made from sustainable luxury fabrics and designed to complement their swimwear collections perfectly.

How to Style Your Beach Cover Up

• Add espadrilles or flat sandals to transition from beach to lunch without changing.
• Layer a straw hat for sun protection and a polished resort look.
• Tie a sarong around your waist under a shorter kaftan to add length - shop our sarongs and pareos collection for the best styles.
• Keep accessories minimal - a woven beach bag and simple gold jewellery is all you need.

Ready to find your perfect beach cover up? Browse our full collection of kaftans and beach cover ups at Beach Cafe UK. Enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £100 and free UK and Europe returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a beach cover up?

A beach cover up is a lightweight garment worn over swimwear, typically when moving between the beach or pool and a café, restaurant or resort area. Common styles include kaftans, sarongs, maxi dresses and loose shirts.

What is the best fabric for a beach cover up?

Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and cheesecloth are ideal - they're breathable, quick-drying and comfortable in warm weather. Many designer styles also use crinkle and gauze fabrics that pack flat without creasing.

Can you wear a kaftan as a beach cover up?

Absolutely - a kaftan is one of the most popular forms of beach cover up. Designed to be worn over a swimsuit, kaftans offer lightweight coverage, easy on and off wear, and effortless holiday style. Shop our full kaftan collection at Beach Cafe.