A beautiful swimsuit is the foundation of every beach holiday wardrobe, but knowing what to wear over it can elevate your entire look. Whether you're heading to lunch at a beach club, strolling through a coastal town or simply relaxing by the pool, the right cover-up allows you to move effortlessly from beach to bar without compromising on style.

At Beach Cafe, we've spent over 20 years curating luxury designer beachwear from some of the world's most sought-after brands. From elegant Charo Ruiz dresses and embroidered Juliet Dunn styles to timeless Seafolly, ViX Swimwear, Greek Archaic Kori and Pitusa, our collections are designed to make holiday dressing effortless.

If you're wondering what to wear over your swimsuit this summer, here are our favourite beach cover-up ideas.

1. A Lightweight Beach Shirt

One of the easiest and most versatile options is an oversized beach shirt.

Made from breathable cotton or linen, a beach shirt can be worn open over your bikini, tied at the waist or layered with shorts for a relaxed holiday look. It's ideal for throwing on when you're heading to lunch or taking a walk along the promenade.

Neutral white linen is a timeless choice, while striped or vibrant colours add a playful holiday feel.

2. An Elegant Kaftan

Nothing says luxury resort style quite like a beautifully crafted kaftan.

Flowing silhouettes, embroidered details and lightweight fabrics make kaftans perfect for keeping cool while looking effortlessly sophisticated. Whether you're relaxing poolside or enjoying drinks at a beach club, a kaftan provides just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy.

At Beach Cafe, you'll find stunning styles from designers including Greek Archaic Kori, Juliet Dunn and Miss June Paris, all renowned for their beautiful craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

3. A Floaty Beach Dress

A beach dress is one of the most practical cover-ups you can own.

Simply slip it on over your swimwear and you're instantly ready for shopping, sightseeing or an afternoon lunch. Lightweight cotton, linen and voile fabrics keep you cool while adding an effortlessly feminine touch.

If you're looking for investment pieces, Charo Ruiz creates beautifully tailored beach dresses that transition seamlessly from the beach to evening dinners, while Farm Rio offers colourful prints perfect for tropical escapes.

4. A Stylish Sarong

The humble sarong remains one of the hardest-working pieces in any holiday suitcase.

Wear it as:

-A wrap skirt

-A halter dress

-A shoulder shawl

-A lightweight cover-up

-A scarf for cooler evenings

It's compact, easy to pack and incredibly versatile, making it a beach holiday essential.

5. A Crochet Dress

Crochet beachwear continues to be one of the biggest resort wear trends for 2026.

The open-knit texture offers breathable coverage while allowing your swimwear to peek through, creating an effortlessly chic beach look. Pair with leather sandals, oversized sunglasses and a woven tote for understated luxury.

6. Matching Co-Ord Sets

Matching co-ords have become a favourite for modern holiday wardrobes.

A lightweight shirt paired with matching shorts or wide-leg trousers creates a polished outfit that's perfect for moving from the beach straight to a restaurant or sightseeing without needing to completely change.

They're also ideal for mixing and matching with other holiday essentials throughout your trip.

7. Linen Trousers and a Bikini

For destinations where you plan to spend as much time exploring as you do relaxing by the sea, linen trousers are an excellent option.

Pair them with your favourite bikini top or swimsuit for a sophisticated, relaxed look that's breathable enough for warm climates while offering extra coverage.

8. Build Your Outfit Around Your Swimsuit

Rather than thinking of your swimsuit as something hidden underneath your outfit, make it the centrepiece of your holiday style.

A beautifully designed one-piece can double as a bodysuit when paired with linen trousers or a flowing skirt, while a bandeau bikini looks effortlessly chic beneath an open beach shirt or lightweight kaftan.

Designers such as Seafolly, ViX Swimwear, Away That Day and Peony create timeless swimwear that is designed to be seen, whether you're by the pool or enjoying lunch overlooking the sea.

Discover our range of designer swimsuits online today. 

How to Choose the Right Beach Cover-Up

When choosing what to wear over your swimsuit, look for pieces that are:

-Lightweight and breathable

-Easy to slip on and off

-Quick drying

-Comfortable in hot climates

-Versatile enough to wear beyond the beach

Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are always excellent choices, while embroidered detailing and premium finishes help elevate your holiday wardrobe.

Discover Luxury Beach Cover-Ups at Beach Cafe

Whether you're searching for an elegant kaftan, a timeless linen beach shirt or a beautifully crafted beach dress, Beach Cafe offers one of the UK's finest collections of luxury designer beachwear.

Our carefully curated collections feature world-renowned designers including Charo Ruiz, Seafolly, ViX Swimwear, Juliet Dunn, Greek Archaic Kori, Farm Rio, PQ Swim, Miss June Paris, Pitusa and many more, ensuring you'll find effortless pieces to take you from sunrise swims to sunset cocktails.

Explore the latest collections at Beach Cafe and discover beachwear that's designed to make every holiday feel unforgettable.