Beach Coverups

Beach coverups are also the modest gal's best friend on the beach. Not everyone wants to let it all hang out, but who wants to look out of place on the beach wearing regular clothes? Modesty aside, beach coverups can also offer additional sun protection.

When to Wear Beach Coverups

You can wear beach coverups practically any time you're not in the water. They're what you step into or pull over your head as soon as you emerge from the pool, ocean or pond when you'd like to keep more of your skin covered than your swimsuit allows.

For just reading a book on the beach, you may enjoy wearing pants with your bikini top. For beach parties where you might want to do a bit of flirting, you could go for a cute dress or sarong coverup instead. For all those occasions in between, like hanging out with friends by the pool or taking a leisurely stroll across the sand, you can try tunics or caftans.

The Styles

There's a beach coverup style for each occasion where you will be expected to wear a swimsuit. Here are some vhoices.

Dresses

Dresses are some of the flirtiest coverups. They'll usually cover your top and bottom all in one girly piece. Some dresses are designed to tie between the breasts and hang open from there down, similar to the style found in many lingerie pieces. This type of dress is downright sexy, nowhere near innocently flirty.

Skirts

If you want to look feminine and flirty but still show off your midriff, check out a skirt to cover your bottom when you're not in the water. Sometimes swimsuits with skirts attached get a bad rap, but adding a skirt over your swimsuit? Fantastic!

Rompers

These are some of the most playful of all coverups. They go best with bandeau tops since they're strapless. The bottom goes well with most swimsuit bottoms since they're shorts. Rompers are one-piece outfits with a drawstring at the waist.

Sarongs

Sarongs are like skirts, but they are typically longer than the traditional skirt mentioned above. They also tie at one hip rather than riding at the waist. In addition, they usually show off a sexy strip of one leg all the way up to the hip. If you have toned thighs you want to show off without being too obvious, wearing a sarong is a good way to draw attention to them.

Tunics

Swim tunics are like the tunics in everyday fashion; they're not limited to beach and pool use. Beach coverup tunics are designed to cover the majority of your suit while you're not participating in water activities. Some are see-through. Most hit the upper thigh, right below where the swimsuit bottom ends. In some cases, you may even find long-sleeved tunics. Tunics made from heavier material can protect your neck, shoulders and back from UV rays.

Caftans

Caftans are similar to tunics and dresses in that they're all one piece and tend to cover both top and bottom of the swimsuit. The style is looser, the sleeves are longer than most (usually touching the elbows) as well as much wider, and they tend to dip low in the back, creating an enticing back view. The material used is usually light and airy; the look is that of a goddess.

Pants

If you're proud to show off your top half, but your bottom makes you a little self-conscious, you can always opt for a pair of pants that either complements or matches your bikini top. These aren't your traditional pants; they're made of material that flows with the breeze, so you still won't look out of place. Your beach attire will look carefree and casual.

Find One Now

To find fabulous beach coverups, check with your favorite department or beachwear store, or just look online at the following sites. Also, if you're looking for a beach coverup to match your swimwear, don't forget to check the store where you bought it. There are often perfect matches available for swimsuits. To look for a whole new set or just a beach coverup that will complement your current swimsuit, visit the following:

• Coolibar
• Venus Swimwear
• In Style Swimwear
• Victoria's Secret

You'll find examples of all types of beach coverups, no matter how modest (or UV-protected!) you'd like to be on the beach.