Swimsuit Coverups

Of course, there are also sound health-related reasons to stay covered up, at least some of the time. With skin cancer now one of the biggest killers around, the era of sun-worshipping is coming to an end, and more and more beach-goers are realizing the importance of covering up.

Thankfully, help is at hand. There's now a large range of swimsuit coverups available to protect both your skin and your modesty. Let's look at just a few of them…

Sarongs

Sarongs have been gracing our beaches for many years, now, and are possibly the most popular type of coverup around. There are good reasons for that popularity: the hips, belly and thighs tend to be the areas of the body we're most sensitive about, and a brightly colored sarong tied around the waist covers up all of those areas in one shot, as well as giving the wearer a more graceful silhouette.

Sarongs come in every color and pattern imaginable, so you can choose to either make a statement with a bold pattern, or match the color of your swimsuit for a more classic look.

Tunics

While sarongs have been the classic swimsuit coverup for many years now, tunics are fast becoming the most fashionable. Seen on stars like Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, the tunic is a long, loose top which hits at mid-thigh level and is normally made of a lightweight fabric such as cheesecloth or cotton.

Tunics tend to have long sleeves, so they're helping to cover up flabby arms and problem areas around the hips and midriff. Worn as a sexy summer dress, though, these cover-ups are anything but boring, and are a key part of the ethnic look that’s still big this summer. Wear one with a straw cowboy hat and big sunglasses for the hot look of the season. Even better, tunics don't just look good at the beach. Just pull on a pair of shorts over your bikini bottoms, and you're ready to shop, eat or go dancing!

Sun Dresses

For those of us who prefer to dress it up a little, the sundress is the perfect way to look good at the beach while remaining covered up. Sundresses can be strapless, short, ankle-length or any other way you want to wear them, the key point is that they're cool, fresh and easy to pull on and off over your bikini. There's a great selection of sundresses here at eDressMe.com, but you'll find lower-priced dresses in any swimwear or clothes store. Juicy Couture's terry tube dress has become a summer beachwear essential. It's the perfect shape and material for the beach, and it also rolls up easily, so you can carry it in your beach bag. You'll find cheaper copies in departments stores and online.

Where to Buy Swimsuit Coverups

Any good swimwear retailer will stock swimsuit coverups, and you'll also find plenty of choice in standard boutiques and department stores. Here are some online retailers of coverups:

• Sunfitters Beach Coverups and Beach Dresses
• SunGrubbies.com
• NexTag.com
• Venus Swimwear
• Laguna Fitness
• Brazilian Bikinis
• Coolibar.com