In today’s competitive swimwear market, a cover-up is more than just a beach accessory; it’s a vital extension of your brand identity. A well-designed cover-up complements your swimwear, adding elegance and versatility to your collection.
By coordinating cover-ups with your swimwear, you offer customers a complete lifestyle experience, capturing the mood and moment they want to express.
This guide provides a professional overview of how to strengthen your swimwear line with the perfect cover-ups, covering popular styles, fabric choices, and key design strategies.
What Is a Swimwear Cover-Up?
A swimwear cover-up is a lightweight beach garment worn over swimsuits to provide modesty, comfort, and style. Available in forms like sarongs, kaftans, and tunics, they allow for a seamless transition from the poolside to a restaurant or from the beach to a boardwalk.
In a fashion collection, cover-ups bridge the gap between swimwear and ready-to-wear, elevating simple pieces into a cohesive, high-value look.
Why Adding Cover-Ups Strengthens Your Swimwear Line
Integrating cover-ups into your swimwear line offers significant strategic advantages that can strengthen your brand and boost sales.
- Increases Average Order Value (AOV): A matching cover-up is a natural upsell for customers.
- Elevates brand perception – A cohesive line communicates design depth and luxury.
- Expands Your Audience: Coordinated sets are highly appealing to boutiques, resorts, and online fashion stores.
- Enhances marketing appeal – Coordinated looks make stunning visuals for catalogs and lookbooks.
- Boosts Functionality: Customers appreciate versatile garments they can wear in multiple settings, not just at the beach.
Popular Types of Cover-Ups to Match Swimwear Styles
Choosing the right style of cover-up is essential for matching your brand’s aesthetic and meeting customer needs.
1.Kaftans
Kaftans are flowing, ankle-length garments that exude effortless luxury. Designed with wide sleeves and relaxed silhouettes, they offer full coverage while keeping the body cool in warm climates.
Kaftans are ideal for resort and high-end swimwear brands seeking an elegant, free-spirited aesthetic.
Styling idea: Match sheer chiffon kaftans with bold one-pieces or metallic bikinis to create a sophisticated poolside look.
2. Tunics
Tunics are shorter and more structured than kaftans, often finishing mid-thigh or above the knee. They provide just enough coverage for a beach stroll or pool bar visit while maintaining an easy, lightweight feel.
Design note: Cotton voile or linen tunics with embroidered trims are timeless and pair beautifully with classic bikini sets or sporty one-pieces.
3. Sarongs
A sarong is a rectangular piece of fabric that can be tied around the waist, chest, or shoulders in multiple ways. Its versatility makes it a must-have for every swimwear collection.
Sarongs are compact, quick-drying, and ideal for travel collections. Offer matching prints to your bikinis to give your customers a coordinated, elevated look.
4. Pareos
Often used interchangeably with sarongs, pareos are typically larger and made from softer, more fluid fabrics such as rayon or viscose. They can be styled as a full dress, halter wrap, or even a beach blanket.
For brands: Pareos are perfect for tropical or minimalist collections that focus on multifunctional and sustainable design concepts.
5. Kimono Cover-Ups
Kimono robes are long, open-front cover-ups inspired by traditional Japanese attire. With wide sleeves and flowing silhouettes, they add drama and movement to beachwear collections.
Fabric suggestion: Lightweight chiffon or satin for luxury brands; soft rayon for casual lines. These pieces look stunning layered over printed swimsuits or high-waisted bikinis.
6. Beach Dresses
Beach dresses blur the line between swimwear and ready-to-wear. From breezy maxi styles to fitted mini cuts, they allow customers to transition effortlessly from sand to street.
Design insight: Incorporate drawstrings, adjustable straps, or cut-out details to make your beach dresses inclusive and trendy. They’re perfect for resortwear collections targeting lifestyle-oriented shoppers.
7. Crochet Cover-Ups
Crochet cover-ups are beloved for their handcrafted texture and artisanal charm. Made with open-knit patterns, they provide partial coverage while maintaining breathability and bohemian appeal.
Trend insight: Natural cotton or recycled yarns are popular choices for sustainable collections. Pair with solid-color bikinis to highlight the intricate knitwork.
8. Lace Cover-Ups
Lace cover-ups add instant femininity and elegance to any swimwear collection. Their delicate patterns and soft textures make them perfect for romantic or luxury-inspired designs.
Style tip: White or pastel lace over neutral or pastel swimsuits creates a timeless, bridal-resort look that appeals strongly to boutique buyers.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Cover-Ups
Fabric selection determines comfort, style, and quality. When designing cover-ups for your swimwear line, consider breathability, drape, and aesthetic compatibility with your existing pieces.
| Fabric Type | Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Chiffon | Sheer, lightweight, flowy | Elegant resort or beach dresses |
| Rayon/Viscose | Soft, breathable, eco-friendly | Tunics and kimonos |
| Cotton Voile | Natural, crisp texture | Minimalist sarongs and wraps |
| Linen Blend | Cool, sustainable, slightly textured | Boho and eco-chic styles |
| Recycled Polyester | Durable, quick-drying, sustainable | Active or sporty collections |
Matching Cover-Ups to Swimwear Styles
Your cover-up should reflect your brand’s swimwear aesthetic. Here’s how to build visual cohesion:
Color Coordination:
Use the same or complementary color palette. For example, a navy bikini pairs perfectly with a white or striped cover-up.
Print Matching:
Repeat signature patterns, borders, or trims. This creates a recognizable “set” effect for retail displays.
Texture Harmony:
Pair sleek swimsuits with soft, flowing fabrics — or contrast matte bikinis with glossy or metallic cover-ups.
Silhouette Balance:
For sporty swimsuits, use clean lines and minimal cuts. For luxurious one-pieces, go for voluminous shapes or sheer layers.
Key Design & Merchandising Tips for Brands
1.Start with your hero swimwear designs.
Build cover-ups that highlight your best-selling prints or silhouettes.
2. Offer versatile options.
Include short and long versions, or add adjustable ties for multiple wearing styles.
3.Use the same fabric print or color family.
This creates visual storytelling and stronger merchandising impact.
4. Plan your production early.
Coordinate cover-up development with your swimwear sampling schedule to ensure color and fabric consistency.
5. Highlight craftsmanship.
Showcase embroidery, tassels, or trims — they photograph beautifully and signal premium quality.
6. Promote as a lifestyle look.
Feature complete outfits (bikini + cover-up + accessory) in your lookbook or e-commerce gallery.
Conclusion
A beautiful cover-up transforms a simple bikini into a complete story. It reflects your brand’s creativity, attention to detail, and understanding of customer lifestyle.
By pairing your swimwear line with thoughtfully designed cover-ups, you give clients more reasons to fall in love with your collection — and retailers more reasons to stock your brand.
Ready to design the perfect cover-up for your swimwear line?
Partner with our expert team to create custom designs, sustainable fabrics, and flawless production that align perfectly with your brand vision.
Chiffon, rayon, cotton voile, and recycled polyester are among the most popular for their lightweight feel and beautiful drape.
Use the same color palette, prints, or trims as your swimwear collection, and ensure silhouette harmony between pieces.
Yes. They boost perceived value and create opportunities for upselling, even in small collections.
Absolutely. You can develop your own fabric prints, add woven labels, and create full branded sets through custom manufacturing partners.