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In short: A beach cover-up is any piece you wear over your swimsuit, from the beach to lunch, the pool deck or a walk back to the hotel. The four main types are the sarong, the resort dress, the beach robe and coordinated sets such as pants, skirts and tops. The right one depends on how much coverage you want, where you are going after the beach and how you like to move.
What is a beach cover-up?
A beach cover-up is a light layer designed to go over swimwear. It protects you from the sun between swims and lets you move from the shore to a restaurant or the city without changing. Good cover-ups share three qualities: lightweight fabric, a cut that dries and breathes easily, and a silhouette that works with the swimsuit underneath rather than competing with it.
Sarong: the most versatile cover-up
A sarong, also called a pareo, is a single piece of fabric that wraps around the body. It can be tied at the hip as a skirt, knotted at the chest as a dress or worn over the shoulders.
- Best for: packing light, beach days and pool time.
- How to wear it: tie it low on the hip over a bikini, or knot it at the chest for more coverage.
- Look for: a fabric with fluid drape that holds a knot.
The Sarong Pareo Maranta is a full-length wrap in 100% recycled polyester, with a lightweight fabric and a print of organic shapes. It is one size and can be tied in multiple ways. It also comes in the Begonia print.
Resort dress: from the beach to dinner
A resort dress is a cover-up cut like a dress: long or midi, loose and easy to slip on over a swimsuit. It is the most practical option when your plans continue after the beach.
- Best for: beach lunches, sunset plans and travel days.
- How to wear it: over a one-piece for a seamless line, or over a bikini when the dress has openwork or an open back.
- Look for: breathable fabrics and details that hold their shape.
The Kike Dress Marea is a long, loose dress in a lightweight openwork knit, with a deep V-neckline, a gold-tone ring at the center and an open back with tie straps.
Beach robe: the most elegant layer
A beach robe is an open-front layer, often long, with wide sleeves. It adds coverage and sun protection while keeping the swimsuit visible.
- Best for: pool decks, resort mornings and sun protection on the arms.
- How to wear it: open over a swimsuit, or closed at the waist as a light dress.
- Look for: a long silhouette with movement and a fabric that feels airy.
The Uda Robe Maranta has a long, flowing silhouette with broad sleeves and a gold-toned button at the waist. The cover-ups collection also includes robes in other prints, such as Zamia.
Coordinated sets: pants, skirts and tops
Coordinated pieces in the same print as your swimsuit create a complete look that goes from the beach to the city. A wide-leg pant or a skirt over a bikini bottom, paired with a light top, is one of the most polished ways to wear resort wear.
- Best for: travel, city-to-beach days and building a capsule wardrobe.
- How to wear it: match the print of your swimsuit, or pair a printed piece with a solid swimsuit.
In the Marea print, for example, you can combine the Bolero Skirt or the Amune Pants with the Lora Top.
Which beach cover-up should you choose?
| Cover-up | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sarong | Adjustable | Beach and pool, packing light |
| Resort dress | Medium to full | From the beach to lunch or dinner |
| Beach robe | Open, adds arm coverage | Pool decks, resort mornings |
| Pants, skirt and top | Full | Travel days, beach to city |
The cover-up as part of the design
At Palmacea, cover-ups are designed as part of the collection, not as an afterthought. In Apartamento, the Resort 2027 collection, the same prints inspired by the landscapes of Roberto Burle Marx move from swimwear to sarongs, skirts and dresses, so each piece extends the body's line from the swimsuit to the outer layer.
How to care for your cover-ups
Most lightweight cover-ups last longer with gentle care. For Palmacea pieces: hand wash, do not tumble dry, iron, dry clean or bleach, and do not wring or rub the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sarong and a pareo?
They are the same garment. "Sarong" is the more common term in the United States, while "pareo" is used widely in Latin America and Europe.
What should I wear over a swimsuit to a restaurant?
A resort dress or a coordinated set of pants or a skirt with a top gives you the most coverage and the most polished look.
What fabric is best for a beach cover-up?
Lightweight fabrics with soft drape that dry quickly work best. Openwork knits add texture while staying breathable.
Can I wear a sarong as a dress?
Yes. Wrap it around your body under the arms and knot it at the chest, or tie two corners behind your neck for a halter dress.
Explore the collection: browse all beach cover-ups and resort wear or discover Apartamento, Resort 2027.
