Picture this: You’re lounging by the pool, sipping on your favorite drink, and soaking up the sun’s warm rays. The only thing that could make this moment more perfect? Wearing the right swimwear and cover-up makes you feel both stylish and comfortable. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day at a resort, attending a pool party, or just enjoying some downtime at home, the right outfit can elevate your entire experience.
But with so many options out there, choosing the best swimwear and cover-up for poolside lounging can be overwhelming. From flattering one-pieces to breezy kaftans, finding pieces that offer both comfort and style is key. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 of the best swimwear and cover-up combinations that are perfect for your next poolside day. These picks will not only have you looking fabulous but will also ensure you’re comfortable as you enjoy your time by the water. Let’s dive in!
10 Best Swimwear and Cover-Ups for Poolside Lounging
1. Classic One-Piece Swimsuit and Sheer Sarong
Why It Works: The classic one-piece swimsuit is a timeless choice that offers both style and support. Its sleek design flatters a wide range of body types, making it a versatile option for almost anyone. Pair it with a sheer sarong, and you’ve got an effortlessly chic look. The sarong is lightweight and easy to tie around your waist, adding a touch of elegance while also providing some coverage when you need it.
How to Style:
- Color Coordination: Choose a sarong that complements the color of your swimsuit. For example, a black one-piece paired with a brightly colored or patterned sarong adds a pop of fun.
- Accessorize: Add a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses to enhance the glamorous vibe.
- Footwear: Simple flip-flops or flat sandals keep the look casual and comfortable.
Specific Items:
- Swimsuit: Summersalt The Sidestroke One-Piece – Known for its excellent fit and coverage, this one-piece comes in a variety of colors.
- Sarong: Missoni Mare Zigzag Knit Sarong – This lightweight, patterned sarong adds a pop of color to any one-piece swimsuit.
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Oversized Square Sunglasses – These sunglasses offer a chic, glamorous look perfect for lounging.
2. High-Waisted Bikini and Kimono
Why It Works: High-waisted bikinis are having a major moment, and for good reason. They offer a retro-inspired look that’s both flattering and comfortable, providing extra coverage while highlighting your waist. Pair it with a flowing kimono for a laid-back, boho-chic vibe. The kimono’s loose fit allows for airflow, keeping you cool, while its intricate patterns can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
How to Style:
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns between your bikini and kimono. A floral kimono paired with a solid-colored bikini or vice versa can create a fun, contrasting look.
- Layering: If your kimono is sheer, consider layering it with a simple tank top or a bralette for extra coverage when walking around the pool area.
- Footwear: Espadrille wedges or flat sandals pair well with this ensemble, adding to the boho feel.
Specific Items:
- Bikini: Aerie High-Waisted Bikini Bottom – Affordable and comfortable, this bikini bottom offers great coverage and comes in various colors.
- Kimono: Free People Dream Girl Kimono – With its intricate patterns and flowy design, this kimono adds a bohemian touch to your look.
- Footwear: Soludos Espadrille Wedges – These wedges are comfortable and stylish, perfect for a boho-chic vibe.
3. Bandeau Bikini and Crochet Cover-Up
Why It Works: The bandeau bikini is perfect for avoiding tan lines and offers a sleek, strapless silhouette. Pairing it with a crochet cover-up brings in texture and a bit of retro charm. The open-knit design of the crochet cover-up allows your swimsuit to peek through while giving you just the right amount of coverage.
How to Style:
- Monochrome Magic: Go for a monochromatic look by choosing a bikini and cover-up in the same color family.
- Beachy Waves: This look pairs beautifully with loose, beachy waves in your hair. Use a sea salt spray for added texture.
- Footwear: Go barefoot or wear simple thong sandals for an easy, beach-ready look.
Specific Items:
- Bikini: LSpace Ridin’ High Ribbed Bandeau Bikini Top* – This bandeau bikini offers a comfortable fit and comes in a variety of colors.
- Cover-Up: Luli Fama Crochet Cover-Up Tunic – A beautiful crochet tunic that provides coverage while still showcasing your bikini.
- Footwear: Havaianas Slim Flip Flops – These classic flip-flops are perfect for the pool and beach.
4. Ruffled Swimsuit and Maxi Skirt
Why It Works: Ruffles add a playful, feminine touch to your swimwear, making a ruffled swimsuit a fun choice for poolside lounging. When paired with a maxi skirt, you get a more sophisticated, put-together look that’s still comfortable enough for a day by the pool. The flowy nature of a maxi skirt allows you to move freely while offering more coverage.
How to Style:
- Belt It: Cinch your maxi skirt with a wide belt to accentuate your waist.
- Color Play: Opt for a skirt in a contrasting color to your swimsuit for a vibrant, eye-catching ensemble.
- Footwear: Gladiator sandals or slides can add an extra layer of style to this look.
Specific Items:
- Swimsuit: J.Crew Ruffle V-Neck One-Piece – This swimsuit features elegant ruffles that add a feminine touch to the classic one-piece.
- Maxi Skirt: Anthropologie Tiered Maxi Skirt – Flowy and light, this maxi skirt is perfect for pairing with your ruffled swimsuit.
- Footwear: Steve Madden Donddi Sandals – These gladiator sandals are comfortable and stylish, perfect for a day by the pool.
5. Sporty Bikini and Mesh Cover-Up
Why It Works: A sporty bikini is ideal for those who want a little more support and are planning to be active in the pool. Whether you’re swimming laps or playing beach volleyball, a sporty bikini stays in place. Adding a mesh cover-up gives you a breathable layer that’s easy to throw on when you’re out of the water.
How to Style:
- Athleisure Vibes: Pair your sporty bikini with a baseball cap and sporty slides for a cool, athleisure-inspired look.
- Bright Colors: Opt for bright, bold colors to keep the look fun and energetic.
- Footwear: Stick with sporty, water-friendly shoes like slides or flip-flops.
Specific Items:
- Bikini: Speedo PowerFlex Eco Thin Strap Bikini Top – Designed for active use, this bikini top provides excellent support.
- Cover-Up: Nike Mesh Cover-Up Dress – This breathable mesh dress is perfect for throwing on after a swim.
- Footwear: Adidas Adilette Slides – These iconic slides are comfortable and ideal for an athletic look.
6. Strapless One-Piece and Off-Shoulder Dress
Why It Works: A strapless one-piece swimsuit is both flattering and functional, offering a sleek look without the worry of tan lines. Paired with an off-shoulder dress, you get an elegant yet effortless poolside outfit. The off-shoulder design echoes the strapless style of the swimsuit, creating a cohesive look.
How to Style:
- Effortless Chic: Choose a dress in a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton or linen for ultimate comfort.
- Statement Earrings: Add a pair of bold, statement earrings to draw attention to your neckline.
- Footwear: Strappy sandals or espadrilles complete this look, perfect for transitioning from the pool to a casual dinner.
Specific Items:
- Swimsuit: Norma Kamali Marissa Strapless One-Piece – This sleek strapless swimsuit is a classic choice for poolside lounging.
- Dress: Faithfull The Brand Positano Off-Shoulder Dress – Light and breezy, this dress is perfect for a stylish transition from pool to dinner.
- Footwear: Tory Burch Miller Sandals – These strappy sandals add a touch of elegance to your look.
7. Tie-Front Bikini and Denim Shorts
Why It Works: A tie-front bikini top adds a playful twist to your swimwear, offering adjustable comfort. Pair it with classic denim shorts for a casual, cool-girl vibe. This combination is perfect for poolside lounging and can easily transition to running errands or grabbing lunch.
How to Style:
- Casual Cool: Pair this look with a baseball cap and aviator sunglasses for a relaxed, laid-back style.
- Layer It: Throw on a loose-fitting tank top or a button-up shirt over your bikini for extra coverage when needed.
- Footwear: Sneakers or flip-flops keep the look casual and comfortable.
Specific Items:
- Bikini: Billabong Sol Searcher Tie-Front Bikini Top – This tie-front bikini top is stylish and adjustable for the perfect fit.
- Shorts: Levi’s 501 Original Cut-Off Shorts – These classic denim shorts are a must-have for any summer wardrobe.
- Footwear: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers – These sneakers add a laid-back vibe to your poolside look.
8. Cut-Out Swimsuit and Flowy Kaftan
Why It Works: Cut-out swimsuits are perfect for those who want to show a little skin while still feeling supported. They add an element of surprise and edginess to your swimwear collection. Pairing it with a flowy kaftan keeps the look balanced, adding a touch of elegance and coverage.
How to Style:
- Bold Patterns: Choose a kaftan with bold patterns or bright colors to contrast the sleekness of the cut-out swimsuit.
- Minimal Accessories: Let the swimsuit and kaftan shine by keeping accessories minimal—a simple bracelet or anklet will do.
- Footwear: Leather sandals or slides add a touch of sophistication without being too fussy.
Specific Items:
- Swimsuit: ASOS DESIGN Cut-Out Swimsuit – This affordable option features trendy cut-outs that make a statement.
- Kaftan: Camilla Printed Kaftan – Known for their vibrant prints, Camilla kaftans are luxurious and perfect for poolside elegance.
- Footwear: Birkenstock Arizona Sandals – These leather sandals are comfortable and stylish, ideal for lounging.
9. One-Shoulder Bikini and Linen Pants
Why It Works: The one-shoulder bikini is a trendy yet timeless piece that offers a modern twist on classic swimwear. Pair it with lightweight linen pants for a look that’s both stylish and comfortable. Linen pants are breathable and offer more coverage, making them perfect for when you’re transitioning from the pool to other activities.
How to Style:
- Color Block: Play with color-blocking by choosing a bikini and pants in contrasting colors for a bold statement.
- Minimalist Vibes: Keep the look clean and simple with minimal jewelry and natural makeup.
- Footwear: Slides or espadrilles are perfect for this look, keeping it casual yet chic.
Specific Items:
- Bikini: Hunza G One-Shoulder Bikini – This one-shoulder bikini is stylish and made from a comfortable, stretchy material.
- Pants: Athleta Cabo Linen Wide-Leg Pant – These linen pants are lightweight and perfect for a poolside cover-up.
- Footwear: TKEES Gemma Slides – These minimalist slides are comfortable and versatile.
10. Tankini and Wrap Skirt
Why It Works: The tankini offers the perfect blend of a bikini and a one-piece, giving you the flexibility of two pieces with the coverage of a one-piece. Pair it with a wrap skirt for a look that’s both functional and stylish. The wrap skirt allows you to adjust the fit as needed, making it a versatile choice for all body types.
How to Style:
- Print Play: Have fun with prints by choosing a patterned tankini and a solid-colored wrap skirt or vice versa.
- Beach Waves: Let your hair down in loose waves to complement the relaxed vibe of this outfit.
- Footwear: Flip-flops or sandals keep the look casual and pool-friendly.
Specific Items:
- Tankini: Lands’ End Square Neck Underwire Tankini – Known for its supportive fit, this tankini is perfect for those seeking more coverage.
- Skirt: Mara Hoffman Isla Wrap Skirt – This stylish wrap skirt is versatile and easy to wear.
- Footwear: Sam Edelman Gigi Thong Sandals – These sandals are stylish and comfortable, perfect for a poolside look.
Have fun with your poolside fashion
Finding the perfect swimwear and cover-up for poolside lounging doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a one-piece swimsuit, the playful vibe of a tie-front bikini, or the modern edge of a cut-out swimsuit, there’s something out there for everyone. Pairing your swimwear with the right cover-up not only enhances your style but also adds an extra layer of comfort and versatility. From sheer sarongs to flowy kaftans, the options are endless.
As you prepare for your next day by the pool, remember that the best swimwear and cover-up combination is one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the sunshine. So, go ahead and mix and match, experiment with colors and patterns, and most importantly, have fun with your poolside fashion. After all, lounging by the pool should be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible!