By That Girl Whitney Team
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A good swimsuit gets all the attention, but the cover-up does a lot of the work. It’s what you wear on the walk to the snack bar and to lunch at the beachside café. For plus size women, a cover-up also gives you a little extra coverage and sun protection when you want it.
The problem is that many cover-ups run small. A “one size fits most” kimono might barely close over your hips, and a crochet dress can turn out shorter and sheerer than the photos suggest. Amazon has a huge selection of plus size cover-ups at reasonable prices, but you have to know how to filter through it.
The right cover-up depends on how you’ll use it. A sheer kimono works for lounging by the pool, while a cotton caftan doubles as a dress for lunch. Once you decide how much coverage you want and where you’ll wear it, the choice gets simple.
This guide breaks down the four main cover-up styles and how to shop for them on Amazon. If you shop from Canada, run the same searches on Amazon.ca, where sellers and stock differ.
Kimonos and Open Cardigans
Kimono cover-ups are open in the front and drape over your shoulders and arms. They give you arm and back coverage while showing off your swimsuit.
Kimonos are the easiest cover-up to fit because they don’t close. Look for lengths that hit at the knee or below if you want more coverage. Sheer chiffon kimonos feel breezy, while rayon kimonos are a bit more opaque. Sleeve style matters for comfort too. Wide, open sleeves let air move, while fitted sleeves can feel warm in the sun.
When you search Amazon, try “plus size kimono cover up” and check the listed length and width in the product details. Read reviews for comments about sheerness and whether the fabric frays after washing.
A kimono also works off the beach. Wear it over a tank and shorts for a vacation dinner or a summer concert.
Shop it: MayBuy long kimono
Caftans and Swim Dresses
Caftans are loose, flowing dresses that slip over your swimsuit. They give you full coverage and look polished enough for a beachside lunch.
Look for caftans in cotton or rayon for breathability. Many have a drawstring or tie at the waist, which lets you add shape when you want it. V-necks and side slits make them easier to move in.
Swim dresses take a slightly different approach. They’re more fitted, often made of quick-dry fabric, and can go in the water. If you want one piece that works as both a cover-up and a swim layer, a swim dress is worth considering.
On Amazon, search “plus size caftan cover up” or “plus size beach dress” and filter by size. Pay close attention to the length listed in the product details, since a maxi on a regular-height model might hit at the calf on a tall body.
Shop it: IMAGEKOPE plus size caftan
Sarongs and Wraps
Sarongs are rectangles of lightweight fabric that tie around your waist or chest. They’re the most adjustable cover-up you can buy.
The key for plus size bodies is width. Many sarongs are too narrow to wrap fully around fuller hips. Look for listings that state the dimensions, and choose one that’s wide enough to overlap.
Sarongs pack small and dry fast, which makes them great for travel. You can tie them as a skirt or a dress.
Search for “plus size sarong” or “extra large sarong wrap” on Amazon. Reviews from plus size shoppers will tell you whether a sarong truly fits.
Shop it: Back From Bali plus size sarong
Shirt Dresses and Button-Downs
An oversized button-down shirt is one of the most versatile cover-ups you can own. Wear it open over your swimsuit, or button it up as a mini dress.
Look for cotton or linen shirts in a relaxed fit. White and light blue feel classic and beachy, and they reflect the sun to keep you cool. A shirt with long sleeves gives you sun protection on your arms. Choose a shirt one or two sizes up for a relaxed fit, especially if you want it to work as a dress.
On Amazon, search for “plus size linen shirt” or “plus size beach shirt dress.” Check the product details for length, since you’ll want it to cover your hips if you plan to wear it as a dress.
Shop it: siliteelon linen button-up
Choosing the Cover-Up You’ll Reach For
The best plus size cover-up depends on how you’ll spend your day. Kimonos and sarongs work for lounging and quick walks, while caftans and shirt dresses carry you from the beach to lunch. Check the product details for length and width, and read reviews from plus size shoppers before you buy. Most cover-ups pack flat, so you can bring two styles for a week away without filling your suitcase.
Pair your new cover-up with a swimsuit that fits your body from our best plus size swimsuits guide.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront. Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.