What to Wear Over a Swimsuit, From Beach to Lunch
For an easy beach-to-lunch outfit, pack a loose shirt and pull-on shorts over a bikini, an opaque wrap skirt over a one-piece, or a button-down with swim trunks. Let your suit dry before layering. If you’re eating indoors, check the dress code and bring dry clothes or shoes if the venue asks for them.
Cover-up outfits by swimsuit style
| Swimwear | What to wear over it | Fit or coverage check |
|---|---|---|
| Bikini | Loose linen shirt and pull-on shorts. | Button the shirt and raise your arms to check the hem. |
| One-piece | Opaque wrap skirt and dry sandals. | Sit down to see if the skirt still overlaps where you want it to. |
| Swim trunks | Camp-collar shirt or another loose button-down. | Pack dry shorts if the venue restricts swimwear or you’re short on drying time. |
Linen shirt and shorts over a bikini
Leave the shirt open for the walk from the water, then button it for lunch. Pull-on shorts take up little space and give you a dry seat after toweling off. If your bikini is printed, pull one color from the print into the shorts or choose a plain shirt in cream or white.
Best for a beach kiosk, casual patio or boardwalk. If your shirt is very sheer, add a tank or pack an opaque shirt for indoor seating. Try sitting and raising your arms before you leave so you know where the shirt falls.
Wrap skirt over a one-piece
A dry one-piece with a simple neckline can work like a bodysuit at a casual lunch. Tie a wrap skirt high enough that the waistband sits securely and check the overlap while sitting. If it opens easily in wind, switch to a pull-on skirt or loose shorts.
Best for a resort café or a casual lunch after the pool. Add a light overshirt if you want shoulder coverage. For a reservation where you need to change out of swimwear, a loose dress and dry underwear make an easy second outfit.
Open button-down with swim trunks
Wear a camp-collar or regular button-down over dry trunks. If your trunks have a bold pattern, keep the shirt solid. With plain trunks, a stripe on the shirt works well. For a group, start with the same accent color and let each person choose the layer that suits them.
Best for poolside tables and casual beach bars that allow swim shorts. Bring dry walking shorts for an indoor stop, a longer walk, or anywhere swimwear is restricted. Our matching swimwear fit guide shows how trunks, bikinis and one-pieces can share a print across different cuts.
Check the lunch stop before you pack
| Where you’re eating | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Pool bar or beach kiosk | A loose shirt or wrap, a towel and deck shoes. |
| Boardwalk café or patio | An opaque top and bottom, plus dry sandals or shoes. |
| Indoor restaurant | A full dry change if swimwear is restricted, including any footwear the venue requires. |
- Look up the specific restaurant. A resort’s pool bar and indoor dining room may have different rules for swimwear, footwear and cover-ups.
- Plan for the time you have to dry. If you’re leaving the water right before the reservation, bring a dry change and allow time to use a changing room.
- Pack the extras together. Put your dry outfit, footwear and a bag for wet swimwear in the same tote. Separate damp items as soon as you change so they stay away from the clothes you’ll put on next.
Questions about swimsuit cover-ups
What can I use if I don’t own a swimsuit cover-up?
Start with an oversized cotton shirt, a loose dress, a pull-on skirt or lightweight shorts you already own. A large scarf can work as a wrap for the beach if it ties securely.
Can I wear a swimsuit under a dress to lunch?
For a casual spot that allows it, yes. Towel off first, choose a dress with enough coverage for the venue and bring dry shoes. Pack a change if the restaurant has a policy against swimwear.
What should I wear if my swimsuit is still wet?
Towel off and use a loose layer for the short trip to a changing area. For lunch or a longer walk, change into dry clothes and put the wet suit in a separate bag.
After the outing, follow these swimsuit rinsing, washing and drying steps.