Plus size swimsuit cover up, sarongs, kaftans and swim dresses
Updated: 06.11.2026
In short: The best plus size cover-ups are light, roomy and easy to throw on: a sarong, a kaftan, a kimono, a shirt dress or a swim dress that works in and out of the water. Pick breathable fabrics and a length you feel good in, then see how the swimsuit and cover-up look together on your own photo with AnyTry.
Try a plus size swimsuit on your photo
Types of cover-ups
- Sarong: a long piece of fabric you tie at the hip, waist or as a dress. Sheer ones look airy over a one-piece. Look for a long, wide sarong so it ties easily. - Kaftan: loose and flowy, covers from shoulders to knees or ankles. Great for walking to lunch. - Kimono or open robe: covers arms and shoulders while showing off your swimsuit. - Shirt dress or oversized linen shirt: casual, good for sun on the shoulders. - Swim dress: a swimsuit with a skirt, so you don't need a separate cover-up. - Wide-leg beach pants: easy over swim bottoms, comfortable on breezy days.
How to choose
| Cover-up | Coverage | Best for | Fabric to look for | |---|---|---|---| | Sarong | Hips and legs, or full if tied as a dress | Beach, pool lounging | Chiffon, viscose, cotton voile | | Kaftan | High | Beach bar, travel | Cotton, linen, rayon | | Kimono | Arms and back | Showing your swimsuit | Light viscose, mesh | | Shirt dress | Medium to high | Sun protection, walking around | Linen, cotton | | Swim dress | Medium | In and out of the water | Swim fabric | | Beach pants | Legs | Windy evenings | Linen, gauze |
Fit and fabric tips
- Roomy, not tight: a cover-up should float over the swimsuit. Size up if you're between sizes. - Breathable fabric: cotton, linen and viscose feel cooler than polyester. - Length you like: knee length looks fresh, ankle length feels relaxed and elegant. - Sheer or solid: sheer looks light and shows your swimsuit; solid gives more coverage. - Easy closure: ties and wrap styles adjust to your body as you sit, walk and swim.
Wondering how a sarong looks with your one-piece? See the swimsuit on you
Ways to tie a sarong
1. Hip wrap: wrap around the hips, tie at the side for a long skirt. 2. Halter dress: wrap behind your back, cross in front and tie behind the neck. 3. Short skirt: fold in half lengthwise, tie at the hip. 4. Shoulder wrap: drape over the shoulders like a shawl for cool evenings.
Matching a cover-up to your swimsuit
- A black one-piece goes with almost any cover-up, from sheer black to bright prints. - Busy print swimsuit? Pick a solid cover-up in one color from the print. - Bright solid swimsuit? A white or neutral kaftan keeps the look calm.
See it on you before you buy
A swimsuit and cover-up are a pair, and the mix of colors and lengths is easy to get wrong online. Upload a full-length photo and a link or screenshot, and see the look on your own body. It shows cut, color and coverage, not exact size, so check the brand's size chart too. See a plus size swimsuit on your photo
FAQ
What is the most flattering cover-up for plus size? The one you feel best in. Kaftans and long sarongs are popular because they are roomy and move with you.
Is a swim dress a cover-up?
It's a swimsuit with a skirt, so it can replace a cover-up for many people.
What size cover-up should I buy?
Use your usual size or one size up. Cover-ups should be loose, so check the flat measurements in the size chart.