After a year of extremely limited social outings, I’m ready to be at the pool all the time. But, last year I also had skin cancer (I’m okay!), so in order to be safe with my very fair skin I’ll need to stay covered up. I’ve been searching around for some stylish pool coverups for moms that are comfortable and functional.

Because truth is, I’m still in the “chasing my youngest around the pool” phase of life, not the “ordering margaritas beachside” phase…yet. But even so, it’s important for all of us, whatever our kids’ ages, to get out there, enjoy life, safely soak up a little Vitamin D, and not hide under our pandemic yoga clothes forever.

Whether you’re hoping to easily transition from the beach to an al fresco dinner, or you just need a beach coverup that will drape down over your butt while you’re constantly bending over to reapply sunscreen on your babies…we’ve found something for you. I’m so ready to pack up my pool bag and picnic  dinner, and hang with the kids all day.

Comfortably.

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This post has been updated for 2021.

Related: 7 amazing swimwear brands that honor women’s diverse bodies

Stylish Beach and Pool Coverups for Women 

A caftan style beach coverup

This gauze caftan at Old Navy is effortless and easy (and affordable!) as a beach coverup. I love that it’s extra-lightweight, because when you’re hot and loaded down with all the kids’ pool gear you don’t want heavy fabric on your sticky skin.

A flow maxi beach coverup

If you’re headed to the beach with teens, and you may end up going straight to dinner somewhere besides your own backyard, then this billowy maxi dress by Elan is a comfortable and beautiful beach coverup option. With the perfect white bikini underneath and statement necklace, you can even dress this one up, effortlessly.

Because a bikini body just means you put a bikini on your body, right?

A beach coverup as elegant as a dress

I’ll be chaperoning a few kid pool parties this summer—thanks, Mom and Dad, for putting in a pool! I never know what to wear, though, and this tropical beach coverup dress from Madewell might be perfect to pop over my swimsuit — even if it’s an adult party. I love that it gives enough coverage to look like a dress while still having that summery, poolside vibe.

A boyfriend shirt beach coverup

I’ve been known to snag one of my husband’s oversized linen shirts as a pool coverup, so he’d probably appreciate if I just got my own “boyfriend shirt” beach coverup and stay out of his closet. I like this one from Summersalt because the full length gives me more coverage from the sun.

It also comes with its own belt since it’s technically designed to be worn as a dress too. Basically, two looks for the price of one — and you can decide how billowy or how fitted you want to wear it.

A short romper beach coverup

Are you more of a romper gal? We’ve got the beach coverup for you, too. For a sporty, comfortable choice, I like this tie-dye romper beach coverup on Nordstrom. It will take up almost no room in a travel bag or beach tote and it’s so easy to just throw on over your suit — provided you don’t wear the peplum or skirted type bikini bottoms. (Ask us how we know!)

Related: The coolest pool floats, from yachts to butterflies

Beach coverup pants

For the ultimate in practicality (and coverage) I’m absolutely up for trying these slit-front coverup pants spotted at Target. Perfect for longer pool days when I need to make sure my arms and legs have some relief from the sun, but I’m up and down a lot watching the kids. I’d pair it with this cropped black rash guard from Athleta, instead of the coordinated top that goes with the pants, to avoid that matchy-matchy look. But hey if you love it, go for it!

A tie-back dress beach coverup

If you’re living the lake or beach life this summer, this ombre tie-back dress from Gap lets you bend over to slather sunscreen on your kid, squat down to pull up that swim diaper, and then…finally…chat with your friends in comfort while the kids splash all afternoon.

(Currently 40% off with GAPVIP code)

The luxury beach coverup!

Do you have a luxury cruise coming up? A big invite to the Hamptons? A fancy celebrity pool party in Santa Monica? Also, some cash you’re just waiting to blow on a seriously stylish, high-end pool coverup? Then this gorgeous, iconic Missoni beach coverup tunic is perfection. I mean, it’s incredible…and so is the price. If it fits your budget, then go girl. I’m jealous.

Editor’s Note: Hey, retailers! Stop cutting off women’s heads, thanks.