Beach Cover-Ups in South Africa | How to Style Them | Lu-May
Beach Cover-Ups in South Africa: The Styles to Know and How to Wear Them All Summer Long
Spring cleaning should not stop at the linen cupboard. Your wardrobe deserves a summer reboot too, especially if beach days, coastal getaways, boat trips, and poolside lunches are on the calendar. A great beach cover-up in South Africa should do more than provide extra coverage over swimwear. The fashionistas at Lu-May Exclusive Wear are here to share some styling tips, so that you can step out in confidence this summer.
Beach Cover-Ups in South Africa: The Styles to Know
Not all beach cover-ups in SA serve the same purpose, so knowing the different types makes packing for the surf and sand simpler.
- Kimono: A relaxed, open-front layer with wide sleeves that add movement and instant glamour over a swimsuit.
- Kaftan: Usually loose and flowing, with a generous silhouette that makes it one of the most adaptable beachwear pieces.
- Sarong: A lightweight rectangle of fabric that can be wrapped and tied in several ways, making it wonderfully adaptable.
- Beach Dress: An easy one-piece fitted or flared option that can take you directly off the sand and into lunch.
- Shirt-Style Cover-Up: Oversized button-down styling in a breezy fabric that looks relaxed yet polished and is straightforward to wear.
How to Style a Kimono Cover-Up
A kimono is the multitasker your swimwear drawer may be missing. At the beach, wear it loose over your swimsuit with slides and a roomy tote. For a marina restaurant, add simple sandals, sunglasses, and a few understated accessories. At the pool bar, knot the front lightly or leave it open over a coordinated swimsuit for an effortless finish.
The secret is choosing a print or colour that works with several swimsuits. A bold statement kimono can be the showstopper, while an elegant, practical option, like Lu-May’s Venice Lace Kimono Red, completes any swimsuit or outfit. A kimono is the easiest piece to dress up or down.
Kaftans are Summer Wardrobe Staples
If you want one piece that can do serious summer wardrobe mileage, consider a kaftan for the beach in SA. Choose one with a bit of structure at the shoulder or waist so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame, and pick a length that suits your height. Shorter kaftans can feel playful and casual, ideal for a relaxed lunch, while ankle-length designs create a more dramatic evening look.
The Sarong: Three Ways to Tie It
A sarong is small enough to pack easily but versatile enough to create several looks. Try these three options:
- Classic Skirt: Wrap it around your waist and secure it at the side or front for an easy poolside or beach skirt. The neutral tone of our Ultimate Wrap Around Khaki Sarong suits any swimsuit and gives you ample coverage.
- Side-Tie: Fold your Lu-May Mesh Pink Sarong lengthwise, wrap it around your hips, and knot one corner at the side for a relaxed asymmetrical look.
- Shoulder Wrap: Drape it across your shoulders with the ends tied gently in the front to keep your shoulders protected from the sun.
Choosing Fabric for South African Summer
Look for breathable materials like cotton or viscose blends that dry quickly after a swim and keep you comfortable in humid coastal conditions. Consider UV-resistant materials that don’t fade after spending hours perfecting your tan on the sand or on a lounger.
Cover-Ups that Work With Your Swimsuit
The best cover-up for beach days should also work once the sun goes down. Here are a few tips to weigh up:
- Colour: Pick a tone that echoes or cleanly contrasts your swimsuit, not clashes with it.
- Length: Shorter cover-ups suit a day at the beach; longer ones are better for evenings or more formal pool settings.
- Proportion: Throw a loose kimono over a figure-hugging swimsuit or a fitted dress, like our Eden Textured Lace Hollowed Sleeveless Blue Short Dress, with a bikini.
Choose combinations that make you feel confident, and a cover-up designed for how you actually move.
Refresh Your Summer Look with Lu-May
Lu-May Exclusive Wear brings together beachwear cover-ups designed for more than one destination. Our collection gives you options for relaxed beach mornings, pool afternoons, boat trips, and coastal evenings. With nationwide shipping, you can shop Lu-May Exclusive Wear’s collection of kimonos, sarongs, and dresses to find your ideal beach cover-up in South Africa.