30 Reasons Why You Need a Men’s-Inspired Button-Up Cover-Up at the Beach

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Photo: Courtesy of Anemos

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Kaftans are forever chic. A sarong is always in style, but for the summer of 2022, a menswear-inspired button-up cover-up really feels like the way to go.

Whether you want to keep things as simple as grabbing an oversized button-up from the closet of your partner or a friend, or you’re looking to expand your own closet with a shirt dress or a playful camp-collar shirt, a button-up is a versatile option for throwing on over your favorite swimsuit. It will cover your shoulders and midsection, helping to prevent you from burning, but it can also help to transition your look to post-beach and help to keep you warm if a sea breeze suddenly comes up mid-afternoon. Ahead, shop our favorite button-up cover-up you’ll want to live in this summer.

Lightweight Linen

When temperatures hit the 80s or above, you don’t want to be caught in clothing that holds onto heat and doesn’t let a little air through. Soft, semi-sheer linen will help to keep your body cool even as you soak up the sun.

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Kule linen oversized hutton

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Bode name tag-embroidered linen-blend shirt

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J.Crew cotton-linen beach shirt

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Polo Ralph Lauren button-down linen shirt

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Chloé linen voile shirt

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Holzweiler Dais linen and cotton-blend twill shirt

Day-to-Night Shirtdress

For a more polished beach look, consider swapping a classic button-up for a shirt dress. It’s the type of piece that you can dress up with a pair of heels, and no one will know you still have a swimsuit underneath.

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Jacquemus Baunhilha layered hemp and cotton-blend mini shirt dress

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Cos belted linen shirt dress

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Ciao Lucia Collab Lena dress

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Everlane linen workwear dress

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Raey relaxed-fit pocket-front silk shirtdress

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Peter Do pleated maxi shirt dress

Terrycloth Topper

If you want something casual and cool for a day reading by the pool, try a top in comfy terry cloth fabric. The material is absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet, plus it can double as a pillow if you need a little extra support.

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Tombolo Le Sirenuse classic cabana

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Zara printed terrycloth shirt

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Terry. boxy shirt

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Etro Karla printed cotton-terry shirt

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Todd Snyder terry button down polo in vintage lime

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Gap towel terry vacay shirt

Borrowed From the Boys

Don’t let men have all the fun; try adding a menswear button-up to your summer wardrobe for a little twist on the classic staple. The oversized fit will be comfortable on the beach, while also playing nicely with a pair of denim cutoffs and your favorite sandals.

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Rowing Blazers OG Fun broadcloth button-down shirt

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ERL floral shirt

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Wales Bonner stripe-print shirt

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Madewell crinkle cotton easy short-sleeve shirt

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A.P.C. Vincent shirt

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Loewe x Paula s Ibiza camp-collar logo-embroidered linen shirt

Beachy Cardigan

For those times at the ocean when you’re not guaranteed a warm sun all day, consider swapping your usual button-up for a chunky cardigan instead. You’ll still have the ease factor of being able to throw it over your shoulders, but it will add a touch of warmth should temperatures take a dip.

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The Elder Statesman Block n Spiral cashmere cardigan

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Leset Zoe oversized knit cardigan

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Lauren Manoogian cotton cardigan

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Alex Mill Nico chunky cardigan in stripe

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Gucci belted embroidered wool cardigan

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Totême signature stripe cardigan