Bikini Buys » Black Cover-ups

Raviya Chiffon Tunic | Sheer Black Beaded Beach Cover-Up

LaurenK — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:37:17 +0000

Raviya's created a cover-up for middle-aged sun lovers with this Chiffon Tunic.

It's clear that Raviya understands its target market. The black color and loose fit won't appeal to young beachgoers, but they're just what the older demographic will admire. The classic hue is decorated with a soft foliage print. Personally I think the pattern is a bit dated, but if you don't care about following trends that's not likely to worry you. The rhinestones and beading around the neck give the tunic a final feminine flourish.

This tunic's bohemian style is very versatile. You could slip it on over a swimsuit at the beach, or pair it with a camisole and capris to swan around a resort or laze by the pool. It's important to note how sheer the fabric is though. While it's beautiful, it won't provide any real protection from the sun's harmful rays. Remember your lotion if you're wearing this swimsuit in the heat of the day.

While it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, those who do love it will enjoy a real bargain. This Raviya tunic is much cheaper than the average at just $32. For that price satisfied customers report excellent quality and craftsmanship, which is a lot more than this sort of money usually buys!

Get this Raviya Chiffon Tunic:

Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)

Becca Down to Earth Tunic | White Crochet Cover-Up Top

LaurenK — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:11:45 +0000

With fashion celebrating all things seventies, this crocheted Down to Earth Tunic from Becca is right on trend.

The intricate weave features a modern geometric pattern to ensure it's never confused with something your nanna might knit. The blend of nylon and spandex is also much more contemporary than the original crocheted cover-ups. The fabric makes sure you can ball it up and put it in your beach bag, secure in the knowledge it'll emerge looking as good as new. However while the use of spandex makes this cover-up more flexible than the average, it also means we need to take a bit of care laundering it. Hand washing it is really the only way to ensure it keeps its shape. I think this pretty cover-up is worth the effort though, don't you?

For far too long cover-ups have had a reputation as practical but dowdy sunsmart garments. This one doesn't offer quite the same protection from harmful UV rays, but it does have a lot more pizzazz. Just remember to slap on the sunscreen while you're enjoying the plunging neckline and fabric belt.

I'm already imagining how this white tunic would look against my sun kissed summer skin but you'll also find it in basic black if you prefer. Both colors are available for the not too exorbitant price of $72.

Get The Becca Down To Earth Cover-Up:

Available to buy on Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

No items matching your keywords were found.

Check the Gymbo Bargains eBay store to see if this Becca tunic is in stock

You may also be interested in:

Becca Down to Earth Tunic | White Crochet Cover-Up Top is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

Also See:

Athleta Kali Kurta | Conservative Black Tunic Cover-Up Dress

LaurenK — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:43:42 +0000

Athleta takes its cues from the east with this conservative Kali Kurta.

People in Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other eastern nations have been wearing kurtas for centuries. The loose-fitting tops are comfortable and conservative, which makes them perfect for beach cover-ups.

There's a hint of hippie chic about this cover-up, although I wouldn't call it fashion forward. It's a shame Athleta didn't embellish this kurta with embroidery as the original artisans would have. The black fabric might be timeless, but it's also pretty dull. Not even the white accents or the smocking at the back and bust can make this cover-up exciting.

Its greatest strength is its crinkled cotton material, which is lightweight to wear and breathable too. The fabric has a naturally wrinkled appearance, so you needn't waste your time ironing it. Taking care of it is easy too; just pop it in the washing machine, followed by the dryer, and you're done.

While it's not very stylish, $29.99 is pretty cheap for any beach cover-up, especially when it offers as much protection as this one. You'll see even more value if you follow modern girls from the East and pair this kurta with jeans during winter.

Get this Athleta Kali Kurta Cover-Up:

Billabong Overtime Sundress | Classic Black V-Neck Cover-Up Dress

LaurenK — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:42:01 +0000

Billabong helps us cover up when we're putting in extra hours on the shore with this Overtime Sundress.

Billabong often gets bogged down by the fashion trends, so it's refreshing to see the more classic approach taken here. I'm sure that some people will find such a simple looking dress in basic black boring, but the devil really is in the details. The subtle embroidered logo at the left hem is a gentle way to brand this cover-up. Its flowing dolman style sleeves are so flattering, and the cinched elastic details at the bodice, shoulders, and back give the Overtime a bit of personality.

This cover-up dress is made from a blend of cotton and viscose, so it should be cool to wear even when the summer sun is at its hottest. I can't promise you won't be uncomfortable when the mercury soars, but this loose-fitting sun dress won't make things worse. And you'll help keep a nasty case of sun burn at bay while you're wearing it!

It's far from the most fashion forward piece of apparel Billabong's made, but when it comes to seasonal attire I think that's a bonus. At $40 this is an affordable sun dress that will look as good as it does now next summer, and the one after that.

Get This Billabong Overtime Cover-Up:

Available to buy on Amazon (limited stock)
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

Billabong Overtime Dress New Charcoal Or Mocha Handkerchief Hem
US $26.99
Auction Ends: 11d 19h 4m
Make it yours...

Check the Rodeo Beach Outfitters eBay store to see if the Billabong cover-up is in stock

You may also be interested in:

Billabong Overtime Sundress | Classic Black V-Neck Cover-Up Dress is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

Also See:

Torrid Plus Sized Wrap Skirt | Short Black Ruffle Swim Cover-Up

LaurenK — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:12:23 +0000

Torrid have created a cute ruffled wrap skirt for plus-sized beach lovers. But just because this skirt is big enough for the heavy set to wear, doesn't mean that they should.

We can always count on Torrid for creating on trend items for bigger girls. I've seen this kind of wrap skirt replicated by many of the High Street labels. But unfortunately all Torrid's done here is made it bigger, without any regard for what women carrying some extra weight really want.

The biggest problem here is its length, a relatively skimpy 12 inches. The length isn't exactly scandalous, but it'll do little to hide cellulite and thunder thighs. The style might not have been as fashionable with a few extra inches, but it would have made plus sized women feel much more confident.

It's a shame, because this wrap skirt is really well made. Its blend of nylon and spandex is comfortable and soft, allowing those asymmetrical ruffles to fall just so. It's also fully lined with polyester, which is something we don't really expect at this price point.

$34 is very cheap for a wrap skirt, particularly one made with plus sized girls in mind. They might not pay the usual premium here, but I've still got my doubts about this cover-up.

Get this Torrid Ruffle Wrap Skirt:

Available to buy at Amazon

Speedo Aquatic Zip Hooded Dress | Black Terry Cloth Cover-Up

LaurenK — Sat, 14 May 2011 06:14:25 +0000

Speedo helps us cover-up on the beach with this comfortable aquatic dress.

This cover-up is made from soft French terry cloth, a material which will soak up the residual water from your skin and keep you warm when the ocean winds swell. This material is more youthful than the silky fabrics used to make sarongs for the middle-aged, and once the sun goes down its hood will give you some extra warmth. Don't expect an ultra-plush terry cloth though. It's fairly thin, which suits summer wear but may disappoint surfers who love to be on the beach all year round.

Deep kangaroo-style pockets are made to hold your essentials or keep your hands warm! The two-way zip is also strong and durable, so you shouldn't worry about it snagging with age.

The sizes of this aquatic dress do run a little small though. Unless you enjoy a snug fit you may find a size larger than you typically wear will feel more comfortable. Once you find the right fit though you'll find this aquatic dress is great for covering up on the sand and making your way to the car or beachside café. And at $38, it's a bargain to boot!

Get The Speedo Aquatic Dress Cover-Up:

Available to buy on Amazon

Volcom Cover-Up Smocked Dress | Pink Women’s Beach Smock

LaurenK — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:03:45 +0000

Volcom helps us cover up once we step out of the waves with this smocked dress.

The style is basic but classically stylish, with a gathered elasticized top and waist and simple shoestring straps. It hangs loosely around the body, skimming curves rather than hugging them. That might disappoint girls who love to flaunt what they've got, but it will make this smocked dress super comfortable to wear. The blend of cotton and viscose is also designed to feel great against your skin.

This vibrant pink color might be too feminine for all but the girliest of girly girls, but it's not our only option. Volcom also makes this simple smocked dress in classic black and white shades, as well as a punchy electric blue.

This smocked dress will give you a bit more sun protection than a swimsuit while you're sunning yourself on the sand, but I wouldn't ditch it once you leave the shore. I think it'd look just as cute when you're making a post-beach grocery run or enjoying an after-surf coffee break. It's certainly a much better look than wearing your swimsuit out and about!

That versatility and timeless style makes this cover-up's $37.95 price tag seem very reasonable indeed!

Get The Volcom Smocked Dress Cover-Up:

L*Space Callisto Cover-Up | Sexy Women’s Cut-Out Beach Top & Shorts

LaurenK — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:47 +0000

Ditch that frumpy oversized T-shirt and cover up in style on the beach with this Callisto set from L*Space.

L*Space chooses style over sun smart design here, with crochet shoulder details and an open, keyhole back. These sexy details work with the soft, flowing style and golden accents to create the look of a Grecian goddess.

But while these accents are very stylish, they don't make this cover-up very practical. You'll need to slap on the sunscreen first or your bare skin will burn. And a crochet patterned patch of sunburn isn't a very good look!

The matching pair of shorts adds value to this ensemble. They're made of the same soft poly-rayon blend, and ruched along the sides for an extra hint of style.

There's a roomy pocket on the back, but I probably wouldn't use it for storage. Nothing is less flattering than an extra lump or bump on your rear! The Callisto top and shorts work well together, but you could always mix and match them for greater versatility.

And well you should, because at $184 this is one expensive beach outfit. It looks better than most cover-ups, but you'll need to be a dedicated beach bunny to get value from this outfit.

Get The L*Space Callisto Cover-Up

Available to buy on Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

No items matching your keywords were found.

Check the Elite Fashion Swimwear eBay store to see if the L*Space cover-up is in stock

You May Also Be Interested In

L*Space Callisto Cover-Up | Sexy Women’s Cut-Out Beach Top & Shorts is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

Also See:

Alki’i Copacabana Beach Tunic | Sheer Embroidered Cover Up

LaurenK — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:57:25 +0000

Just like the New York nightclub Barry Manilow so famously sang about, this Copacabana beach cover-up from Alki'i is a little bit naughty and a little bit nice.

At first it looks like a very conservative creature, with its long sleeves and modest neckline. But its soft, gauzy material puts paid to that theory. It's so sheer that your swimsuit will cheekily peek through.

The choice of such a sheer material isn't merely aesthetic though. It'll help to keep you cool even when the sun in beating down. On the flip side though, such a light material won't provide the same sun protection as something a bit heavier. Balancing comfort and protection is tricky, but I think Alki'i has done a credible job here. If your skin is fair and delicate though, you may need something more sun smart.

The boho-chic styling of this tunic is very appealing though. The embroidery helps the flowing design look like something you might find on the streets of India. I'm not sure the style is dressed up enough to wear everywhere as the makers suggest, but it wouldn't look out of place at a beachside café or shopping strip.

I love the classic appeal of this black and white Copacabana cover-up, but if it's not to your tastes you can enjoy the tunic in hot pink, turquoise, or an inverted white on black alternative.

Get this Alki'i Copacabana Cover-Up:

Available to buy at Amazon

Alki’i Misses Halter Top Beach Dress | Sheer Feminine Black Cotton Frock

LaurenK — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:05:29 +0000

You'll feel like a Grecian goddess wearing this floaty, feminine cover-up from Alki'i.

I love the cut of this beach dress, which is reminiscent of a sexy evening outfit. The V-shaped neck and soft, handkerchief hemline are truly lovely. And unlike many evening dresses, the floating style should flatter all figures. You'll find it in small to extra large, although it's worth noting that these sizes run a little large for comfort. If you're trying to decide between two sizes, the smaller will probably serve you better.

The light crinkle cotton is ideal for keeping you cool on steamy summer days, but it doesn't really seem worth the price of almost $50. Many customers report that the fabric feels cheap, and one said she tore a hole in it when removing a sticker! That lack of quality also has a more serious implication when you’re on the beach. It's too thin to offer serious sun protection, which is really what most of us want in a cover up.

I wouldn't trust this halter dress to give me protection while sunbathing, but it'd be ideal for throwing on for a meal at a beachside café, or a nighttime beach barbecue. In classic black or white, it might not last for many summers but it should turn heads before it falls apart.

Get this Alki'i Misses Beach Cover-Up Dress:

Available to buy at Amazon