A good cover-up is what turns a swimsuit into an outfit. It takes you from the sunbed to the beach bar without feeling underdressed, gives you shade when the sun gets too much, and — on the Kenyan coast — lets you walk from the beach to lunch respectfully.
Here are six easy ways to style one, and how to choose the right cover-up for your bikini.
1. The sarong (the one you should always pack)
A sarong — or a Kenyan kikoy — is the most versatile beach item you can own. One rectangle of fabric gives you at least four looks:
- Wrap skirt: wrap around your hips and knot at the side. Tie it higher for a mini, lower for a maxi.
- Halter dress: wrap around your body under your arms, twist the top corners and tie them behind your neck.
- Strapless dress: wrap under your arms and tuck or knot at the front.
- Scarf or shoulder wrap when the sun gets strong.
Styling tip: a sarong in the same colour as your bikini top looks like a planned set. A contrasting print looks relaxed and holiday-ready.
2. The kaftan
A loose kaftan is the easiest cover-up there is: pull it on over a wet swimsuit and you're dressed.
- Short kaftans are great for walking the beach.
- Long kaftans are perfect for lunch and early evening.
- Look for cotton, linen or viscose — they breathe in the heat and dry fast.
Belt a kaftan at the waist with a thin tie or a scarf if you want more shape.
3. The crochet or knit dress
Crochet cover-ups are everywhere right now, and for good reason: they're breathable, they look great in photos, and they let your bikini show through for a layered look.
- Pair with: a solid-coloured bikini in a bold shade — the colour shows through the knit.
- Avoid: busy prints under busy crochet; it gets visually noisy.
4. The open shirt or kimono
A lightweight oversized shirt — linen or cotton — or a sheer kimono is the chicest cover-up for the least effort.
- Wear it open over a bikini with high-waisted bottoms.
- Knot the front at the waist for a cropped look.
- Button it up and add a belt, and it becomes a shirt dress for lunch.
A man's white linen shirt, borrowed or thrifted, is the classic version.
5. Shorts and a bikini top
For walking along the beach, boat trips or casual beach bars:
- Denim cut-offs or linen shorts over bikini bottoms.
- Keep the bikini top on, or add an open shirt.
- Finish with a bucket hat and a crossbody bag.
6. The three-piece set
Many swimsuits now come as three-piece sets — a bikini plus a matching skirt, wrap or shirt. They take the guesswork out of matching and look deliberately put together.
How to match a cover-up to your bikini
- Solid bikini + printed cover-up — the easiest combination to get right.
- Printed bikini + solid cover-up — pick one colour from the print.
- Neutral cover-ups (white, cream, sand, black) go with everything — if you only buy one, buy a neutral.
- Sheer over bold — a sheer white or black cover-up over a bright bikini is always striking.
Accessories that finish the look
- A straw or bucket hat for sun protection — see our bucket hat guide.
- A straw tote or woven beach bag — compare options in our beach bag guide.
- Flat sandals or slides.
- Simple gold-tone or beaded jewellery — skip anything that tarnishes in salt water.
When to cover up on the Kenyan coast
Swimwear is completely normal on the beach and around hotel pools. But once you walk into a beach restaurant, shop, or anywhere off the sand, put your cover-up on — and for Mombasa Old Town, Lamu or any village, change into clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Our Kenyan beach holiday packing list has more on what to wear.
