How do you wear a beach kimono?

There are a few different ways that you can wear a beach kimono. Traditionally kimonos are worn like a shawl and draped over your shoulders. However, you can also modify this look by throwing one end of the kimono over your shoulder to make a poncho. Alternatively, you can fold it in half to make a scarf or just wear it around your waist.

Can I wear a kimono with a skirt?

Yes, a kimono is a very versatile piece that can be worn with a skirt of any length. Just remember that if your kimono is bold colored or patterned, it might be best to pair it with a plain skirt, such as denim.

What should I look for in a beach kimono?

There are a few factors to consider when buying a beach kimono. Material is a consideration, as polyester and chiffon are lightweight and fold up easier, whereas lace and crochet provide more ventilation but crease quite easily. You’ll also want to consider the length, size, style, and how much sun protection it provides.

How much is a beach kimono?

Beach kimonos are incredibly affordable, considering how practical they are. They start from as low as $20.

The 10 Best Beach Kimonos [2023]

A beach kimono will help protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun while adding a stylish extra layer that can be dressed up or down to suit your look. Floaty and cool, a beach kimono is a must-have accessory for just about any age.

Table of contents

Things To Consider With Beach Kimonos
The 10 Best Beach Kimonos
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Things To Consider With Beach Kimonos
The 10 Best Beach Kimonos
Final Thoughts

Things To Consider With Beach Kimonos

Whether you opt for a plain throw-over or something more glamorous, a kimono can dress up a beach outfit in an instant.

Fabric

Your kimono should be made from a lightweight fabric that will allow your skin to breathe in the heat. Materials like chiffon or polyester are an excellent choice. They’re lightweight and can be folded up very small for easy transportation in your bag.

Lace and crochet can add stylish panels or sleeves to increase ventilation. Cotton can feel cool and crisp, though it’s prone to creasing and feels a bit heavier to wear.

Length

The perfect kimono is totally up to you! However, very short ones won’t offer your legs much protection from the sun, and may not provide the level of coverage you’ll need to go straight from the beach to a restaurant.

Design

Kimonos usually have wide sleeves and a simple open design that can be tied with a drawstring if you choose to do so. Some have an edge-to-edge design, meaning that they sit simply over your shoulders, while others are made to be worn as a poncho that can be popped over your head.

Bottom Line: Whichever design you choose, a loose, oversized fit is a must for comfort on the beach.

Size

Kimonos tend to come in a choice of standard sizes or are designed as a one-size-fits-all garment. In order for your kimono to stay comfy in the sun, make sure that the fit is loose but not so long that you trip over it while walking.

Style

You can choose from a whole variety of solid colors and vivid prints to up your style game on the beach. Lace panels, crochet sleeves, tassels, and other design flourishes can add an extra dose of fashion.

Sun Protection

While the fabric of a kimono will offer an extra layer of protection from the sun, most will not offer any formal kind of UPF protection. This means that even with the most perfect of kimonos, you will still need to apply sunscreen to keep your skin safe from the sun.

Hot Tip: For more versatile looks at the beach or pool, consider our guide to the best beach wraps, sarongs, and cover-ups!

The 10 Best Beach Kimonos

1. The Best Boho-style Kimono

BEST OVERALL: Wander Agio Womens Bikini Cover Ups

This beach kimono is a great way to look stylish while on the coast without wearing heavy layers. It's breathable, so even if it gets wet, it will dry fast.

Wander Agio Women’s Bikini Cover Up

Available in a selection of beautiful bohemian designs, this stunning beach kimono and cover-up will keep you looking and feeling cool on the beach.

Made from a soft and breathable material, it will drape comfortably across your shoulders, and available in sizes S, M, and L, it’s a great choice for all kinds of sun worshippers.

It comes with its own storage bag, making it even easier to stash (and find) it in your beach bag for a quick change on the beach, around the pool, or even at the bar.

What We Like

Lightweight and floaty

What We Don’t Like

The colors appear a little different in real life

2. Open-front Beach Kimono

DISCOUNT: 23%

UPGRADE PICK: Bsubseach Womens Chiffon/Rayon Beach Blouses

A kimono to look fashionable at the beach. If you'd prefer to cover up a little while you're on the sand, you can just throw on this kimono and look stylish.

Bsubseach Womens Chiffon/Rayon Beach Blouses

This lightweight, open-front beach kimono has a flattering full-length design and comes in a huge variety of beautiful colors and patterns.

The short sleeves will help keep you cool while offering protection for your shoulders, and the oversized look will float effortlessly while you walk. A great choice for throwing over your swimwear or dressing up at the bar, this gorgeous kimono comes in a one-size-fits-all design.

What We Like

The longer length makes this cover-up feel glamorous

What We Don’t Like

It might feel too big for smaller frames

3. Poncho-style Cover-up

DISCOUNT: 13%

Moss Rose Women's Beach Cover up

This kimono is incredibly versatile. You can wear it as a light beach cover-up, or you can throw it on over any other summer outfit without having to worry about overheating.

Moss Rose Women’s Beach Cover-up

Light and airy, this poncho-style cover-up is made from lightweight and breathable viscose material and comes in a selection of bright and fashionable prints and patterns.

Easy to wear, you can throw it over a bathing suit for protection on the beach or pair it with street clothes for lazy days in the sun. It comes in one size designed to fit most body types.

What We Like

The throw-over design is versatile without feeling frumpy

What We Don’t Like

It’s on the see-through side

4. Beautiful Colors and Designs

DISCOUNT: 31%

Dokotoo Womens 2022 Fashion Print Kimono

This casual kimono cardigan is perfect not just for the beach but also for transitional seasons as well. You can wear it in the spring and in the fall easily.

Dokotoo Women’s Summer Long Kimono

Choose from pretty florals or bold prints and feel fantastic in this long, floaty beach kimono. The open design makes it easy to throw over your swimwear or shorts, and the breathable material will help you to feel cool, even in the sun.

Practical and stylish, it comes as a one-size-fits-all.

What We Like

It’s very lightweight

What We Don’t Like

The one size won’t suit everyone

5. Lacy Beach Kimono

DISCOUNT: 18%

FANCYINN Womens Long Lace Cover up

This kimono is extremely long, making it a perfect way to stay covered up while you're on the beach. If you prefer being a little more modest, this is great.

FANCYINN Women’s Long Lace Coverup

Feel fantastic in this bohemian lace-and-cotton summer cover-up. With a crochet panel and tie around the waist, this cover-up looks gorgeous and feels comfortable. Its relaxed fit makes it easy to wear both on and off the beach.

Available in sizes XS to XL, there is a size to suit every wearer, and available in a choice of pretty colors and patterns, this beautiful kimono should certainly be worn in places other than just the beach.

What We Like

Can be dressed up and down easily

What We Don’t Like

The material is a little heavy for very hot weather

6. Simplest Sun-friendly Kimono Design

2,337 Reviews

Ekouaer Women's Summer Bikini Cover Up

Made of breathable mesh chiffon, you won't overheat while you wear this kimono cover-up. It will also dry quickly if it gets wet, and it's easy to wash between uses.

Ekouaer Women’s Summer Bikini Cover Up

This sheer polyester and chiffon cover-up is versatile, breathable, and easy to wear.

The short sleeve design is suitable for even the hottest of days, and the high-waist design with a drawstring looks effortlessly flattering.

This kimono comes in a wide range of colors and elegant designs and works just as well over bikinis as it does over shorts or other outfits.

What We Like

Can be worn over virtually anything

What We Don’t Like

It creases quite easily

7. The Most Exquisite Lace Kimono

DISCOUNT: 35%

JDiction Women Swimsuit Cover Up

This kimono is a perfect choice for people who are looking for a fashionable cover-up option. The lace helps keep you covered, but it's still sheer and made of breathable fabric.

JDiction Women Swimsuit Cover Up

This lace cover-up is beautiful and breathable. Perfect for wearing at the beach, around the pool, at the bar, or even out on the town, this draped cover-up is flattering and is designed as a one-size-fits-most garment.

Made from breathable lace and mesh material, the medium-length design sits neatly on the thigh, and the shorter length and wide sleeves keep it feeling loose over your bathing suit, shorts, or even a summer dress.

What We Like

Practical enough to be worn over swimsuits or regular clothing

What We Don’t Like

The one-size design may be too snug for some wearers

8. Glamorous, Longer-length Kimono

Women Long Beach Kimono

This kimono is loose and comfortable. It is easy to throw on, and you can tie it to be a little tighter if you'd prefer to change the way it looks.

RanRui Long Beach Kimono

Made from soft rayon material, this kimono is easy to wear and very comfortable. Its tie-closure around the waist ensures it’ll stay neatly draped over your shoulders, even when active. It also has a flattering half-sleeve design and comes in one size designed to fit most. It’s available in a range of colors and designs to keep you looking stylish, even in the hot weather.

What We Like

Its free-flowing design and tie around the waist

What We Don’t Like

It’s very long

9. The Best Kimono With Crochet Panels

DISCOUNT: 23%

Bsubseach Women's Long Beach Kimono

A fashionable option that is able to fit multiple sizes. You can tie it tighter or leave it loose, depending on your size and your fashion preferences. It's also machine-washable.

Bsubseach Women’s Long Beach Kimono

Made from a soft and comfortable blend of breathable rayon and polyester, this beautiful beach kimono is available in a choice of colors and is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL.

The elegant design comes with a crochet panel at the waist and ties to keep it securely around the body. Pretty and practical, this cover-up can be worn over your swimwear or dressed up with heels for a night on the town.

What We Like

This cover-up is both pretty and practical

What We Don’t Like

It’s very transparent

10. Versatile Beach Kimono

DISCOUNT: 33%

Women's Beach Fashion Long Floral Print Kimono

This cardigan kimono might be sheer and light, but it's still durable enough to be machine-washable. It also has strong seams, and its colors and patterns won't fade over time.

Genovega Women’s Stylish Kimono Cardigan

This lightweight and versatile kimono is made from cool and eye-catching material. With several attractive colors and patterns to choose from, this cover-up can be thrown over your swimsuit or paired with a top and jeans for a casual summer look.

Comfy and elegant, the one-size-fits-all design is easy to wear on the beach, in the streets, or for a night out.

What We Like

The feel of the material

What We Don’t Like

The patterns can look different than they do in photos

Final Thoughts

A beach kimono can add effortless style to any outfit. Available in a wide range of eye-catching designs, these floaty and flattering garments can be worn in practically any situation — from relaxing on the beach to a night out with friends.