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 all ages.
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
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
What We Don’t Like
- The colors appear a little different in real life
2. Open-front Beach Kimono
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
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
MayBuy 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 in sizes S to 3XL. It generally runs large, so you can size down for a slimmer fit.
What We Like
- It’s a great length, even for taller women
What We Don’t Like
5. Lacy Beach Kimono
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
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
7. The Most Exquisite Lace Kimono
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
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
9. The Best Kimono With Crochet Panels
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
10. Versatile Beach Kimono
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
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.
