The Best Ways to Cover Up This Summer!

The Best Ways to Cover Up This Summer!

Even the most body-positive among us still need a chic cover-up to protect our oh-so-sensitive skin from the sun's harmful rays...am I right? 
 
There are zillions of cover-ups from open caftans to sarongs, but why settle for store-bought when you can sew your own in no time. 
 
These three cover-up patterns are so beachy keen that they'll fast become an integral part of your summer wardrobe ensemble:
 
First, the Ruby Star Society's Caftan Cover-up is a fun and easy cover-up you can whip up in just a few hours. It’s a traditional caftan that looks great on and off the beach!

 


 
Second, the True/Bias Southport Dress is a tank-style dress you can wear on the beach and then around town when the day is done!
 


And third, the Closet Core Patterns Charlie Caftan is an elegant, more dramatic statement-making caftan featuring a deep V neckline, and kimono sleeves that’s available in two equally flattering styles.
 

Follow our fabric mini-guide below for help selecting fabrics that allow maximum breathability and comfort so you can rock your cover-up from sunup to sundown. 
 

Seersucker! 

The traditionally blue and white Seersucker is a thin, puckered cotton fabric woven so that some threads bunch together, giving the material its crinkled appearance. The crinkles help keep the fabric from clinging to your body, encouraging better heat distribution and air circulation and alleviating the need for ironing so you can slip in and out of your cover-up all day long without worrying about creasing! 

We recommend Fabric Finders' Striped Seersucker Navy for super summer Seersucker style. 
 

Double Gauze! 

Double gauze is one of the lightest weight materials out there, thanks to its incredibly loose weave. Uber soft with beach-worthy breathability makes this hands-down one of the best fabrics for keeping your cool while keeping you covered. 
 
We're singly focused on Merchant & Mills' Double Gauze Cotton when it comes to double gauze. 
 

Cotton Lawn! 

Cotton lawn is often referred to as a "summer cotton" due to its popularity as a fabric for making summer dresses or... cover-ups. It's lightweight with a silky soft finish and lets air circulate so your body heat dissipates, and you stay cool, even if you're covered up all day long. 
 
So many lawns, so little time, but Alexander Henry's Cotton Lawn Mumsie Pink is one of our favorite picks this summer. 
 

Warp & Weft! 

This collection was inspired by thoughts of traveling to the beach, the colors of a beachside town, beach ephemera such as striped umbrellas and beach towels, and the woven fabric dries fast. We think that makes these fabrics absolutely perfect for a dreamy cover-up or two. 
 
Moda Fabrics Ruby Star Society's Warp Weft Heirloom Sky Gray Wide Stripes 
 
Moda Fabrics Ruby Star Society Warp Weft Heirloom Goldenrod Blue Stripes