A linen overshirt is the only beach bar cover-up you need.

Yes. Don’t buy a “cover-up” — buy a cheap linen button-up or bring a sundress. A swimsuit cover-up is just a wet suit you’ll pay $40 for.

The trick is versatility. A linen shirt goes from the water to a bar stool without looking like a towel. Works over a bikini or swim trunks. If you already own one, you’re done. Same for a cotton sundress or a solid sarong. Sarongs are underrated: they double as a towel, scarf, or skirt.

Everything sold as a “beach cover-up” is just a narrow selection of the same stuff you already own. You don’t need mesh or a brand name.

Stop overthinking it. You already have something that works.