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The Spirited Puddle Jumper
poolside cover up

From Swimwear to Cover Ups, The Best Poolside Fashion Picks

Posted on March 19, 2026 By Becky

Feeling effortless is the goal of poolside style. The right clothing pieces let you step away from the water while looking put together and still keep you comfortable in the sun. While it is well known that women’s poolside wardrobes often offer a lot of variety, men’s poolside fashion has grown significantly in recent years, as well.

Where men previously relied almost exclusively on a single pair of swim trunks and a pair of flip-flops, today that is no longer the case. 

The Range in Style of Women’s Poolside Fashion

Women’s fashion, when it comes to poolside, is traditionally a lot more versatile. Women can choose and combine swimsuits, bikinis, cover-ups, and dresses to create their desired poolside outfit. This allows for easy transitions from a dip in the pool to lunch or a relaxed stroll in the afternoon.

Designs and textiles also influence our choices. Styles may include lightweight and breathable cotton and flowing linen or sheer fabrics. The multiple styles can be changed to suit the occasion, whether it’s an afternoon at the pool lounge or a party at the resort.

Starting With the Right Swimwear
For men, swimwear is still the foundation of any poolside outfit. The great thing is the variety of styles. Rather than one standard look, there are different fabrics, lengths, and cuts.

For a more modern appearance, tailored designer swim shorts are a great choice. It is comfortable for swimming and lounging, while longer board shorts are a great sporty choice.

The variety of swimwear also extends to the color and print of fabrics. A print can add a lot of character to a laid-back look, while neutral tones can contrast with swimwear and other apparel.

woman in pool

Adding Lightweight Cover-Ups

Men’s transitional style has evolved in many different areas, one of which is layering. Whereas women have used cover-ups in their poolside outfits, men have now started to include them in their outfits as well.

Lightweight garments such as linen shirts, casual button-downs, and relaxed overshirts are ideal to use after a swim as they provide just enough coverage to move comfortably from the pool to the bar or restaurant without feeling overdressed.

Adding a linen shirt to swim trunks also adds versatility to the outfit. A linen shirt worn open over swimwear creates a relaxed look that feels appropriate in most warm-weather destinations.

Footwear and Practical Accessories

A poolside outfit without shoes is not complete. Slide-style shoes have become the most fashionable, and many men prefer slides, leather sandals, or simple espadrilles.

In addition to shoes, other accessories can have a subtle impact as well. Sunglasses are a must, as is a lightweight hat for a little style and protection from the sun. A tote or simple canvas bag can also be a practical addition to the outfit, holding sunscreen, a towel, or a book if you are planning to sit by the pool for a long time.

Simplicity is Key for Men’s Poolside Style

There is no secret that the primary difference between how men and women dress at the pool is the amount of variety in how they can dress. Women havea variety of styles and silhouettes to choose from, whereas men’s wardrobes are often more streamlined.

Sometimes, this simplicity can be beneficial. Usually, all it takes is a pair of swim trunks that fit well, a breathable, comfortable cover-up, and a few simple accessories.

Men can create a poolside look that combines all of these factors and still be relaxed and stylish, without being overly complex. This look is equally suited for hanging out by the pool as it is for going out and doing something for the rest of the day.

 

See more fashion posts here

Becky Freeman
Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.

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About

Hi! I'm Becky, wife of one, mother of three small people, digital bod, blogger and coffee fiend, living in South-East London, UK. Expect to find lots about children's crafts & activities, the family home, food, adventures (both in the UK and beyond). Come and have a look around!

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