5 Terry Cloth Coverup Sets Perfect for Poolside Lounging

Like your favorite beach towel, but better

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Terry Cloth Coverup Short Sets: Brown Stripe and Red Tank set hero
Kule/Marine Layer

I love a good lounge set. They’re comfy, they’re cute and, most importantly, they’re effortless—you don’t have to think twice about putting two-and-two together when it’s already the ultimate one-and-done. I pretty much live in them all winter (see: my review of this cozy pick from Lou & Grey), but lately I’ve been spotting a ton of fresh short sets that prove you don’t have to relegate them to colder months. 

If you want to look perfectly put-together for days at the beach or pool, a terry cloth coverup is just the thing. After all, it’s made of the same soft, fluffy and absorbent fabric as your favorite beach towel, so slipping into it post-splash is a no-brainer—plus you can keep it on for your waterfront lunch or stop at the resort bar. With so many cute, packable options on the market this season (including this preppy striped outfit from Tuckernuck), you’re sure to find something that matches your vacation aesthetic. Ahead, five sets that should already be in your cart.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Between the retro rugby stripes and plush cotton-blend terry, this set feels straight out of a ‘70s summer camp. The top is just boxy enough to feel relaxed, but not so oversized that you’ll feel like you’re borrowing your boyfriend’s. Meanwhile, the shorts boast a comfy elastic waist and 2.5-inch inseam—leggy, yes, but great for avoiding a farmer’s tan.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range (Top): XS to XXL
  • Size Range (Bottoms): XS to XXL

Who says you can’t look polished even on your laziest days? This set, complete with nautical stripes fit for a weekend sailing in Cape Cod, features a collared polo top that screams coastal prep, paired with the comfy shorts. One reviewer dubbed it “out of this world,” while another said it makes an ideal coverup. 

Fast Facts

  • Size Range (Top): XS to XXXL
  • Size Range (Bottoms): XS to XXXL

The embroidered trim! The tassel drawstring! It’s no wonder sizes of this button-down top and relaxed short combo are selling out fast (you can sign up for restock alerts). “I bought this thinking it will be great for postpartum with the buttons, will be cozy, but still look put-together. I can’t say enough good things,” gushes one buyer. The chest patch pocket on the collared top adds a subtle menswear-inspired touch.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range (Top): XS to XL
  • Size Range (Bottoms): XS to XL

The brand describes this tank set as “towel soft,” made from a fluffy blend of cotton and polyester. The whipstitch detailing on both the top and bottoms make the set feel especially elevated and versatile—meaning you can easily don it from the beach to the streets (though it also won’t take up much space in your beach tote). Best of all, the shorts have pockets.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range (Top): XS to XL
  • Size Range (Bottoms): XS to XL

If you, like me, have been loving the comeback of 2000s athleisure, you’ll adore this track set. Fashioned from soft terry in a bold lemon hue, the cropped, zip-up jacket is perfect for throwing on over a bikini top, while the shorts have an adjustable drawstring waistband for your comfiest fit. Throw in the white contrast trim and this look is the ultimate combination of sporty and nostalgic. And you’d better believe your group won’t have any trouble finding you when you save a spot on the beach. 

Fast Facts

  • Size Range (Top): XS to XL
  • Size Range (Bottoms): XS to XL

stephanie maida

Stephanie Maida

Senior Commerce Editor

  • Oversees PureWow's coverage of sales and deals, celebrity commerce and new launches across categories
  • Has worked as a writer and editor for 10+ years
  • Studied journalism at New York University

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.