Your beach cover-up does more than just complete your swim look—it protects your skin from the sun, adds elegance to your silhouette, and becomes a go-to for lounging, traveling, and layering. Whether you're wearing a breezy mesh cardigan or a lacey sun-blocking kimono, your cover-up deserves the same care and attention you give your favorite swimwear. At PRUSES, we design plus size beach cover-ups with premium fabrics that are both functional and beautiful. But to keep them looking and feeling their best, proper washing and storage are essential.
If you’ve ever found your cover-up shrinking, fading, or losing shape after just a few wears, you’re not alone. Many plus size women face this problem—especially with delicate materials like mesh, lace, or sheer polyester. The key is not just cleaning, but gentle care tailored to your cover-up’s fabric and construction.
Here’s how to properly wash, dry, and store your PRUSES beach cover-ups, so they stay beautiful from one summer to the next.
Why Fabric Care Matters, Especially for Plus Size Cover-Ups
Most plus size beach cover-ups are made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like mesh, lace, chiffon, or rayon. These materials are chosen for their drape, stretch, and cooling feel—especially important for curvier bodies in warm climates. But they’re also more prone to snags, shape loss, or fading if thrown into a harsh wash cycle.
Plus size shoppers often tell us they struggle to find stylish cover-ups that last. Either the colors fade quickly, the fabric pills, or it loses its flowy shape after drying. That’s why understanding how to care for these pieces isn’t just a chore—it’s a way to protect your investment in clothes that finally fit and flatter.
At PRUSES, our cover-ups are designed to endure beach life: salt, sun, sand, and sweat. But even the best fabrics need a little love to stay fabulous.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Beach Cover-Up
1. Always Check the Label
Start by checking the care tag inside your garment. At PRUSES, each plus size cover-up includes fabric and care details to guide your washing. If it says "hand wash only"—trust it. And when in doubt, treat it gently.
2. Use Cold Water and Mild Detergent
Hot water is the enemy of delicate beachwear. It can shrink fibers, distort shape, and fade vibrant prints. Instead, use cold water with a mild detergent designed for delicates. Avoid anything with bleach or heavy fragrances, as these can damage synthetic fibers and cause irritation.
3. Choose Hand Wash or Delicate Cycle
If your piece is mesh or lace—like our Women Plus Size Tie Dye Sheer Mesh Beach Cover-Up or Lace Sun Protection Cardigan—we recommend hand washing. Gently swirl the cover-up in soapy water, let it soak for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Never wring or twist it—press the water out gently with a towel.
If using a machine, place your cover-up inside a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate threads. Select the “delicate” or “hand wash” cycle.
Drying: Let It Breathe
Never put your beach cover-up in the dryer. The heat can destroy elasticity, cause shrinkage, and even melt synthetic materials like polyester mesh.
Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it indoors in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colors—especially vibrant prints like those on our Ethnic Print Loose Cover-Up or Swirl Print Cover-Up. Let it air-dry completely before folding or storing.
If you must hang it, use a padded hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders, especially for longer kimono-style pieces.
Storing Your Cover-Up Between Seasons
Beach season may come and go, but your cover-up should stay ready. Here’s how to store it properly:
· Clean it first. Salt and sunscreen can break down fibers over time.
· Fold instead of hanging, especially for mesh or lace. Hanging can stretch lightweight fabrics.
· Store in a breathable garment bag or drawer, away from sunlight and moisture.
· Avoid plastic bins, which can trap humidity and lead to mildew—especially in humid climates.
· Adding a lavender sachet or cedar block can keep your cover-ups smelling fresh and protect against fabric-loving bugs.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Wear
· Don’t sit on rough surfaces (like pool ledges or rocky sand) while wearing delicate materials.
· Avoid spraying perfume or sunscreen directly onto the fabric—spray on skin, let it dry, then layer your cover-up.
· After swimming, change out of your wet swimsuit before wearing mesh or lace styles. Prolonged moisture can stress seams and elastic.
· Many customers fall in love with the comfort and elegance of PRUSES' plus size cover-ups, only to be surprised when their piece begins to wear prematurely. But with just a few small adjustments to how you wash and wear, your favorite styles can last through countless summers.
Why PRUSES Cover-Ups Are Worth Caring For
PRUSES cover-ups aren’t fast fashion. We craft each design with care, focusing on fit, fabric, and feel—especially for plus size women who want flattering, breathable beach layers. From the easy elegance of our Black Mesh Beach Cover-Up to the romantic drama of our lace styles, every piece deserves to be worn—and protected—with love.
We’ve heard countless stories from curvy women who finally found a cover-up that didn’t ride up, cling, or make them sweat. That’s not just a win in comfort—it’s a confidence boost. And confidence is worth preserving.
Take care of your cover-up, and it will take care of your summer.
Explore our latest plus size beach cover-up collection at PRUSES and enjoy effortless beauty that lasts beyond one season.