Style bible

Sarongs, kaftans, skirts or shorts? It’s time to plot your ideal beach look – with a little help from these six new labels

The best beachwear buys for summer 2019

THE SARONG

Sarongs are set for a comeback. For a while, the cheap, flammable, dip-dye iterations that flooded the high street gave the wrap a bad rap. But since the former London Fashion Week designer Marios Schwab closed his ready-to-wear label in 2017, he has turned his attention to a new beach brand, On The Island, with gorgeous results. Now you just have to remember how to tie one up. From £210, matches fashion.com.

THE LUXE KAFTAN

Unsure what to wear in Mykonos this summer? Former Vogue Hellas editor Elena Makri founded an eponymous boutique there in 2017 and is now exporting her own line of luxury cover-ups. Mythical symbols and classic plissé draping dominate in her collections, but the embellished kaftans are something particularly special. From £335, elenamakri.com.

THE MAXI-ROBE

Anjuna’s tie-front robes offer the ultimate poolside glamour. Whether you’re posing at a posh beach club, taking some Instagram-perfect pictures in the breeze, or just hoping to look effortlessly elegant as you flop on a lounger with a book, the robe is a silhouette worth investing in. Anjuna’s eclectic-print patchworks are inspired by the seaside village of the same name near Goa. From £293, beachcafe.com.

THE FULL SKIRT

Breezy, filmy cottons in monochromatic prints are Alexandra Miro’s design signature. She’s turned them into dramatic robes and easy halter-neck dresses, but it’s her light-asair full skirts in flamenco shapes that are like no other cover-up I’ve ever seen at the beach. From £485, alexan dramiro.com.

THE WHITE SHORTS

Not into all the frills and floral prints smothering the world of beachwear? You’ll need the minimalist option – a classic pair of white cotton shorts. Australian label Bassike has recently arrived in the UK, and its waist accentuating, knee-length shorts are exceptionally flattering. Shorts, £248, net-a-porter.com.

THE COTTON SUNDRESS

Former stylist Innika Choo loves ruffles, tiers and balloon sleeves but, rendered in fresh white cottons, her beach dresses never look overwhelming. An ideal choice if you like to waft off for lunch in a smart café between sunbathing sessions. Dress, £204, innikachoo.com.