The beach cover-up is the ultimate summer wardrobe hero, shielding you from sun exposure and, well, exposure. Here, nine styles (plus a few eco accessories) to slip on and show off.

Protection Primer: The tighter the fabric weave and darker the color (deep blue is the best), the higher the ultra-violet protection factor (UPF). Hold the piece up to the light to see how transparent it is. And remember, if your cover-up gets wet or stretched, more UV rays will be able to penetrate. Don't slack on the sunscreen.

Light and bright, in kelly green. $88; echodesign.com

Also pictured: Sydney Diva Hat
Lining fabric blocks 97 percent of ultraviolet rays. $36; wallaroohats.com

Cute and super-comfortable, in bright coral. $30; llbean.com

Collared and belted for a poolside preppy feel. $35; jcrew.com

A breezy button-down. $158; eileenfisher.com for stores

Even the neighborhood pool will feel exotic. $178; ondademar.com

Eco-friendly and elegant. $158; hessnatur.com

Ideal for a Morocco moment, in red checkmates. $295; toryburch.com

Sweet with an empire drawstring waist. $25; oldnavy.com

Strappy and lightweight for sweltering days. $130; loomstate.org

Made in Maine from recycled sails. $160; angelaadams.com

A blend of 70 percent bamboo and 30 percent organic cotton, in natural and pool. $30; dreamsack.com

The Bobble has way more going for it than just the Karim Rashid design: BPA-free recycled plastic and a recyclable filter make this a perfect choice for your beach bag. $10; containerstore.com for stores

1. Organics Towel by Pottery Barn
Soak up the seawater -- or cushion your noggin -- with towels made from organic cotton.

2. The Comfy Chair by Oh Yeah Comfy
Made with wood from sustainably harvested Brazilian jatoba trees, this beach lounger offers the ultimate lazy-day essentials: a cupholder and a high back for that seaside snooze.

3. Classic Panama Hat by San Francisco Hat Company
Crafted from the sustainably harvested carludovica tree, this summertime chapeau will shade your face from the sun while keeping you cool.

4. Heavenly Bamboo Pool Lounge Towel by Nandina
This thirsty, soft-as-silk towel is big enough to double as a beach blanket. Made from bamboo and organic cotton, it's a feel-good luxury.  

5. Cushee Sandals by Simple
Recycled rubber and hemp and a water-based adhesive make these comfy sandals both eco- and vegan-friendly.

6. Sand Play Set by Green Toys
You and the other kids will enjoy building sand castles (the original green homes) with these classic beach toys made from reused plastic milk containers.

7. Masa Sunglasses by Amy Sacks
"Shades of green" gets new meaning with these elegant and sturdy specs. The arms are crafted entirely of bamboo.

8. Classic Woody Banded Halter Top and Two-Ring Hipster by Aaron Chang
Recycled plastic goes chic with this affordable bikini. Each recycled polyester/spandex piece is reversible, giving you four suits in one.

9. Recycled Plastic Market Bag by Gaiam
This bag can stand up to a rogue wave. Partial proceeds from your purchase go to the community of disabled and impoverished Indian women who made this tote. (Sorry, this product may no longer be available.)

10. Spring Has Sprung Water Bottle by SIGG
The message in this reusable aluminum bottle? Style and eco-friendliness go hand in hand.