What exactly are swimsuit coverups?

Question

Like, can you wear a swimsuit coverup while swimming? Will it mess up or what? There's this one that I want but I don't know if you can swim IN it.

http://www.target.com/Merona-Board-Shorts-Ebony/dp/B0015R55IE/qid=1211770077/ref=br_1_2/601-4445044-7084135?ie=UTF8&node=13680261&frombrowse=1&rh=tgt%5F1%3ASwimwear%20Sets&page=1

Answer 1

Swimsuit coverups are more like a little dress or a wrap of sorts that you wear to cover up until you get to the beach.  These are board shorts and are usually worn over your suit as well but you can still swim in them if you don't want to wear your bottoms.