Puerto Vallarta Outfits Inspo: Here’s What to Wear in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Wondering what to wear in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place because I’ve been living in Mexico since 2018, and I’ve also done countless trips to Puerto Vallarta in the last few years.
When packing your Puerto Vallarta outfits, keep these two things in mind: 1) Puerto Vallarta is HOT all year, and 2) it’s not just beaches; there are a variety of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
If you need stylish outfit ideas for Puerto Vallarta so you can both ride ATVs in the jungle and lounge at your resort, and enjoy both daytime and nighttime activities — I’m here to help!
Whether you’re going to Puerto Vallarta for a romantic getaway, girl’s trip, or spring break, this article has all the Puerto Vallarta outfits inspo you need to plan the perfect Mexico vacation wardrobe.
Besides the clothes, I’ll answer common questions about what to wear at a resort in Mexico, typical Puerto Vallarta dress codes, and much more — so let’s dive in!
Puerto Vallarta Airport Outfit Ideas
Believe it or not, your airport outfit counts in Puerto Vallarta — so let’s start with what to wear when arriving at Puerto Vallarta Airport (and it’s definitely NOT a sweat suit).
No matter when you visit, it’s going to be hot in Puerto Vallarta (or really hot 🥵), so plan your first outfit carefully because you’ll be arriving to a humid climate.
From my experience living in Mexico since 2018 and using the Puerto Vallarta Airport a few times, it doesn’t have AC in all areas — but you’ll still have to deplane, go through customs, collect your luggage, arrange your airport transfer, etc.
Trust me when I tell you that doing all these things in a sweat suit or winter clothes will be miserable because the Puerto Vallarta heat can be unbearable.
Instead, opt for something made of a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton or linen so you stay as cool as possible.
I recommend this comfortable two-piece set from Amazon for your flight so that you’ll feel cool and comfy upon arrival to the humid Puerto Vallarta weather.
Now, if you prefer wearing warmer clothes on the plane, make sure you have an outfit in your carry on luggage so you can change into something light after landing.
Daytime Puerto Vallarta Outfit Ideas
As one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, I know you’re going to want to hit those beaches ASAP!
What to wear during the day in Puerto Vallarta consists of mostly swimsuits, sun hats, cover-ups, and sunglasses — but here are some daytime Puerto Vallarta outfit ideas to help you with a visual on beachwear:
What to Wear to the Beach in Puerto Vallarta
Packing for Puerto Vallarta is usually easier than many think because during your Puerto Vallarta vacation, swimsuits and cover-ups are about 60% of what you’ll need.
To mix it up, bring a few versatile beach cover-ups that pair well with all your swimsuits, or a neutral colored cover-up that goes with everything.
I love this boho cover-up from Amazon that comes in a bunch of colors. If you get it black, white or beige, it will complement all your swimsuits perfectly.
Since bathing suits for Puerto Vallarta don’t take up much room, bring a selection of your favorites (or get these space-saving packing cubes to conserve luggage space).
If you’re planning for water activities like kayaking, snorkeling and jet skiing, bring a one-piece swimsuit so you can move around freely without it falling off.
For those who prefer not to use sunscreen, opt for these long-sleeve bathing suits that have built-in protection to shield you from the sun’s rays.
Beyond what to wear, you’ll want a cute beach bag like this one to carry all your stuff, and this Sand-Free Turkish Towel so you can lay around without getting all sandy.
What to Wear to the Pool at Your Resort
You’ll get a general idea of bathing suits for Puerto Vallarta from the list above, but don’t forget this cute sun hat, your sunglasses, and sandals you can easily slide on and off.
Also, a beach bag is great to carry all your stuff, but this waterproof fanny pack is both stylish and practical.
With it, you can store your phone, money, credit card, ID, room key, lipgloss and a few other things, and not worry about anything getting wet.
What to Wear at Puerto Vallarta Resorts
Resort casual is the name of the game at the vast majority of hotels in Puerto Vallarta, so think breathable and comfortable clothing to wear around the resort.
During the day, sundresses for women and shorts and a T-shirt for men will work. Do note that some resorts require shirts with sleeves while eating at indoor restaurants.
Both women and men can usually get away with any type of sandals anywhere on-resort, but note that most places require you to use footwear at all times when indoors at common areas.
Outfit Ideas for Puerto Vallarta Excursions
Truth be told, I didn’t know this on my first visit — but Puerto Vallarta is MUCH more than just beaches!
While traveling to Puerto Vallarta, take advantage of the fantastic adventure excursions like riding ATVs, a day trip to Yelapa, and going snorkeling near Los Arcos.
For these excursions, it’s important to dress appropriately so let’s go over this more in depth below.
What to Wear for Hikes and Land-Based Activities
There are numerous things to do on land, like going horseback riding in the mountains, going on zip lines through the jungle, and riding an ATV across Jorullo Bridge.
For these places, make sure to pack comfortable shoes like these Hokas, known as some of most comfortable travel sneakers, or your hiking boots.
Shorts and a tank top will work for your clothing, or any athleisure outfit you feel comfortable in.
Also, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, a good backpack, and a reusable water bottle. I love this Water-To-Go bottle because it has a built-in water filter.
What to Wear for Boating in Puerto Vallarta
There are A LOT of ways to enjoy Puerto Vallarta by water — like fishing tours, boating tours, going jet skiing, snorkeling tours, visiting the Marietas Islands, and whale watching in winter.
For these, you’ll want to bring a bathing suit and cover-up, as well as a few things you might not be thinking of, like these five Puerto Vallarta packing list essentials:
🩱 Long Sleeve Bathing Suit (AKA Rash Guard)
Lotion, creams and sunscreen of any type (even eco-sunscreen) have at least some level of environmental impact.
To circumvent this, women can get one of these long sleeve swim suits, and men can opt for one of these rash guard swim shirts.
🩴 Water Shoes
These good quality water shoes with solid grips will help prevent falls in slippery areas and cuts on your feet in the rocky areas of Puerto Vallarta like Playa Conchas Chinas.
💼 Dry Bag
Make sure you pack a change of clothes for when you get out of the water, and bring this dry bag to pack up your wet clothes in a place where they won’t drip.
📲 Waterproof Phone Holder
Some of the most Instagram worthy Puerto Vallarta sites are in, near and on the water, and I’m sure you’ll want to take a photo or two (or 22!) of your trip.
This waterproof phone pouch will come in handy as you snap photos and get video above and under the water — or, consider the GoPro Camera.
🤿 Mask & Snorkel
Popular for snorkeling and diving, the waters around Puerto Vallarta have healthy reefs teeming with marine life.
Some tours and places in Puerto Vallarta offer mask and snorkel rentals, but for sanitary reasons, and because the rentals are never good quality, I recommend this mask and snorkel set.
Nighttime Puerto Vallarta Outfit Ideas
Evenings in Puerto Vallarta are the perfect time for dressing up since you’re on vacation — and I personally love wearing these floral maxi dresses, or these linen pants with a stylish top.
Resort casual wear is ideal for the evenings, but here are some ideas for what to wear at night in Puerto Vallarta depending on where you’re headed:
What to Wear to Dinner in Puerto Vallarta
Depending on your Puerto Vallarta resort, there might be a fancier evening dress code — but typically, a maxi sundress, or stylish pants and a top are perfect for dinner.
On vacation in Mexico, embrace bright colors to go with the country’s vibe, like this vibrant maxi dress with pockets. (#TeamPockets forever 😍)
Accessorize with this popular wooden purse, wedges with embellishments, sandals with rhinestones, or even high heels if you’re feeling fancy.
The dress code is generally relaxed with resort casual being the name of the game, and so as long as you’re not in a bathing suit, you should be appropriately dressed for dinner in Puerto Vallarta at most places.
One exception is the upscale restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, like Café des Artistes and Restaurante ICÚ, which require you to dress more formally.
What to Wear to Go Clubbing in Puerto Vallarta
Just like the resorts, the Puerto Vallarta clubs dress code differs depending on where you’re going — but still, you shouldn’t need to get too fancy, no matter the place.
Some nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta have a dress code, but bars in the Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) tend to be more casual so you can get away with shorts and sandals.
A little black dress, sandals and this anti-theft crossbody bag will work for women at clubs, while men should opt for pants (jeans aren’t always OK), this guayabera shirt, and close-toed shoes.
Puerto Vallarta Packing Checklist: What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta
👙 Bathing Suits: You’ll probably want to switch up your beach outfits vibe each day, pack a few of your favorite one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, or these long sleeve swimsuits to help prevent sunburns.
🎽 Cover-ups: Bring a few to cover-ups so you can match your bathing suit of the day, or opt for this cover-up in a neutral color that goes with anything.
👚 T-shirts: Cotton T-shirts, tank tops and workout style shirts always come in handy, so pack a few. (Puerto Vallarta Pro Tip: Bring shirts that don’t show sweat!)
🩳 Shorts: Comfy shorts are a great item to pack for walking around your resort, any of these best Puerto Vallarta tours and excursions, or even a casual meal.
👗 Sundresses: Maxi dresses and sundresses are the easiest item to pack for Puerto Vallarta that go from day to evening, and can even function as a beach cover-up.
🥵 Linen Clothing: Linen is a great material because it’s moisture-wicking (meaning it quickly moves sweat to the fabric’s outer surface), and keeps you cool.
🧥 Cardigan Sweater or Light Jacket: For those who are always cold, you might use these at night, but many travelers won’t need either.
Best Shoes for Puerto Vallarta
🩴 Comfortable Sandals/Flip Flops: Bring sandals that are easy to slip on/off, and that you won’t mind if they get a bit wet. I own and love these Havaianas.
👡 Evening Shoes: For evening time flats, these black strappy sandals make any outfit look dressed up, and these espadrille wedges take it to the next level.
👟 Sneakers: These Hoka sneakers, known as some of the most comfortable shoes for travel, are ideal for Puerto Vallarta day trips and off-resort activities.
🤿 Water Shoes: If you’re planning on hitting the beach a lot (it’s rocky in some areas), going snorkeling, deep sea fishing and/or boating, don’t forget to pack these water shoes for Puerto Vallarta.
Best Dresses for Puerto Vallarta
For me, these dresses with pockets are an absolute must when traveling because pockets always come in handy.
A few short sundresses, a few maxi sundresses, and a few rompers should be all you need in Puerto Vallarta, so choose your most comfortable pieces and only pack those.
Best Sunscreen for Puerto Vallarta
- Water Resistant SPF 50 Vegan Sunscreen with UVA/UVB Protection and Vitamin E
- Dermatologist approved, Sonny approved, and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant
- Oil free, Gluten free, Cruelty free, Paraben free, Octinoxate free, and Oxybenzone free
- Never tested on animals ❤️🐰
A best seller on Amazon, we also love this Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen for many reasons — especially because it’s cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and eco-friendly.
They also have other great products to consider, like this SPF 30 Lip Balm and this Sun Bum After-Sun Aloe Vera Gel to rehydrate your skin.
One thing to keep in mind when packing for Puerto Vallarta is that you must comply with FAA regulations for liquids — so liquids must be in these 3.4 ounce containers within your carry-on luggage.
Accessories to Pack for Puerto Vallarta
👒 Sun Hat: A hat is an absolute must to keep protected from the sun in Puerto Vallarta, and I love these fun straw hats with cute saying on them like “Resting Beach Face.”
👜 Beach Bag: You’ll need something to carry all your essentials for a fun beach day, like this nautical-themed beach bag that just screams vacay.
😎 Sunglasses: A must for any beach vacation — though I always leave my expensive pairs at home because sunnies are so easy to lose, and instead, I opt for cheap sunglasses from Amazon for all my Puerto Vallarta trips.
🧴 Sunscreen: Pack your favorite SPF 50 sunscreen because gift shops in Puerto Vallarta have limited options, and sunscreen there is more expensive than in the U.S.
🦟 Bug Spray: Mosquitos can be an issue in Puerto Vallarta, especially during the rainy season from about June to October, so I recommend this eco-friendly bug spray that has a nice lemon smell.
What NOT to Pack for Puerto Vallarta
🤑 Valuables: While I’ve never had any issues with theft in Mexico, it can absolutely happen, so mitigate this risk by simply leaving your valuables at home.
💵 Dollars/Foreign Currency: The cheapest and easiest way to get Mexican pesos is by using the ATMs in Mexico — so don’t bring a lot of cash with you because the currency conversion services take a hefty fee to change money.
Instead, just get money from any of the numerous Puerto Vallarta Airport ATMs. While there will be ATM fees, they’re cheaper than at the currency conversion kiosks.
💊 Your Whole Medicine Cabinet: There are plenty of farmacias (pharmacies) in Puerto Vallarta, so you don’t need to pack a ton of meds.
If you have prescription meds, of course bring those, but know you can easily get over the counter medicines like Tylenol (it’s called paracetamol in Mexico though).
🍓 Foods: It’s actually illegal to bring fresh fruits and veggies across borders, so make sure you don’t have those with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Vallarta Outfits
How should I dress for Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
As you now know, Puerto Vallarta is HOT all year-long, so choose clothes made of moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool (ie. cotton, linen, bamboo and spandex).
What kind of clothes should I wear to Puerto Vallarta?
For the most part, resort casual will work both on-resort and off-resort while you’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta.
Packing for Mexico resorts is usually easier than many think because swimsuits and cover-ups are what you’ll likely wear the most.
What is the dress code at Puerto Vallarta resorts?
It depends on the resort’s policy, so call them and double check before making your Puerto Vallarta packing list, but a safe bet would be to opt for resort casual wear.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta resort dress codes are lax during the daytime. However, in common areas and restaurants, avoid walking around in just your bathing suit.
At night, some Puerto Vallarta resorts enforce a stricter code of dress. Men should wear long pants and a collared shirt, while ladies can wear dresses or slacks and a blouse.
Can I wear shorts in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
You can get away with shorts at the majority of places in Puerto Vallarta, but at night, a nice pair of linen pants, jeans or slacks would be better.
What shoes to wear in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
For the majority of travelers, a pair of flip flops for the beach, dressy sandals for nighttime, sneakers for sporty activities, and water shoes should do it.
What to wear to a Puerto Vallarta destination wedding?
Always defer to the wedding’s dress code, but tropical sundresses, wedges or dressy flats usually work for women, and guayabera shirts and slacks for men.
Need More Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips?
We’ve reached the end of this Ultimate Guide to What to Wear in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and I hope it helped you plan all your Puerto Vallarta outfits.
However, I have plenty more Puerto Vallarta travel tips for you — so check out my other Puerto Vallarta blogs to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
