Traveling to Aruba? Here’s What to Wear There (and What to Leave Behind)

Planning a 10-day escape to Aruba? Good move. This island stays warm, breezy, and laid-back year-round. No jacket required, just breathable gear and a sense of adventure with long days of snorkeling, dirt-road exploring, and sunset dinners.

We landed in Aruba with carry-ons, no checked bags, and a feeling that we still brought too much. And after ten days of beach mornings, bumpy backroad drives, and dinners under the stars, we had a clear picture of what actually got worn in Auba. The clothes that handled the heat, cleaned up well, and made us forget we packed anything else.

This guide is built from that. Real use, real days, no filler. If you’re heading to Aruba, here’s what to wear there and bring with you, and what to leave behind. Pack light. Choose well. Let the island do the rest.

What to Wear in Aruba for Men: Style Tips to Stay Cool, Look Sharp, and Blend In Without Disappearing

Aruba may not have a dress code, but it does have a rhythm. Whether you're beach-hopping or heading into town for dinner, these style tips will help you stay comfortable, confident, and effortlessly in tune with the island.

Aruba “No Dress Code” Style: Island-Casual, Not Careless

First, let’s talk about style in Aruba. The vibe is laid-back, yes, but that doesn’t mean sloppy. You can keep it easy while still looking sharp, especially when you’re bouncing between beach, town, and dinner without heading back to change.

Locals and seasoned travelers keep it very casual, but still put together. You’ll see plenty of T-shirts, shorts, and sandals, but they look stylish.

Think “resort casual” with some personality: clean lines, neutral colors, and gear that breathes.  You don’t need a linen suit or anything. Just clothes that handle heat, move with you, and don’t scream "tourist fresh off a cruise ship." To blend in without disappearing:

• Stick to tailored, breathable basics
  Lightweight shorts, tees, and button-ups in performance or natural fabrics (like merino, stretch-woven, cotton, linen blends) do the job. They breathe, don’t hold stink, and still look good after a day in the sun.
• Neutral colors win
  Earth tones, navy, black, white, and sage are colors that don’t fight the scenery and mix easily with everything else in your bag.
• Leave the loud prints behind
  If you’re wearing a floral shirt, make it intentional. Aruba’s not a theme park; it’s chill and beautiful. Let your fit match that.
• One "step-up" piece goes a long way
  A single short-sleeve button-up (like a Limitless Merino Shirt) works for dinners, date nights, or just pretending you’re a local. It dresses up your outfit without taking up space in your bag.

Cultural & Style Considerations

• Restaurants are chill, but don’t be sloppy
  Shorts and a nice shirt are fine everywhere. No need to bring dress pants or tuxedo vibes, because you’ll stand out in the wrong way.
• Don’t walk into stores shirtless or in just swim trunks
  You’re not at a pool party. Arubans are friendly, but respect goes both ways.
• Temples? Not really a thing here
  Unlike Europe or Asia, there's no need to cover up for religious sites. Just wear something appropriate when in town.

Sun Protection and Light Layers

The Aruba sun hits hard, and so does the A/C inside most restaurants and stores. Your best bet? Layer light such as a sun hoodie or UV shirt. Midday sun requires more than SPF. A hoodie or long sleeve with UPF protection saves your skin on snorkel trips or desert tours.

Pack also something you can throw over your tee at dinner or when that beach breeze kicks in. Think linen or a wrinkle-resistant seeksucker overshirt. But overall, temps don’t dip much, even at night. So no heavy layers. Skip sweaters or jackets unless you're flying in from winter.

Footwear That Handles Sand, Salt, and Streets

Footwear in Aruba should be minimal but purposeful. Slides or sandals with a solid grip are ideal for beach days, casual dinners, and quick runs into town, especially since rubber soles handle wet or rocky surfaces better than foam flip-flops. A pair of lightweight sneakers or loafers adds structure for walking around town, or evenings when you want to look a bit more put together. If your plans include rocky coastlines, cave pools, or the natural pool inside Arikok National Park, water shoes are a smart addition that can save your feet and your mood.

Accessories and Small Details That Matter

Accessories may seem minor, but in Aruba, they earn their keep fast. A real hat and quality sunglasses are essential, as the sun doesn’t let up, and glare off the sand and water can be relentless. A minimalist watch or simple belt isn’t required, but those subtle details can quietly elevate your look for dinners out without feeling overdressed.

Adventure-Ready Gear

If you think Aruba is just for laying out, you’re missing half the island. This place is made for action—EZ Raiders, hiking in Arikok, snorkeling reefs, and horseback riding along the coast. That means your gear needs to handle dust, salt, sweat, and maybe a few bruises. Pack activewear that can take a hit and still look good afterward. Avoid loose sandals on tours or rides. Stick to secure, grippy footwear.

What to Wear in Aruba for Men: A Packing Guide for Style, Comfort, and Sun

Here’s what we packed for one week in Aruba, what earned its space, what we wore on repeat, and what we’d bring again without hesitation. No fluff. Just what you need.

Everyday Essentials

What we wore on repeat in Aruba, and why it worked.

• 2-4 pairs of shorts
  You’ll wear these daily from morning snorkels to beach lunches to sunset drinks with sand still on your feet. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying are essential. We rotated between the Evolution Short and the Ventra Short, and they handled everything. The Evolution Short brings structure and polish, making it ideal for exploring town or grabbing dinner. The Ventra Short is more relaxed and built for movement, with a lighter feel that shines on active days or hot afternoons. Both pack small, rinse clean, and dry quickly.

• 3-4 travel-ready tees
  Shirts that breathe well and hold up to long, hot days are essential. The Location X Tee was our workhorse, made from a cotton blend that feels like your favorite everyday tee, but built for repeat wears in warm, sticky air. We rotated in the Ventra Tee for more active days. It's breezier, dries fast, and feels almost weightless. Both are easy to dress up or down, and they won’t hold onto sweat or stink.

• 2–3 light shirts for layering or dressing up
  Button-ups give you range without the bulk. The Ventra Shirt was our go-to in Aruba. It’s insanely breathable, packs down small, and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Wear it open over a tee for beachside lunches, and button up when things lean more polished. If you want something with a little extra style, pack the Camp Collar Shirt. It hits that laid-back island look without trying too hard. These two had us covered from boat days to bar nights.

Dinner & Dress Code

Aruba’s not formal, and keeps it casual, but when it comes to how to dress for dinner, it's clean and considered. Shorts are totally fine, but swap the gym tank and flip-flops for a collared shirt and real shoes if you’re heading somewhere with cloth napkins. Look put-together, without packing too much.

• 2 elevated shirts for dinners or nights out 
  A cotton polo is simple and solid. A merino polo gives you more versatility, is odor-resistant, packable, and polished. The Limitless Merino Shirt is another, go-anywhere piece that made it through multiple dinners without breaking a sweat (or showing it). One is all you need.
• 1–2 pairs of pants
  The Evolution Pant works well here. They are lightweight, stretchy, and sharp. Look for neutral tones like Umber, Sand, Blue Grey, or Dune, which pair well with Aruba’s color palette and hide the dust and salt you’ll inevitably pick up. One pair is plenty unless you’re going full foodie.

Sun & Heat Survival

Protection is part of the uniform.

That Aruba sun is no joke. Equatorial, constant, and intense, even with the breeze. You’ll feel it by 10 a.m. and regret it by 3 p.m. if you’re not prepared.

• Pack a sun hoodie or long-sleeve layer with UPF protection. It’ll be your go-to for snorkeling trips, hikes, or just walking around mid-day. 
• Bring a real hat and polarized sunglasses. Not the cheap throwaways. You want coverage and something that stays put when the wind kicks in.
• Toss in a light sweater or hoodie for flights and aggressively air-conditioned restaurants or casinos. You won’t need it outside, but you’ll be glad you packed it.
• Yes, bring sunscreen and aloe. That combination will save your trip (and your skin).

Optional (but Smart) Add-Ons

These are stuff we were glad we packed.

• Workout gear (1–2 sets): If you plan to hike, hit a gym, or just move more than usual.
• Water shoes: The natural pool and rocky coves aren’t flip-flop friendly.
• Towel clips: Aruba is windy. Your towel will fly without them.
• Reusable bags: For groceries or carrying gear to the beach.
• Snorkel gear: You can rent, but if you’re picky, bring your own mask.

Seasonal Notes

The weather barely changes, but here’s how to tweak your packing.

High Season (Dec–Apr):

Dry, breezy, and busy. You’ll be out more, so bring your best-looking lightweight gear and at least one dinner-ready outfit.

Low Season (May–Nov):

Still sunny, just a bit more humid. Pack moisture-wicking layers and a light shell for the occasional rain shower. Bug spray is a good idea, especially after dark.

Hurricane Season (June–Nov):

Aruba sits south of the hurricane belt. Storms rarely hit, but check the forecast if you're planning excursions.

Aruba asks for less than most destinations, and rewards the traveler who packs with purpose. A few versatile pieces, a loose plan, and an open mind are all you really need.

What to Leave Behind

Skip the stuff that won’t pull its weight.

1. Jeans: Too hot. Too heavy. You’ll regret it by hour one. Aruba’s climate just doesn’t make room for denim.
2. Bulky sneakers or boots. Unless you’re doing a full hiking trip (and even then, question it), you won’t need anything heavy or padded. Stick with light sneakers or water-ready footwear.
3. Dress shoes. Unless you’re going to a wedding. Clean sneakers or minimalist loafers are enough for any dinner you’ll have here.
4. Thick cotton or flannel shirts. They don’t breathe, they hold sweat, and they take forever to dry. Leave them behind and bring lighter layers instead.
5. Too many “just in case” outfits. You’ll wear your favorites on repeat. Aruba’s casual. You won’t need seven different looks for ten days. Pack smart, rewear, rinse if you need to.
6. Beach towels. Most rentals or hotels have them, and they take up way too much space in your bag. If you want something quick-dry, bring a packable travel towel instead.
7. Umbrellas. If it rains, it’s fast and warm. A lightweight shell or your sun hoodie is all you’ll need.

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Stay Sharp, Let Aruba Lead

After ten days on the island, one thing was clear: you don’t need much in Aruba. What matters is how well your gear moves with you, how it breathes, how it dries, how it fits when you're salty, sun-tired, and heading straight from the beach to dinner.

If you're heading to Aruba, bring what keeps you cool and comfortable. Choose pieces that dress up just enough. Leave room for spontaneity, slow meals, and the kind of beach days that turn into nights without needing to change.

Travel light. Dress well. Let the island do the rest.