Clothing for Aruba Vacation

The perfect clothing for an Aruba vacation is shorts and t-shirts. You'll probably be uncomfortable in anything more. Light colors are better than dark as they will reflect more of the sun away from you rather than absorb it.

Even at night, the temperature only drops a few degrees, so long pants, blouses, or jackets are not required unless you are going to one of the more elegant restaurants or night clubs. But even those are few and far between, and most places will welcome you in your shorts.

Women may want to bring along a hat or a clip for their hair. The trade winds are refreshing, but they make keeping long hair neat next to impossible.

One thing you do not want to forget to wear is sunscreen. The trade winds are so cool and refreshing that you will forget how strong the sun is. Luckily, I only got sunburned once while we were down there. It was my own fault. We had gone snorkeling and I was having so much fun I lost track of time and forgot to reapply sunscreen.

Bikinis and swim trunks are the norm on the beach, though you can expect to see a few topless sunbathers lounging or swimming on the resort beaches.

There are no nude or clothing optional beaches on Aruba. But if you are truly determined to go buff, there are plenty of isolated beaches on the other side of the island. Just be warned that the water is not exactly swimmer-friendly, and don't be surprised if a jeep or horseback tour comes along and spots you.

So to make a long story short, men should bring plenty of shorts, t-shirts, swim trunks, and maybe a pair of light slacks and shirt for the evening.

Women will need their bikini, a hat or hair clip, shorts and light blouses, and maybe some sun dresses or a sarong.

And everyone needs a healthy dose of sunscreen in addition to their clothing for their Aruba vacation!