What to Wear at an All-Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic: The Ultimate Vacation Fashion Guide
Sun, sand, and all the tropical vibes; this is what’s waiting for you in the Dominican Republic. Here, you will find warm, sunny days with an easygoing energy that’s perfect for relaxation. But before you can kick back with a cocktail, you will need to pack a suitcase with all the right pieces.
Knowing what to wear at an all-inclusive resort in Dominican Republic will make a big difference between feeling flustered and enjoying a flawless vacation.
General Clothing Guidelines: How to Dress for Vacation in Dominican Republic
Here’s the deal: It is hot, it is humid, and it is breezy with soft ocean winds blowing through just about every time of the day and night. Most resorts and towns on this island are chill when it comes to dress codes, so you might as well leave most (if not all) of your formalwear at home.
The golden rule here is instead to keep things light, breathable, and versatile. We recommend thinking of comfortable outfits that you can take from the poolside to a patio luncheon without missing a beat. If you’re wondering how to dress for vacation in Dominican Republic, start with airy layers and pieces you can mix, match, and rewear. The fewer pieces you pack that do more, the better.
Light and Breathable Clothing for the Dominican Climate
You’ll want fabrics that can handle the heat. Linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking materials are your best friends. Pack a mix of tanks, lightweight tees, shorts, sundresses, and breezy cover-ups. And yes, as always, style still matters.
Stick to tropical prints, soft colors, and patterns that hide sweat and sand. Remember that multi-use equals vacation win here. So, for example, you might bring a flowy button-down or a wrap that doubles, no triples, as a scarf, beach towel, and airplane blanket.
Swimwear for Resort and Beach Days
You’ll basically live in your swimsuit when vacationing on this island nation, so don’t pack just one. Bring at least two (three if you can swing it) so you always have a dry option. Bikinis, one-pieces, swim trunks—it’s all fair game. Go for styles that fit well and feel good, whether you’re lounging or chasing a wave.
Toss in a couple of cover-ups, such as tunics, kaftans, or an oversized linen shirt, and don’t skip the rash guard if you’re planning to snorkel or do water sports.
Resort Casual Evening Wear: What to Wear at an All-Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic at Night
Evenings at the resort usually mean “resort casual,” which is just a fancy way of saying, “Look nice, but stay comfortable.” Maxi dresses, cute rompers, chinos, polos, and button-downs all work. Bring 2–3 dinner-ready outfits that you can rotate.
Heads up: many à la carte restaurants have dress codes in which flip flops might be a no-go, and guys usually need long pants, but such rules rarely get fancier than that. That said, you should always check your resort’s app or website before packing.
Accessories to Pack for a Dominican Republic Vacation
Accessories can totally elevate your vacay look and make your life easier. Don’t leave home without:
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Stylish sunglasses (bonus if they’re polarized)
- A roomy beach tote
- Some fun costume jewelry
- A compact steamer or wrinkle-release spray
- A foldable crossbody bag for excursions
Smart, simple, and super helpful.
Footwear Tips: Comfortable Shoes for Every Occasion
Your shoes need to keep up with you as you go from beach strolls to late-night dancing. Here is our most recommended breakdown:
- Flip flops, sliders, or similar waterproof sandals for pool and beach days
- Sneakers or comfy walking shoes for excursions and around the resort
- Wedges, loafers, or dressy sandals for dinners and nightlife
Just skip anything that’s not broken in. Blisters are not a souvenir you want.
RELATED: The Complete Dominican Republic Packing List
Exercise and Activity Clothing: What to Wear for Excursions
Planning some jungle hikes, boat trips, or morning yoga? Pack a few sets of athletic gear. Quick-dry tops, leggings, or bike shorts will keep you cool and covered. And if your plans include waterfalls or catamarans, water shoes or grippy sandals are a must.
Don’t forget sun protection: UPF shirts, a secure hat, and reef-safe sunscreen go a long way. From the top ridges of your ears to the tip of your nose and everything below, you’re going to want to apply and reapply sunscreen to prevent a sunburn.
Clothes to Leave at Home: What Not to Pack
Not everything in your closet deserves a spot in your suitcase. Save space (and avoid a few vacation fails) by skipping these items that just won’t fly:
- Anything heavy, such as coats, hoodies, and thick denim, that is going to leave you feeling too hot
- Camouflage (seriously, it’s banned in many Caribbean countries, and so we recommend not bringing anything with any kind of camouflage to stay in line with laws and be respectful of the culture)
- Clothing with offensive graphics or inappropriate messaging
- High-maintenance fabrics that don’t breathe (you’re already going to sweat in this climate, don’t be comfortable by choosing clothes where that sweat will be trapped on your body)
- Super formal wear, as while you will need to dress upscale for some restaurants, most places are upscale casual attire
Unless you’re heading into the mountains, one light layer for cool evenings is plenty.
Packing Smart for the Dominican Republic
Packing doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little strategy, you can fit everything you need without hauling an overstuffed suitcase through the airport. Here’s how to pack smart and stress-free for your Dominican getaway:
- Use packing cubes to stay organized
- Roll, don’t fold, as this will save space in your luggage and reduce wrinkles
- Keep essentials in your carry-on: swimsuit, sunscreen, change of clothes (you might even go straight from plane to beach!)
- Bring a lightweight backpack or day bag for tours and beach days
If you love checklists, consider printing a packing list or grabbing a free one online to make life even easier.
Ready to Book Your Dominican Republic Getaway?
Now that you know exactly what to wear at an all inclusive resort in Dominican Republic, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning. Use this guide to pack with confidence and make the most of every beach day, sunset dinner, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Ready to go? Head to All Inclusive Outlet and score unbeatable deals on family friendly, all inclusive vacations in the Dominican Republic. Paradise is calling. The question is, are you packed yet?
