What to Pack For a Mexico Beach Trip (Favorite Brands + Packing List)

With a love for a beachy vacation in Mexico, I’ve rounded up my favorite brands, outfits, and must-have items. Packing for Mexico is always more easygoing as I find myself reaching for airy linen, comfortable clothing, and bright colors.

I’ve pulled together my favorite brands and styles for a Mexico beach vacation. I’ve taken several trips these last years down there, and have quite a few on the books for this year.

On my most recent trip to Sayulita, this hip surf town on the Pacific Coast, I really loved wearing the set of outfits I packed. From linen duos that paired with other blouses, to flowy dresses, each fit got a lot of wear. And the best part was also actually feeling *good* in my clothing.

The other great element of packing for a beach vacation in general is that you don’t have to be overly thoughtful. Because we’re not dealing with boots or thicker layers, you can always pack a few extras if need be as the suitcase tends to have more room!

I’ve pulled together my essentials from linen sets to flowy dresses, plus everything else in between. I also compiled a quick list of the other “probably should have with you” things to in case.

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Packing For a Mexico Beach Trip

A Few Quick Tips For Beach Vacation Packing

Packing Cubes Are Super Helpful

If there is one packing hack that I live by in general, it’s to use packing cubes. I find them very helpful to keep my suitcase organized and even compress items. Over the years I’ve tried a handful of different sets, but I always end up using this set from Herschel and this affordable Amazon set.

Wear Bulkiest Clothing On Planes

It’s unlikely that you’ll need say two sets of running shoes and more than a jacket for a beach vacation. So I like to opt to wear this on the plane to leave space in the suitcase. I always wear a good set of running shoes like my Allbirds Tree Runners (code BONTRAVELER15OFF for 15% off for new customers). I’ll pair it with my favorite travel leggings (pockets are a game-changer), and whichever light jacket I plan to bring on the trip.

Consider What Can Be an Outfit and a Swim Coverup

I’m all for getting mileage out of my clothes. I’m hesitant to bring single-use outfits, like transparent beach cover-ups (unless I have plenty of room). So when I’m putting together outfits, I like to grab a dress or two that can be worn alone and also as a beach cover-up. If you’re aiming for a carry-on, this will help cut down on space.

Invest In A Good Suitcase

This is my general rule of thumb — having a good suitcase makes travel a whole lot easier. The best suitcases are ones that are hard-sided to withstand any environmental things like humidity, rain, and debris. I’d also highly consider one that has a TSA-approved self-lock, handy for locking your valuables if you don’t feel confident in the hotel room safe.

My two favorite brands at different price points for suitcases are: Away and Calpak. Both are wonderful, I will say my Away suitcases have been around the world and are still in great condition. I have the Larger Carry-On and the Medium.

Linen Is Your Best Friend

When it’s hot and humid, linen is it. I don’t mind the natural wrinkle and you can always bring a travel steamer if you’re in need to get it super pressed. But linen is just so easy to travel in the heat in. I’ve lived in linen for all of my travels from Mallorca to Mexico.

Always Pack One Pair of Rubber Flip Flops

Leather sandals are great for walking around say town, but nothing beats a proper pair of water-proof rubber sandals for the beach. Easy to wash off the sand, it’s a suitcase staple for me (no matter where I go). I’ve lived in the classic Havaianas, they stack and pack easily.

Where to Shop For Beach Vacations

There are a few specific big retailers I go to hunt for my closet staples. I tend to wait for sales, so I keep my eye out on these online stores:

Shopbop (sign in with Amazon Prime for free shipping/returns)
Revolve (lots of budget-friendly options)
Net-A-Porter (favorite for luxury brands)
Saks Off 5TH (good discounted designer options, fast shipping)

Favorite Brands For Beach Trips

I have my tried and true dozen or so brands that I have come to love and wear consistently. I’ll shop these brands from the range of stores mentioned above, or direct. I find that investing in quality pieces means that they’ll stay in my closet for some time. I’ll put a star by the ones below that I have several pieces from and love.

For dresses, sets, and rompers:
Faithfull the Brand*, MIRTH*, SPELL, Cleobella*, Deiji Studios*, Dôen*, Sea, Madewell, Xirena, Staud

For swimwear:
Hunza G*, Youswim, Monday Swimwear*, L*Space, and Solid + Striped.

For footwear/accessories:
Ancient Greek Sandals*, Havaianas*, KAANAS, Loeffler Randall, Janessa Leone*, and Lack of Color*.

shorts from my Deiji Set + a favorite Dôen Blouse

Clothing Packing List (4-5 day Trip)

3-4 flowy dresses/rompers/tunics
1 linen short/top set (I’ll use these shorts with other tops)
1 pair of denim shorts
2-3 swimsuits
1 sarong
2-3 tops (airy blouses/tanks)
undergarments
1 straw hat/sunglasses
3-4 shoes (1-2 leather sandals, 1 waterproof sandal, 1 short heel, wear tennis shoes on the plane)
1 packable backpack, the Longchamp Pliage (packs flat, beach-friendly!)
1 packable beach tote (could bring on the plane)
1 pajama set

This is a really good base for what I like to bring on a 4-5 day trip. I find that on these trips I usually switch my outfit halfway through the day, from pool to dinner time. I like to wear shorts/linen sets during the day, then I’ll jump into a dress for dinner.

If you’re planning a longer trip, use this sample packing list as a base. For every 2+ days, add another dress or romper, and consider adding a top or two.