5 hours ago
Alphonse: The Designer Who Put Gay Puerto Vallarta on the Swimwear Map
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
If you know gay Puerto Vallarta, you likely know Alphonse—the designer whose name is now synonymous with queer beach fashion in Mexico’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ resort town. The story of Alphonse Swimwear began in 1996, when Alphonse simply wanted to make comfortable, stylish swimwear for himself. At the time, mainstream options for gay men were limited, especially in Mexico, where “speedo” style swimwear wasn’t widely available for queer clientele .
Alphonse’s solution was to create his own suits. The bold cuts and eye-catching prints quickly caught the attention of friends and fellow sunseekers, who began requesting custom suits. “Soon, friends started asking me to make suits for them, and the business grew organically from there,” Alphonse told Queerty.com .
By 1998, Alphonse and his husband transformed this grassroots enthusiasm into a small-scale business. Their boutique, Alphonse Swimwear, launched in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica—an area that has since become a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture, and tourism .
Alphonse Swimwear is defined by meticulous craftsmanship and a keen eye for both classic and contemporary design. The brand offers five original styles: Bikini, Atletico, Olympic, Mini B-twini, and B-twini. Each swimsuit is produced in limited editions, ensuring exclusivity and quality . Fabrics are chosen for their durability, vibrant colors, and comfort—a reflection of Alphonse’s commitment to both fashion and function .
A hallmark of the Alphonse experience is its personalized service. Customers can make appointments for fittings, during which Alphonse takes individual measurements and tailors each suit to fit perfectly. This bespoke approach has earned Alphonse Swimwear rave reviews from both tourists and locals, who praise the quality, beauty, and inclusivity of the designs . As one visitor shared, “Several different cuts available. From slightly more conservative to a cut that is more revealing. Alphonse has swimwear that will ensure your perfect fit” .
Alphonse’s boutique is conveniently located near Playa de Los Muertos, the popular gay beach in Puerto Vallarta, making it a sought-after destination for visitors seeking both style and community .
Alphonse Swimwear is more than a fashion label—it is a symbol of queer visibility, pride, and entrepreneurship in a region where LGBTQ+ rights and representation have evolved dramatically over the past three decades. The business has helped make Puerto Vallarta a mecca for gay travelers from around the world, who flock to the city for its beaches, nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere .
The brand’s success is rooted not only in its eye-catching designs but also in its connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Alphonse has consistently supported local events and charities, including Pride festivities and HIV/AIDS outreach, further cementing his role as a community leader . His boutique stands as an affirming space for customers of all gender identities and expressions. As Alphonse told Queerty.com, “It’s about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling comfortable and celebrated in your own skin, whoever you are” .
The legacy of Alphonse Swimwear is apparent not only in the brightly colored suits dotting the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, but also in the growing number of LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the city. Alphonse’s model—prioritizing individuality, quality, and community—has inspired a new generation of queer entrepreneurs across Mexico and beyond .
As the global queer community continues to seek out welcoming destinations and affirming experiences, Alphonse remains a trailblazer, showing that authentic representation and style are always in vogue. For visitors to Puerto Vallarta, a stop at Alphonse Swimwear is both a fashion pilgrimage and a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture—a testament to the power of self-expression, creativity, and love .
