What To Wear in Morocco: A Guide for Westerners (2024)

FAQs

How should female tourists dress in Morocco? ›

Think Loose and Flowy

All things lightweight and full coverage is ideal—loose trousers or maxi skirts are perfect. A tunic dress or shirt with leggings or a full kaftan is great too. Not only does full coverage allow you to dress conservatively in Morocco, but it will also protect you from the sun.

Yes, you should dress conservatively

You also don't have to be covered head to toe as a visitor to Morocco. The basic “rules” are to cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Most days I had my elbows covered, too, and made sure that my tops were long enough to cover my bum.

What Locals Wear in Morocco. As is typical in Muslim countries, long-sleeve, flowing gown-like garments are typical for both men and women. In Morocco and across the Maghreb (Islamic-majority North Africa), unlike some other places, both men and women don a garment with the same name: the djellaba.

On the bottom, jeans, maxi-skirts, dresses and slacks are perfectly acceptable for female tourists in Morocco. As a rule of thumb, it is best to wear bottoms that are at least knee length, and preferably longer. Similarly, loose-fitting items are preferred over tightly-fitting items.

Yes, you can wear leggings. However, and especially in rural areas, pair leggings with a longer tunic length top that covers your butt. Yes, you also can wear ripped jeans. If you have jeans that are ripped in more non-discreet places they might not be the best choice.

Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco. Evenings can be cooler than you might expect in late spring, autumn and winter. Be sure to pack a jacket or fleece for chillier evenings if you plan to travel during these periods.

Therefore, the first rule to dressing in Morocco is to respect Islam's emphasis on modesty. Clothes and accessories are not meant to attract attention or excessively reveal the body. Women should ensure that their clothes do not expose the décolletage, shoulders, or thighs. This same principal applies to menswear.

Footwear for Morocco

For shoes, pack hiking shoes or sneakers that you can wear into the desert and for hikes in the Atlas Mountains. I also brought a pair of slip-on Skechers that looked more like black flats to wear with dresses. And definitely bring flip flops in case you need them for any sketchy hotel showers!

Short tops, short skirts and shorts, tight or body revealing clothes etc should be avoided. Cotton or other natural fibre shirts or t-shirts, with cotton trousers or an ankle length skirt, are good choices and will protect you from the sun too. Do cover your shoulders or you will be looked at.

What should female tourists wear in Marrakech? ›

Women in particular are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, particularly above the knee. Men can get away with dressing in shorts and a t-shirt, but women are advised to cover up a bit more.

In most touristic places, women are able to wear shorts as long as they balance them out with a conservative top or some flat shoes.

Stick to bottled water

You shouldn't drink the tap water in Morocco, or even use it to brush your teeth.

T-shirts are fine, but you might feel as if you fit in a little better if you are wearing a polo or a button up shirt. Moroccan men rarely wear sleeveless shirts. Weather Guidelines: Button-up shirts are a great light option for the heat and to avoid sunburn in the warmer months.

Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco.

Think twice about sandals, as the city streets in Morocco can be a little dirty, dusty, and sandy. Most travelers will appreciate the protection that shoes provide over sandals. Of course, you can wear sandals if you choose. While certain western fashions are not as welcome in Morroco, locals also wear sandals.

Ooops #5: Too Much PDA

Moroccans are very loving – in private. It's very uncommon and frowned upon to show a lot of affection in public. Holding hands in Morocco is fine. A hug here or there, and a stolen kiss are all fine in most situations.

While you do not need to cover your entire arms, it is highly recommended that you at least cover your shoulders. Tank tops or strapless shirts and dresses are not considered appropriate in the streets of Morocco. Again, you will experience a lot of harassment if you wear these items.

Sleeveless shirts are accepted but keep in mind again that tank tops will attract unwanted attention. Beachwear is only appropriate at the beach, regarding bikinis, You won't have any problem in a hotel so you can wear any type of bathing suit that you want.

There are no legal requirements when it comes to what tourists should wear in Morocco. Legally speaking, you're not bound to anything, but I would say there's still an unstated dress code for women in Morocco, and an unspoken expectation that you'll dress relatively conservatively and not show too much skin.

Can you wear tight dresses in Morocco? ›

Tight or revealing clothing always invites attention (the local women get harassed too); short pants are not worn by Moroccan women. Note: you will see all dress styles in the large cities in Morocco from total veiling to revealing.

What can you not wear in Marrakech? Technically, you could wear anything you like. Whether you should take that approach is another story. Steer clear of short shorts, anything see-through and anything that reveals your shoulders, cleavage or too much leg.

Morocco is a conservative country and you should always dress modestly when travelling here. Men should wear a t-shirt or collared shirt covering the shoulders and long trousers or shorts that reach the knee. Women should wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your upper arms, knees, chest, midriff and back.

Hygiene. In Morocco it is very common to find squat toilets, which are flushed with a bucket of water. Moroccan toilets almost always do not contain toilet paper and it is a necessity to carry toilet paper and/or hygiene wipes if you will be away from the hotel for an extended period of time.

Morocco travel adaptors

For Morocco there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

It's important to use an insect repellent throughout the day and night on any exposed areas of skin while you're in Morocco. You should only use insect repellents that contain DEET.

The Muslim idea of “modest dress” requires women to be covered from wrist to ankle, and men from over the shoulder to below the knee. In rural areas at least, it is a good idea to follow the dress etiquette in Morocco.

Typically, Moroccans continue wearing the traditional clothing of their predecessors without extensive variation or influence from the Western fashion. Traditional clothing for women and men in Morocco consists of long flowing robes with hoods or headscarves and traditional slippers.

There's no dress code in Marrakech, and no law that states you have to wear certain clothes. But Morocco's a Muslim country, so it's considered disrespectful to show too much skin.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. However, Euros are often widely accepted in a large amount of shops, hotels and restaurants.

What is the best currency to use in Morocco? ›

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, you can't take it out of Morocco. That means also it can only be bought once you arrive in the country. US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds Sterling are the currencies you can exchange in Morocco. Australian and Canadian dollars aren't accepted.

In the major cities in Morocco, the tap water is chlorinated and will usually cause no harm, but it's still wise to either purify this water yourself or choose another water source, as your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria in the water, causing sickness or diarrhea.

Avoid drinking tap water, it is preferable to drink only bottled water. Check that water bottles have not been opened before buying. Avoid ice unless made from bottled water.

If you are a foreign couple visiting and you kiss no one is likely going to say anything to you – kissing in Morocco is not illegal. However if one partner is Moroccan you may face additional scrutiny. While you might not get in trouble, it is highly frowned on to kiss or fondle each other in public.

You can let your guard down in Marrakech, a little. Shorts are ok – just ensure they're way, way beyond cheek-grazing territory. Similarly skirts – though in the heat, we'd always opt for long and flowing. Baggy t-shirts are as skimpy as you'll want to take things.

Cover Your Chest and Shoulders

While you do not need to cover your entire arms, it is highly recommended that you at least cover your shoulders. Tank tops or strapless shirts and dresses are not considered appropriate in the streets of Morocco. Again, you will experience a lot of harassment if you wear these items.

Can You Wear a Bikini in Morocco? Yes, you can wear a bikini in Morocco as long as you are inside your resort or Riad. However, do NOT walk around outside of your accommodation in a bikini or any other type of revealing clothing as it can be quite jarring to people – foreign and local.