Morocco, while considered one of the more progressive and tolerant Islamic nations, is still fairly conservative by global standards.
The majority of the population identifies as Muslim, and Islamic beliefs and norms play a significant role in daily life.
As a visitor, it’s essential to respect local customs and dress modestly.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear in Morocco.
Local Dress in Morocco
Many Moroccans, men and women, wear traditional garments known as djellabas, and it’s fairly common for women to cover their hair.
You may see some women wearing the full burqua, though this isn’t so common as in other Islamic nations.
In larger cities, such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, younger people often adopt Western standards of dress, albeit fairly modest.
For example, it’s not unusual to see younger women wearing jeans and long tops with long sleeves, and men wearing jeans with fashionable shirts.
Standards of dress tend to be more conservative in villages and rural areas. People of both sexes tend to wear closed shoes, rather than flip flops or sandals.
Dos and Don’ts Regarding Clothing in Morocco
Essentially, regardless of the area visited, visitors should dress in a modest manner that is in keeping with cultural norms.
For women, this means that the upper arms, upper legs, and chest should be covered.
It’s not appropriate to wear tops with skinny straps, cropped tops, tops that show cleavage, or short skirts / dresses / shorts. Clothes should be fairly loose and not excessively fitted too.
For men, it is also more appropriate to wear full-length trousers or jeans rather than shorts. The shoulders should be covered (no vests or singlets!), and men should definitely not walk around topless!
Another consideration, particularly for women, is avoiding unwanted attention. The more conservative your clothes, the less likely you are to be catcalled or approached by men.
You’ll likely still receive some attention as a foreigner, but you can limit this by dressing modestly.
Beachwear in Morocco
In private resorts and hotels, tourists can typically wear any style of bathing suit at the swimming pool.
At more touristy beaches in places like Agadir and Tangier, it’s common to see female tourists wearing bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.
Having a sarong can be useful for covering up while strolling along the beach while wearing your bathing suit without being too revealing.
On less touristy beaches, it’s more appropriate to follow local customs and wear at least shorts and a t-shirt for swimming and sunbathing, for both men and women.
It is not acceptable to wear beach attire away from the beach. Always be sure to cover up when leaving the beach, for example, when going to a nearby restaurant or store.
What to Wear in Morocco for Summer
Depending on where you visit, summers are generally hot and dry, while winters can be quite chilly, particularly at night and in the evenings.
Stay cool by wearing loose, airy clothes like maxi skirts, loose-fitting shirts, and baggy pants.
A scarf can be the perfect way to cover your shoulders and upper arms if your wardrobe mainly consists of strappy tops.
If you already own many short dresses there’s no need to buy new clothes—simply team your existing garments with leggings.
A light-weight long-sleeved shirt is great for protecting against sunburn and also if the fan is blowing a little too cold for your liking when using public transportation.
A sun hat is also strongly recommended for days at the beach and out and about sightseeing.
As an aside, be sure to also wear sun cream and drink plenty of water to help combat the heat.
What to Wear in Morocco for Winter
In cooler weather, layering is ideal—the temperatures can change quite suddenly! A wide scarf is incredibly useful for men and women in any season.
It can be used as a head covering when visiting places of worship (for women), to protect from the sun, to shield from sand in the desert, and as a wrap if the temperature dips.
In the winter months, a jacket is all but essential. You’ll probably also want to pack at least a couple of sweaters, hoodies, or cardigans and, if you plan on hiking in the mountains or visiting the desert, a warm beanie hat, gloves, and woolen scarf can make life more comfortable.
Evenings in Morocco
In the larger cities and popular tourist destinations, you’ll likely want to dress up a little bit for evenings in fancy restaurants and bars.
This definitely doesn’t mean that you should pack your skimpy club attire; outside of hotels and resorts elegant evening dress is still quite reserved in Morocco.
With the right accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, scarves, and bags, you can probably dress up existing items in your luggage.
A knee-length dress (with our without legging) or a light-weight pair of linen pants with a dressy top that covers the shoulders is ideal for ladies.
For men, a pair of linen pants or smart jeans with a button-up, collared shirt are great for evening wear.
Footwear for Morocco
While flip flops and sandals are ideal for days at the seaside, closed-toe shoes are often a lot more comfortable for days spent sightseeing.
Not only will you blend in more with locals but you also protect your feet more while being comfortable.
Be sure to pack suitable shoes for hiking too—trainers or hiking boots with plenty of support are both great, depending on how strenuous your walks will be and how long you plan to be out hiking.
A smart pair of shoes (low-heeled for ladies) is perfect for evenings out.
Essentially, when packing to explore Morocco, key points to keep in mind are loose, long, breathable, layers, and modest.
Taking items that can be matched in different ways also saves you on space.
Have a great time exploring Morocco’s diverse landscapes and learning more about the local culture and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear shorts in Morocco?
A: While it’s not necessarily forbidden to wear shorts in Morocco, it’s generally not considered appropriate outside of tourist areas, the beach, or big cities. If you do choose to wear shorts, opt for longer ones that cover the knees.
Q: Do I need to wear a headscarf in Morocco?
A Wearing a headscarf in Morocco is not required, you will see women in Morocco with and without scarves. But women may want to bring a scarf or shawl to cover their heads when appropriate
Q: Can I wear leggings in Morocco?
A:Leggings can be a comfortable choice when traveling, and you can certainly wear them in Morocco. But, It’s important to remember that leggings are considered fit tightly clothing, so you should wear a longer top that covers your hips and bottom when you wear them.
This will help you to dress modestly and respectfully, which is important in Morocco. Avoid wearing leggings as pants to avoid drawing unwanted attention, and consider choosing darker colors or thicker materials to maintain a more conservative appearance.
I'm an avid traveler and enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience in navigating diverse cultural norms, particularly in countries with Islamic traditions. Morocco, being one of the more progressive and tolerant Islamic nations, holds a unique position that demands a nuanced understanding of its societal norms, especially concerning clothing.
Local Dress in Morocco: Moroccans often wear traditional garments like djellabas, and it's common for women to cover their hair. While younger individuals in larger cities may adopt Western dress standards, the overall norm leans towards modesty. In villages, conservative dress prevails, with closed shoes being preferred over flip flops or sandals.
Dos and Don’ts Regarding Clothing: Regardless of the area, visitors should adhere to modest dressing in line with cultural norms. Women should cover upper arms, upper legs, and chest. Avoiding tops with skinny straps, cleavage-revealing tops, short skirts, and tight clothes is essential. Men are advised to wear full-length trousers, cover shoulders, and refrain from going topless. Modest clothing can also help reduce unwanted attention.
Beachwear in Morocco: Tourists can wear any bathing suit style at private resorts, but at less touristy beaches, it's advisable to follow local customs, wearing at least shorts and a t-shirt. Beach attire is not acceptable away from the beach, and covering up when leaving is crucial.
What to Wear in Morocco for Summer and Winter: In summer, loose, airy clothes like maxi skirts and lightweight long-sleeved shirts are recommended. A scarf can cover shoulders, and a sun hat is essential. In winter, layering is ideal, and a jacket is essential. Scarves are versatile and can serve multiple purposes, including protection from the cold.
Evenings in Morocco: Evenings in larger cities and tourist destinations may call for slightly dressier attire in elegant restaurants and bars. For women, a knee-length dress or linen pants with a dressy top is suitable, while men can opt for linen pants or smart jeans with a collared shirt.
Footwear for Morocco: Closed-toe shoes are recommended for sightseeing, providing comfort and blending in with locals. Suitable hiking shoes are essential for mountainous terrain. A smart pair of shoes is ideal for evenings out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I wear shorts in Morocco? Longer shorts covering the knees are more appropriate outside tourist areas, the beach, or big cities.
- Do I need to wear a headscarf in Morocco? It's not required, but women may choose to bring a scarf or shawl for appropriate occasions.
- Can I wear leggings in Morocco? Leggings are acceptable, but it's crucial to pair them with longer tops for modesty and respect local customs.
Having explored Morocco extensively, I can confidently affirm that embracing a wardrobe that aligns with the country's cultural norms not only enhances the travel experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Moroccan traditions.
