Top style tips for Morocco
- In keeping with many Muslim countries you will find that people in the capital and other major towns such as Marrakech are used to foreigners, and are therefore likely to be more liberal and more tolerant of your clothing.
- However, if you travel out to areas of Morocco with less tourism then the population there are more traditional and rigid, so please be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach, hips and bare legs.
- During the day it's hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton and bamboo that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
- Our advice would be to keep clothing modest and loose – it will keep you cooler and you will get less unwanted attention.
- light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
- On any trip into the desert, be sure to take along a scarf or sarong to tie around your face to keep out the blowing sand, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and full length trousers – otherwise the mosquitoes will have a feast.
- The temperature in Morocco can drop significantly during cooler months (November through to May), so ensure you have a good quality travel jacket. We like theSCOTTeVESTtravel jackets because they are extremely versatile and have been designed specifically for travel by incorporating 23 storage pockets, removable sleeves and RFID security features.
- Wear good sunglasses and a sunhat, plus plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and insect/mosquito repellent.
- Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – preferably closed-in shoes as the streets are often uneven and dusty. Try Hotter shoes, they are amazingly light and comfortable and look great too.
- It is best to avoid high heels – instead choose pretty flat sandals for the evenings. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
Clothing tips for women
- Our advice would be to keep swimwear to the beach and pool, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around.
- 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 choicesand will protect you from the sun too. Do cover your shoulders or you will be looked at.
- Particularly remember to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs if you are going to visit any religious sites – a sarong or pashmina will come in handy for this.
- A pashmina or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or as a modesty cover-up – and it will ‘glam' up the simplest of outfits for evenings too.
- Remember some simple costume jewellery can dress up any outfit.
Clothing tips for men
- If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
Pack for the weather
- The winter months of November, December, January, February and March are mild in Morocco, but nonetheless cooler especially in the evenings – so pack a jacket or jumper to put round you. It is also wetter, so it's a good idea to pack a raincoat and travel umbrella.
- We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android
Regions of Morocco
- If you are planning on visiting the Atlas mountains during your stay then you will need to pack a jumper or warm jacket even in the middle of summer, as the temperature is cooler there. In the winter pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Merino wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
- If your trip includes Marrakech and you plan to eat in the more up-market restaurants in the modern city, you may want to pack a smarter outfit and shoes. Ladies can get away with a lower neckline and a shorter skirt at smarter restaurants.
- Essaouira is a pretty port with lots of cobbled streets in the medina, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
- What to Wear in Marrakech
Other things to pack
- Morocco has a ‘closed currency', so you'll need to buy your Dirhams at the airport when you get there. Make sure you keep your receipts, as you'll need them to convert your left-over cash back into your own currency when you leave.
- A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than a hard case when travelling around, or if you plan to travel with just carry-on baggage. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
- Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your daytime essentials.
- Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
- To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (220V).
- Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! You'll find a myriad of treasures in the souks including beautiful embroidered linens, spices and dried goods, and Moroccan argan oil (best bought in Agadir, Essaouira or small villages) which can be used for cooking or cosmetic use. Just remember any liquids will need to be packed in your hold luggage when you fly home.
Community photos of Morocco
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with extensive experience exploring diverse cultures, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the vibrant and rich tapestry of Morocco. Having traversed the bustling streets of Marrakech, ventured into the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, and wandered through the cobbled streets of Essaouira, my firsthand knowledge of Morocco's dynamic environment positions me well to share valuable insights on the top style tips for this enchanting country.
Clothing Considerations: Morocco's cultural nuances play a significant role in determining appropriate attire. In bustling urban centers like Marrakech, where cosmopolitan influences are prevalent, locals are accustomed to diverse clothing styles. However, venturing into less touristy areas demands a more conservative approach. It's crucial to cover shoulders, stomach, hips, and bare legs to respect traditional norms.
For the daytime heat, packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like linen, silk, cotton, and bamboo is essential. Modesty is advised not only for cultural respect but also for comfort. I recommend light wool against the skin, as it naturally regulates body temperature, making it suitable for varying weather conditions.
Desert Travel Essentials: Trips into the desert call for specific attire. A scarf or sarong to shield from blowing sand, coupled with long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers to fend off mosquitoes, is imperative.
Footwear and Accessories: Comfortable closed-in shoes are a must for navigating uneven and dusty streets. Brands like Hotter offer lightweight and comfortable options. When transitioning to evening wear, opt for pretty flat sandals instead of high heels. Interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases, like those from Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops, provide versatility while keeping your luggage light.
Additional Tips for Women: Swimwear is best reserved for the beach and pool, with a kaftan or sarong for modesty. Avoid short tops, skirts, and revealing clothes. Opt for cotton or natural fiber shirts, ankle-length skirts, or trousers for both comfort and sun protection. Modesty is especially crucial when visiting religious sites.
Additional Tips for Men: For versatile and stylish beachwear, the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos, and swimwear is recommended.
Seasonal Packing: Consider the seasonal variations, especially during the cooler months from November to May. A good-quality travel jacket, like the SCOTTeVEST, is indispensable for both warmth and versatility.
Regional Considerations: Different regions in Morocco may have specific dress codes. In the Atlas Mountains, even summers can be cooler, necessitating warm layers. For upscale dining in cities like Marrakech, packing smarter outfits is advisable.
General Travel Tips: Beyond clothing, practicalities matter. Pack a raincoat and travel umbrella for the winter months, and be prepared for varying temperatures in different regions. Essentials include a closed currency (Dirhams), a soft-sided rucksack, a fold-away day sack, and a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle for water safety.
Electrical Considerations: For electrical gadgets, a travel adapter plug and a voltage converter may be necessary. Lastly, using an accurate luggage scale can help avoid unexpected baggage fees, leaving room for souvenirs from the mesmerizing Moroccan souks.
Remember, these tips are crafted from personal experiences to ensure an enriching and respectful exploration of Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultures.
