“Deciding which clothes stay or go can be a nightmare.”
Most travelers find themselves in one of these situations: 1) looking at their suitcase and realizing they didn’t bring the right things or 2) looking at their suitcases and wondering why they brought so much.
Packing is hard enough for a vacation in a culture where you are completely comfortable. It gets even more difficult when you go to another country with a culture that is more conservative than you are used to.
The stress is understandable. How are you supposed to know what you are going to need? How do you know what is culturally appropriate?
Don’t spend more time and energy than you need to on this. We wrote this guide so that you will have all the information available to you in one place! After living in Morocco for over 10 years, we have been able to get a good idea of what is considered modest and what is considered inappropriate. Here are our ideas of what you should wear in Morocco, based off of years of watching dress change with culture as well as the local responses to tourists that come and go.
Looking for other packing advice? Read our general packing list here.
Since Islam is the majority religion in the country of Morocco, people tend to be very modest, though not as conservative as many Islamic nations. Moroccans are also very kind, hospitable and welcoming of tourists. You won’t be required by any means to conform to these cultural norms or religious ideas of modesty, but we do advise our clients to be respectful of the culture.
Moroccans are also very stylish. The way that people dress is influenced by European and Arab style.
A note especially to the women: this advice is not meant to be restrictive but to help you fit into your surroundings and avoid hassle as you travel. Female travelers, especially those traveling alone, can receive unwelcome comments from Moroccan men on the street. You’ll find that these comments and attention are much more prevalent when you are dressed in revealing clothing.
Cultural Dress Overview For Women
Most Moroccan women (though culture is changing, especially in the big cities) tend to wear tops with sleeves past their elbows. Tops are also usually long and loose. Many women cover their head or wear their hair back instead of wearing it loose. Younger women tend to dress more “modern” with jeans and long shirts, while older women tend to wear the traditional djellaba and headscarf. Moroccan women do wear makeup, so wearing makeup is not a problem, contrary to what some might tell you. Many tourists will find that they draw more unwanted attention when they are wearing spaghetti straps or clingy tops that are more revealing. Stay away from excessively flashing jewelry, not only to find in culturally, but also to maximize safety.
Older men in Morocco will still wear the djellaba, but most younger men are moving towards business casual dress when they are out in public. Most Moroccan adult men won’t be wearing shorts. You might see young men or boys wearing shorts, but as a general rule, long pants are most common. Moroccan men also usually wear collared shirts. Sleeveless T-shirts are not worn, especially in the more rural areas. Men tend to avoid sandals, choosing to usually wear closed toed shoes out of the house.
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Guidelines for Tourists: Women
TOPS
Cultural Guidelines: To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Moroccan women will usually have their sleeves cover their elbows, but as a tourist, that is not necessary. Stay away from strappy tank tops. If you are wearing pants, you will want a longer shirt. We have seen that Moroccan women tend to wear shirts that cover to their upper thigh when they wear pants, especially if the pants are tighter. You’ll also want to stay away from low cut shirts.
Weather Guidelines: Bring clothes that work well with layering! Looser tops are great not only for modesty’s sake but also to protect against the heat.
For ordinary days, we advise you to bring looser tops with at least some sleeves. Tunics or button ups are great options. Not only will these protect you in the heat, but they will help you feel more comfortable in your surroundings as you explore.
If you are coming in the summer, light cardigans are an ideal item of clothing. Pack a neutral colored cardigan with some sleeves that you can throw on over tank tops. Pack a heavier cardigan for the winter months for stylish warmth!
BOTTOMS
Cultural Guidelines: Pants are definitely acceptable for women in Moroccan culture. You’ll notice the younger generation even wearing skinny jeans! We would advise staying away from shorts. We would aim for the shortest pants to be mid-calf or capri length. If you choose the skirt option, just be aware that most Moroccan women will not be wearing short skirts. Maxi dresses and maxi skirts are a great way to keep cool, but you might want to put a scarf around your shoulders if they are bare for both modesty and the sun. Be sure to pack some comfortable pants that you can use for hiking or camel riding as those activities will be a hassle in a skirt!
Weather Guidelines:Pack at least one long light skirt to stay cool, if you are coming in the summer. A skirt will be your coolest option. Flowy pants are another great option. Baggy pants or capri pants will be nice for the summer months.
Guidelines for Tourists: Men
TOPS
Cultural Guidelines: Moroccan men do dress a little sharper than Westerners tend to. 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.
BOTTOMS
Cultural Guidelines: Moroccan men don’t usually wear shorts. However, as tourists, it will be fine for you to wear shorts. If you want to fit in a little better, then you could consider packing long pants.
Weather Guidelines: For most of the year, pants won’t be too hot. However, for the summer months or if you are going to the desert, you might want cargo shorts or something of that nature to stay cool.
Shoes for Men and Women
You should definitely bring comfortable walking shoes to wear in Morocco. Most tours involve a lot of walking to see the beautiful sights. Sandals are convenient to keep your feet cool as long as they are sturdy. If you are going to the desert, you will want to have a pair of closed toed shoes available because the sand can burn your feet in the summer. Be aware that many women who pack high heels find they only wore them at dinners or restaurants.
Swimwear
Many hotels and riads have lovely swimming pools for their guest. Since you’ll be mostly swimming inside the hotel, you will probably see a range of swimming suits. We choose to advise on the side of being conservative out of respect, so we advise a one piece or tankini for the women instead of a bikini. In the same way, we advise men to bring swimming shorts instead of a Speedo.
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Formal Wear
Moroccans do tend to dress up more than Americans. You’ll want to bring some more formal clothes, especially for nice dinners at your hotel or riad. Although you still want to respect the Moroccan culture of modesty for these dinners, at a hotel you will be able to be more relaxed since it is a tourist environment.
Personally, I would never be thinking about exercising on vacation, but there are those who love exercising wherever they go. If you will be using the gym in the hotel, then most exercise clothes that you are accustomed to wearing in your home country will be fine. If you are planning on running outside, then women should pack pants past the knee with a long loose shirt. The length of the shirt is especially important if you are wearing leggings. It’s not that shorts aren’t allowed, but rather that they will draw a lot of attention.
Cooler Weather
Contrary to popular belief, it can get quite cold in Morocco. We advise bringing a jacket or sweatshirt that you can wear in the evenings or mornings when it is chilly. It especially gets cold in the mountains or in the desert during the night.
Clothes to Buy
Make sure you leave some space in your suitcases for things you might purchase while in Morocco. Many visitors love the traditional dress of Morocco and want to bring a djellaba or kaftan back.
A djellaba is the loose robe-like garment that Moroccan men and women wear over anything. It usually has a hood and, often hand sewn, decoration on it.
A kaftan is the fancier version of a djellaba. It is often worn for celebratory occasions such as weddings or baby naming parties. Kaftans are often bright and sparkly as opposed to the more neutral djellabas.
There are also beautiful leather slippers sold in Morocco that can be worn as house shoes or if they are studier, for every day wear. They are sold in any color and many different designs. Check out the handwoven scarves at the weavers as well, especially if you don’t want to purchase something as large as a djellaba or kaftan.
Quick Checklist For Women:
Loose tunics
Cardigan (light for summer, heavier for winter)
Jeans (Or any pants you are comfortable in longer than knee-length)
A long skirt that you can dress up for dinners or wear to be cool
Comfortable shoes
A jacket
Tank tops for layering or wearing underneath a cardigan
Hat
Sunglasses
Swimming Suit (not bikini)
A light scarf (for desert, sun protection or modesty)
Quick Checklist For Men:
Long pants or shorts, depending on weather
T-shirts
Polos or button ups for dressier occasions
Comfortable shoes
Swimming trunks
Hat
Sunglasses
Jacket
Although what you choose to pack depends on you and you have freedom on how conservative you want to be, this guide is a good standard to help you make your decisions. Don’t allow the question of ‘what to wear’ worry you, as Moroccans will not be offended if you follow the basic guidelines of modesty we gave. They are accustomed to tourists and have no doubt experienced a range of different styles of dress. As long as you are considerate by respecting their values, you will be fine! We hope this information helps you enjoy your trip to Morocco to the fullest!
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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.
While linen and cotton are good options for the heat, cotton does not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco.
But, perhaps the most important to know is, there is no dress code in Morocco. You are not required to dress in one way or another. People that live in Morocco dress in a wide variety of ways and do not expect visitors to dress as they do.
Whether to take a rucksack or suitcase for Morocco, really comes down to whether you're travelling around from place to place independently, on a tour with a driver, or whether you're staying put in one same place.
Import restrictions apply to a limited number of products, including firearms, explosives, used clothing, used tires, p*rnography, and rugs similar to those produced in Morocco.
In the countryside, where locals have had more of a traditional upbringing, it's recommended to wear long trousers or an over-the-knee skirt. Jeans, including skinny jeans, are commonly worn by modern Moroccan girls here, but they often wear a longer top if the jeans are at risk of being too tight.
The answer to both of these things is yes, you can wear both leggings and skinny jeans in Morocco. However, they are not the best things to wear in Morocco. If you wear leggings or skinny jeans in Morocco, you should absolutely plan on wearing a long top that covers your butt entirely. This applies equally to men, too.
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.
Long-sleeve is best for the weather. You will always have the option of rolling the sleeves up if you feel too warm. You can dress up in layers as the weather may change from one location to another during your trip: an undershirt or tank top, a short sleeve shirt and a long-sleeve button-up shirt are a good start.
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.
Wardrobe must-haves for women travelling to Marrakech
In terms of clothes, capri pants and a light cotton shirt are ideal for walking around the Medina, while long linen trousers and floaty shirts, maxi dresses, midi-length skirts (covering the knee), and kaftans are all perfect for other sightseeing.
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.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign cash you can bring in to the country. You won't be able to change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes and it's very difficult to exchange travellers' cheques. The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is non-convertible.
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.
As you can't take out of Morocco the local currency, you'll need to spend any cash you have. Another option is to convert it back before you depart from the country. To save currency conversion fees, try to plan your spending in advance, and make sure you don't have any cash left over when you're traveling back home.
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.
You must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. Visas are not required for visits lasting less than 90 days. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information.
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. We recommend bringing travelers' gel for cleaning hands before eating.
Can you wear revealing clothes in Morocco? You won't get arrested if you're walking around in revealing clothes in Morocco, but you will most likely get stared at. And not only will you feel very uncomfortable, but you'll also be making the local people feel uncomfortable.
Shorts are good to go as long as they are not too short. Opt for city shorts, capri pants, or long loose trousers especially if you go to untouristic areas like distant Moroccan villages. Sleeveless shirts are accepted but keep in mind again that tank tops will attract unwanted attention.
Do you have to cover up in Morocco? Legally speaking, no, but for “respect' and your own personal comfort, I would suggest covering up when you're walking around in public in Morocco. You don't need to wear a hijab as a female or anything, but making sure your arms, legs and curves are covered is a good idea.
Cultural Guidelines: To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Moroccan women will usually have their sleeves cover their elbows, but as a tourist, that is not necessary. Stay away from strappy tank tops. If you are wearing pants, you will want a longer shirt.
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.
For a more casual night out, consider wearing something like jeans or a flowy skirt with a cute top. You'll want to avoid anything too revealing, but other than that – have fun with your outfit! If you're planning on going to a bar or club, then you may want to dress up a bit more.
While most Moroccans are honest and helpful, there will always be others who take advantage of the crowds and small alleys in medinas. Souks are like magnets for the petty thieves. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching is very common, and visitors should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large sums of cash.
Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime and it's best to avoid heels – flat shoes will do just fine and go for shoes that are closed as the streets are often uneven and are not particularly clean. A pashmina is a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit.
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.
While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it's still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up. In the main cities you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee, and a short-sleeved t-shirt.
Super important – carry a mosquito and/or bug spray and use it in Morocco. Spring time in Marrakech brings in a lot of mosquitoes. If you are camping or hiking in the Rif or Atlas mountains, you will need mosquito repellent. Use insect repellents that contain DEET like the one below.
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.
It's best not to completely rely on being able to use your credit card when shopping in Morocco. Some large, tourist-friendly shops, especially the carpet emporiums, will have the necessary equipment, but when paying for smaller purchases, cash will be the only form of payment accepted.
Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally not acceptable in Morocco. While it is perfectly fine to hold hands in public, or share a quick hug or a kiss, anything beyond that is not considered appropriate. This is particularly true in rural areas where people tend to be more conservative.
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.
Morocco is still a cash-based economy. Euros, USD, and CAD – not Australian dollars, are always accepted in Morocco and you will save time bringing cash to convert, doing away with bank lineups or non-active cash machines to acquire dirhams.
You need a power plug adapter in Morocco, when living in the United States of America. You also need a voltage converter. Be extra careful with certain appliances because of the difference in frequency.
You can use credit and debit card in towns and tourist areas in Morocco. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. If you usually use an Amex card, you'll need to take an alternative card or carry enough cash for your trip, as you may not be able to find an ATM to withdraw cash easily.
Using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type C USB charger to charge your iPhone with a Moroccan power outlet. In order to supply power to the iPhone using the Moroccan power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power adapter and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable (Apple will typically supply the cable with the iPhone).
Depending on what you plan to do, you should probably aim to take around £40-£50 per person per day (£280-£300 per week) in Morocco. You can always head to the ATM if you need more cash for extra activities, plus most places accept credit cards.
Only ask for help if you absolutely need it, and if so only ask people inside their shops or traffic and police officers. If there are young guys around just ask for directions but always remember to insist that you don't need them to guide you.
Although the Euro, US Dollar and, to a lesser extent, Sterling are accepted in certain tourist areas, the the Moroccan currency (the Moroccan Dirham) is required for everyday use.
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. We recommend bringing travelers' gel for cleaning hands before eating.
The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. You're allowed to bring in or take out 1000Dh (around £65) but you'll need to exchange the rest on arrival.
Squat toilets are found throughout Africa and are especially common in Muslim countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Essentially, they are holes in the ground equipped with a pan to stand on, rather than the seat and bowl of Western toilet systems.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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