When I was researching about what to wear day to day in Morocco, I was seriously confused. There is a lot of conflicting information out there. Morroco is a progressive Muslim country and modesty is expected. But, unlike some Muslim countries, there is no official dress code.
The real answer is that there is an enormous range of what women wear based on age, location, and preference. You will see every flavor of style and you will see a wide variety even within a group of people. Last week, I saw a veiled friend shopping with a woman in a spaghetti strapped sundress chatting away together in Darija. Even amongst families, there will be notable differences between generations.
Whatever level of modesty an individual ascribes to, Moroccans are quite stylish. While older generations may wear traditional robes, a djellaba, manyyoung adults opt for European styles. Blouses, slacks, jeans, and fashionable dresses are all common. The addition of leggings or a tank top can make most in-style clothing adhere to a more modest culture.
General Guidelines
Tourists do get a lot of leeway regarding Muslim practices as a whole from drinking to traveling with a significant other before marriage. Less clothing is also more tolerated on non-Moroccans.Just because you can wear a middriff and short shorts doesn't mean that you should. We already stick out like a sore thumb so it isn't as much about blending in and more about being respectful.
In major cities, cover shoulders and knees
In smaller cities and rural areas, cover elbows and knees
Choose looser cuts in breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or muslin gauze
Carry a scarf for added protection from the sun, wind, and sand as well as added coverage when needed
I tend to dress somewhere in the middle. I wear the same clothes I would wear in Texas or in Europe, some altered with an extra layer for modesty. You certainly don't need to buy much, if anything, when coming on holiday to Morocco.
Choose materials that are breathable or wicking to stay cool. Even in the winter, the sun can be quite strong. Pack a hat with a good brim and sunglasses for everyone. Bring shoes that are easy to wipe down as sand and dust will get on everything.
Layers are everyone's best friend. It can get quite cold in the winter, particularly in the mountains. Heck, there is even skiing in Morocco! Still, during the day, highs are commonly in the mid 60s (18°C). During hot summer months, evenings, especially in the desert, cool off quickly. A sweater and a pair of pants are musts. For ladies, bring leggings to add an extra layer of warmth under a dress. Because of the heat and the dust, pack extra underwear and socks to change if needed.
Pick purses or bags that fit closely to your body and keep valuables in the front. Pickpocketing is more common in busy tourist areas or crowded spaces like the medinas. Use common sense like you would in any major city.
Unwanted Attention
I read countless stories of catcalling and unwanted male attention on the street before arriving in Morocco. This is not something I have personally experienced; whether it is due to my age, my marital status, or more modest dress, I am not sure.
But one thing I have noticed is that less modest dress, particularly on young European or American women, attracts these sorts of comments. It is a multi-faceted issue. Extramarital relations are extremely uncommon for Moroccan women and non-Moroccans are viewed to have more lax attitudes towards intimacy. Showing more private areas to non-relatives in general can support these attitudes. Even if comments are not made, you will naturally draw attention by sticking out against the general crowd.
Note: I am simply sharing the situation, not providing judgment either way. Avoiding short shorts, bare midriffs, and cleavage in a new place is worth will help avoid unnecessary and unwanted attention or commentary.
What to Wear - Women
As already mentioned, women wear a bit of everything. Older women tend to veil and wear long loose robes. Younger adults will wear more European fashions, typically pants and a loose blouse, a long flowing dress, or a tunic with leggings. Some cover their hair, others don't, but typically tie back their hair away from their faces. Women do wear makeup, but tend to keep it on the natural side.
Jewelry is an important component of Moroccan style. You will see gold and silver earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with inlays, but usually not precious gemstones. Wedding bands are simple metal affairs. I would leave your engagement ring and diamond studs at home. Opt instead for small hoops or studs.
For sightseeing, I would recommend a long dress that covers your shoulders and knees with a modest neckline. A midi-shirt dress or tiered maxi are great options. You could also opt for a tunic or shift dress with leggings, but make sure your bottom and upper thighs are covered. Carry a scarf for extra modesty, sun protection, or sand protection. Wear a cross body bag and sturdy walking sandals.
For excursions into the desert, pick loose itmes with good coverage. A long sleeved linen or hiking shirt and loose pants are recommended as well as sturdy shoes and a wide brim hat. Also opt for full coverage, wicking underwear - camels and other underwear cuts are not an ideal combo.
For evening, opt for a long dress with long sleeves. Bring a scarf in case of cooler temps. Dressier flats are a nice touch, too.
For the beach, pick a modest swimsuit or add a rashguard. If choosing a tankini, opt for a swim skirt or shorts. A higher neckline is ideal. Out of the water, wear a long coverup like kaftan. Either leave your phone in your hotel or use a waterproof pouch.
For a week long trip:
2-3 long sleeved or elbow length shirts
2 pairs loose fitting pants
2-3 dresses
1 pair of leggings for layering
2 scarves
1 sweater or lightweight jacket
1 swimsuit and coverup
Hat and sunglasses
2-3 pairs of shoes (sandals, sneakers, hiking)
3 sets pajamas
10 pairs underwear and socks
What to Wear - Men
Moroccan men either wear a djellaba or business casual clothing. Chino pants paired with a dress shirt, either short or long-sleeved depending on the season, are commonplace. Polos are also the norm. Shorts or plain t-shirts are fairly common for younger men during warm months, but only in casual settings. Graphic tees are almost unheard of unless it is fan wear for a game. The color palette tends to be more muted as well.
For sightseeing, I would recommend a polo or collared shirt in a dry-wick material, lightweight pants, comfortable walking sandals, and a crossbody bag. Tennis shoes are fine as well, but keep in mind you may need to take your shoes off in some places so choose a pair that are easy to remove.
For excursions into the desert, coverage from the sun is key. Long sleeved hiking shirt and pants are recommended as well as sturdy shoes and a wide brim hat.
For evening, wear slacks, a collared shirt, and nicer shoes. Bring a lightweight jacket for cooler temps and strong breezes.
For the beach, wear a rashguard to protect from the sun. Many Moroccan men don't swim in a shirt, but will wear one once out of the water. Pick shorts with a zipper pocket for cash and cards. Either leave your phone in your hotel or use a waterproof pouch.
For a week long trip:
5 polos or collared shirts
2 long sleeved shirts
2-3 pairs of lightweight pants
1 pair of slacks
1 lightweight jacket
1 swimsuit and rashguard
Hat, sunglasses, and gaiter or bandana
2-3 pairs of shoes (sandals, sneakers, hiking)
3 sets pajamas
10 pairs underwear and socks
Optional: 1 pair of shorts
What to Wear - Children and Teens
Children dress pretty much like their counterparts in Europe. Shorts, tees, and sundresses are the norm. You may even see some character shirts! Older children and teens should follow adult guidelines. When its hot, teen boys may be in shorts still, but not to school or the mosque. Pre-teen and teenage girls will be more modestly attired than younger girls and may or may not veil depending on family preference.
What to Wear - Mosque
There are only two mosques open to non-Muslims in Morocco. The Tinmel Mosque is roughly 900 years old and is now managed as a historic site. The 2023 earthquake badly damaged the structure and it remains closed. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca opened in 1993 and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Visitors are welcome at select times between services on guided tours. Officially, visitors must cover shoulders, torso, and knees. However, women are strongly recommended to cover their hair as well. Shoes must be removed so opt for footwear that is easy to remove and carry with you (bags provided).
I have sadly read multiple reports of tourists entering mosques under the guise of prayer. If you are a Muslim, by all means, attend prayers, but if you are a tourist, please do not attempt this. In more touristy areas, signage indicate that non-Muslims are not to enter. While there is no Moroccan law specifically prohibiting you, Islamic law indicates that non-Muslims should refrain from entering a mosque. Disregarding this would be disrepectful and might cause a scene.
Comments