“What should I wear?” – Many people with their knowledge of what they have seen in the cinema or on television, in general, like women fully dressed in burkas and other headscarves on their hair, might wonder about how they should dress if they go to a Muslim country such as Morocco. A lot of people want to visit Morocco but would first like all the necessary information, the Do’s and Don’ts, and how to dress in Morocco so as not to offend anyone, and of course, not to have any unpleasant surprises. In this article, you will find everything you need to know on what to wear in Morocco as a woman and even a man to get you prepared and to know what to pack.
What to pack for Morocco as a tourist? Is there a dress code you need to know before packing?
There is not really a dress code in Morocco for men and women, there are simply things that you should know. To know what you should pack for Morocco, below are some of the most frequently asked questions about what to wear in Morocco that foreigners ask themselves very often.
Is it okay for a woman to wear sleeveless shirts?
You can wear sleeveless shirts in Morocco. For a man, there is no problem at all and it shouldn’t even be something to think and worry about. However, for a girl, it is better to wear short-sleeved T-shirts rather than tank tops if you don’t want to be annoyed by some young men. In most hotels though, you are really free to wear whatever you want and therefore, wearing sleeveless shirts is not a problem at all.
Are shorts OK in Morocco?
Yes, you can wear shorts in Morocco. Again for a man, there is no problem at all and it shouldn’t even be something to think and worry about. However, for a girl, it is preferable not to wear shorts that aren’t too short so as not to attract too much attention. A piece of advice, for women, would be to opt for city shorts, capri pants, or long and loose trousers in Morocco. Especially if you go to untouristic areas like distant Moroccan villages…
Can you wear jeans?
The vast majority of Moroccan people wear jeans since Morocco is civilized and is one of the most modern countries in Africa. So wearing jeans is considered normal in Morocco, for men and women.
Can you wear bikinis?
You won’t have any problem in a hotel so you can wear any type of bathing suit that you want. However, it should be mentioned that you might not feel as comfortable on some Moroccan beaches. So what to wear in Morocco’s beaches? Our advice would be to visit the beach where you want to swim and see if they are many people and look at what they are wearing. If you see many tourists wearing bikinis while getting tanned then you know what to do. If on the contrary, there are few tourists or none, and you really want to swim, it will be best to wear something above your bikini.
IMPORTANT: It is better not to wear bikinis during the holy month of Ramadan. So make sure to get informed on when Ramadan is going to be before you travel. Be aware that Ramadan never falls on the same dates each year and it can play a big role on your trip. It is therefore really important as the atmosphere is not the same in general that month. We recommend you to get informed and know what the myths and realities are when traveling to Morocco since you may find a lot of websites and forums that can mislead you.
Can you wear clothes with camouflage patterns?
It is important to know that Morocco is an open-minded country so Moroccans will understand that you are just a person who is into fashion. Wearing clothes with camouflage patterns in Morocco is, therefore, not a problem.
What about sandals?
Whether its shoes, high heels, sandals, or flip flops do not bother on that matter at all and simply choose what you want to wear. You can wear sandals and whatever you want on your feet in Morocco and for your information, in the hot seasons, foreigners prefer to wear flip-flops to feel more at ease.
What can a woman wear in Morocco in 2023?
For women, everything is based on the fact that it is better not to attract attention. During your stay in Morocco, try to dress appropriately, but without, becoming obsessive, making a fuss, and therefore worrying about it more than you should. Once again, Moroccans are used to tourists, so reassure yourself. They are kind, very friendly, and welcoming and they are not at all like other more strict Muslim countries. They won’t be offended unless you provoke them verbally by insulting them.
I know you may be wondering what to wear in Morocco. So here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about many of the clothes you may be thinking of bringing to Morocco and wondering if they are acceptable:
Can you wear dresses?
Yes, you can wear dresses in Morocco. It is, however, preferable to wear long and loose dresses. Depending on the top of the dress, if it shows too much cleavage, you can cover your shoulders with a scarf to look more decent.
Can you wear skirts?
Wearing skirts in Morocco is not a problem. But like dresses, it is preferable to wear ones that are long and loose.
Do you have to wear a headscarf in Morocco?
No, it is not a requirement at all. You can leave your hair out. Lots of Moroccan girls do not headscarf their heads either so you won’t offend anyone and you won’t be the only one with uncovered hair, especially in large cities.
Can you wear leggings?
Yes, you can even though it is not really recommended since you will attract attention to yourself and can be bothered by some young men. But you still can make it work by wearing a long shirt or blouse that reaches your tights on top of your leggings.
What should women know…
Women wear a variety of clothes while traveling around Morocco, from traditional jellabas (ankle-length robes with hoods) to thin jeans, dresses, and even crop denim shorts, especially in seaside cities during the summer. In comparison to tiny towns in the countryside, highly touristic areas like Marrakesh are considerably more tolerant of some skin-showing.
However, most visitors to Morocco would be well served to be a little more conservative than they would be at home. Rural areas are, on average, significantly more conservative in spirit and dress than urban areas – presumably just like where you’re from. Simply keep in mind that showing less cleavage would be best and that not all Moroccan women wear burkas. Morocco is a Muslim country, yes, but it isn’t really strict when it comes to clothes.
What to wear in Morocco as a man in 2022?
There is not really a dress code for men in Morocco. The only thing any man needs to keep in mind is to wear decent and normal clothes as he would do anywhere else in the world. To familiarize himself and discover even more the beauty of Morocco, the person in question can try to get some traditional Moroccan clothes to dive into the Moroccan culture. The only thing a man should not wear in Morocco is women’s clothes.
What to wear during Ramadan?
As said before, the Moroccans are very hospitable. They are very used to tourists, both in terms of behavior and clothing. However, a piece of friendly advice would be to keep a low profile when it comes to clothing during the holy month of Ramadan. People are more irritable because of the fact that they don’t eat and it is, therefore, in only that period, that Moroccans might feel offended if a stranger dressed inappropriately in front of them.
What do locals wear in Morocco?
While the vast majority of the youth dress in a modern way known to everyone, many Moroccans still dress in a traditional way. Traditional Moroccan clothing is one of the prides of Morocco with its cuisine considered to be the second-best gastronomy in the world!
If you want to know what to wear in Morocco, why not as a Moroccan. Right? 😉
Moroccan clothing differs completely according to certain regions, ethnicity, and socio-professional categories. As said, it must be kept in mind that the clothes of the city dwellers have nothing to do with those of the rural population.
Traditional Moroccan clothes include djellaba and babouches, two things that both men and women wear in everyday life.
Men traditionally wore djellabas which has a hood, with very wide sleeves, and is cut from wool or cotton. Since the middle of the 20th century, the djellaba has joined afterward the women’s wardrobe. At that time, indeed, Moroccan women abandoned the haik, a large piece of fabric, generally white, which they covered their face and body to go out, in favor of the djellaba which became an outdoor garment. The very strict and wide cuts of yesteryear have been replaced today by feminine djellabas much closer to the body, more colorful, and inspired by contemporary fashion trends.
Among other traditional garments, there is, of course, the caftan, which you can see in those pictures up above. The origins of the traditional Moroccan caftan date back to the Ottoman Empire. It is a long dress for women that is worn for special occasions. Generally very elegant and refined, the caftan is a festive garment. Made of noble materials, velvet, silk, and brocade, it is set with gold or silver threads and decorated with sumptuous embroidery. Depending on the caftan, it can also be a garment to wear at home.
In the wide range of traditional Moroccan clothing, we still find the burnous, which is a kind of cape worn over the djellaba, and the wide, puffy trousers called saroual. It also happens, on the occasion of certain ceremonies, that men wear a red hat called fez (also called tarboosh), or a white turban in rural areas.
All these clothes mentioned above are worn with traditional Moroccan shoes, the famous babouches that you can see in those two pictures below.
Although the babouche has been replaced, especially among young people, by more modern shoes, it is still very much appreciated by Moroccans who wear it at home but also to go out or even during ceremonies. There are generally two types of babouches, those with square tips, of Berber inspiration, and the thinner urban babouches, with angular tips and a more refined appearance. Babouches worn by men are generally yellow and undecorated. Female babouches, on the other hand, come in all colors and are sometimes decorated with gold or silver thread.
There are also many other Moroccan outfits that we can’t all mention because there are so many of them, such as the Jabadour, the Takchita, the Gandoura, the Farasha, and so on.
And we should not also forget to mention, Moroccan jewelry, which is unique and beautiful.
What do you wear to the Sahara Desert?
Going on a trip to the desert of Morocco is for adventurers and lovers of dunes and thrills an inevitable tour and a most rewarding experience. However, when you travel to the desert, you must above all leave well equipped and be ready to face all possible situations. One of the most common questions that arise before embarking on this Moroccan adventure is how to dress for a tour in the Moroccan desert.
So, what to wear to go and discover the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara Desert?
The basic rule is to wear comfortable clothes and natural fabrics such as linen and cotton in bright colors, so as not to attract the sun’s rays. It may seem strange to you, but it is best to wear clothing that maintains body temperature during your stay in the desert. Remember to wear long sleeves during the day. For the night, take a windproof jacket, you will need it for those wonderful moments around a campfire before you rush into your sleeping bag.
You should also know that your camel ride can last up to an hour, so avoid wearing shorts and opt for comfortable jeans. The roughness of camel fur may bother you and pants will protect your legs better.
As far as shoes are concerned, your longest route to the dunes will usually be on camelback, but if you want to experience the sensation of walking on sand (which is extremely pleasant), then opt for sports shoes, hiking shoes, or simply comfortable sneakers. If you prefer sandals, it is best to wear sports sandals.
What to wear depending on the season?
Morocco is a country that can be visited in all seasons. Its climate is different depending on the region due to its unique location. Indeed, the coastal areas benefit from a temperate climate while the climate is desert in the south and east of the country. There are nuances in the climate: Mediterranean in the north, oceanic in the west, continental inland, and Saharan in the south. You should also know that the climate is according to the seasons and depending on where you are in Morocco the temperature can vary a lot. You could be wearing a bikini in Agadir but a winter coat in Ifrane at the same time of year. Here below are some more detailed explanations on knowing what to wear in Morocco in the different seasons of the year.
In the spring season
Since the weather varies depending on the Moroccan cities it best to take different types of clothes (a little bit of everything) to be prepared for any kind of weather (two sweaters, two T-shirts, one jacket, etc.) because the Moroccan weather can be also a little treacherous in some Moroccan cities. The most important thing to do is to check the climate in the city you are going to visit during the daytime and nighttime so that you can plan accordingly.
For more specific details, check out our weather articles for each spring month: March, April, May.
In the summer season
It’s in the summer that the temperature rises in Morocco, as you can imagine. It is, therefore, best to bring summer clothes like T-shirts, city shorts, capri pants or long and loose trousers but remember to always bring a warmer outfit as a nighttime back-up just in case.
For more specific details, check out our weather articles for each summer month: June, July, August.
In the fall season
Fall is considered to be the best season to visit Morocco as it is not too hot nor too cold, simply perfect, and therefore very pleasant. However, depending on where you are exactly in Morocco it may again affect your clothing choice. So it’s very important to check out the temperature in the city you are going to visit during daytime and nighttime, so you can plan accordingly. The safe option is always to bring different types of clothes (a little bit of everything) so as not to be surprised and caught unprepared.
For more specific details, check out our weather articles for each fall month: September, October, November.
In the winter season
Know that you should not expect snow in Morocco in most touristic and visited Moroccan cities like Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, etc. However, if you want to have a Moroccan snow experience you can visit some cities like Ifrane which is a beautiful Moroccan city considered even to be the second cleanest city in the world. This city is definitely famous for the way it looks and its beautiful whitish snow. So what to wear in Morocco during winter? Since the weather varies depending on the Moroccan cities it is best to bring different types of clothes (a little bit of everything), just in case, to be prepared for any kind of weather (two sweaters, one T-shirt, one jacket, etc.), just in case. Again, the most important thing is to check the weather in the city you are going to visit during the daytime and nighttime, so you can plan accordingly.
For more specific details, check out our weather articles for each winter month: December, January, February.
Advice for all future arrivals in Morocco:
It is important to bring warm and light clothes to Morocco. Not only the temperature varies depending on where you are exactly but the temperature between day and night can also vary greatly. It is not uncommon for you to change clothes three times a day. That’s why it is therefore important to bring lighter and warmer clothing since the Moroccan weather can be, as said above, a little treacherous.
Top clothing tips to keep in mind for both men and women
- To not show too much cleavage
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, hence most women are modestly attired, usually wearing a hijab or other type of headscarf, especially the old women. Female visitors to Morocco are not compelled to cover their heads so do not worry and force yourself to wear a scarf. You don’t need to. Most of the young Moroccan girls do not wear headscarves so… - Don’t overthink what you should wear: As a traveler to Morocco, you do not need to be fully clothed. Covering your shoulders, knees, and chest are the basic things you should keep in mind. On most days, you can also cover your elbows and make sure your tops are long enough to conceal your bottom. That way, you’ll be more comfortable.
- You can bring a swimsuit with you: It’s OK to bring a swimsuit – or even a bikini – if you’re staying in a riad in Marrakech (or anywhere else with a pool). Just don’t go out in public with it on.
- The temperature varies A LOT: As I said above, it is important to bring warm and light clothes to Morocco. Not only does the temperature differ depending on where you are, but it can also vary considerably between day and night.
- As a man, you’re fine: Shorts, sleeveless shirts you won’t have any problem at all, EXCEPT if you’re gay and you would want to dress like a girl. Don’t do that, Morocco is not really gay-friendly…
A Moroccan dress code?
You probably thought or still think there is a dress code in Morocco, but there really isn’t one. Morocco is a Muslim country so it is always better to wear decent and normal clothes. Try to wear respectfully without showing too much skin. Simple is that.
Don’t forget to pack this for your trip to Morocco:
- Sunscreen
- A hat or a cap or both. Perhaps even a scarf depending on what you like to wear just take something to cover your head.
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes like flip-flops
- Light clothes (as well as warm clothes just in case)
- A carry-on bag
- A camera (if you like taking photos)
- Brand products from home you can’t live without because you can’t be sure you’ll find them in Morocco.
In conclusion
After reading this article, you should have realized that choosing what to wear in Morocco in 2023 is really not as complicated as you might have thought in the first place. They aren’t really any dress codes in Morocco. You should simply be aware that women should dress appropriately, but without, becoming obsessive, making a fuss, and therefore worry about it more than you should. Also, keep in mind that Morocco is an open-minded country that is really used to tourists both in terms of behavior and clothing side.
As far as the weather is concerned, it is always best to check the temperature and bring different types of clothes (a little bit of everything) so as not to be surprised since the Moroccan weather in some Moroccan cities can be a little treacherous.
