In a desert nation such as Morocco, the sun is always beaming down with its full intensity making the days very hot. Therefore you must dress in clothes that are breezy and light, but also in alignment with the local culture. While being more liberal and open-minded when compared to many other countries, Morocco is still conservative in some ways.
Even though no one might object to you dressing how you usually do, there may still be a few frowns, stares, and an odd comment. Therefore it is always better to dress up in the local attire and blend in to not attract any undue attention to yourself. Here is a detailed guide for what to wear when in Morocco.
Morocco Clothing Tips for Women
As a general rule, dress modestly & avoid wearing revealing clothes as Morocco is generally regarded as a conservative country. A leather jacket & jeans are two good options to add to your wardrobe.
A few other clothings which can come in handy for your trip to Morocco can be the following
- Thin sweater for layering
- Leggings
- Long sleeve jackets
- Long silk maxi dress
- Jump suits/ pantsuits
- Thin sweater for layering
A headscarf to cover your hair will also definitely come in handy as Moroccan women would traditionally wear a hijab to cover their hair. Even though Morocco is hot during the summer it is still best to cover the shoulders and legs. The combination of a maxi dress and a scarf goes for all the times and climates.
When it comes to shoes, you could either wear sandals or loafers. Heels are rarely worn in public. Flip-flops or similar toe-open shoes are always a good choice, they’re really comfortable and helps beat the heat. A pair of comfortable trainers or walking shoes also work.
If you want to wear something traditional, you could wear a jilbab like the locals do.
You could also wear a fake wedding ring to avoid unwanted attention. We’ve heard of the difference it makes.
Tl;dr Best to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Whereas in rural areas it’s best to wear full length dresses and blend in. Keep a scarf with you if you want to visit a mosque. For a more indepth guide on dressing tips for women while visiting Morocco, you could also go through this awesome guide compiled by The Hostel Girl.
Morocco Clothing Tips for Men
It is generally easier in Morocco for men as compared to women in terms of clothing.
Wearing shorts is sometimes frowned upon. A few boys and young men do wear shorts in public, but it’s best if you could avoid this and wear full length pants. In the case of shirts, a collared shirt with long sleeves preferably, and polo shirts go well too.
Shoes? Well, sandals, loafers or sneakers always work. Depending on the situation and the context of your trip, of course. If you’re going trekking or into the desert, which you should if you travel here, you must carry a pair of climbing shoes.
If you want to go traditional, you could wear a djellaba. This is a long, loose hooded garment with full sleeves. And it’s really comfortable. It’s usually worn along with a red cap called a Fez.
What To Wear On A Desert Safari
Morocco is primarily a deserted country with the Sahara desert being one of the most popular spots for adventure seekers. Here are some recommended outfits to wear on a desert trip:
- Loose fitting comfortable pants/trousers.
- Long sleeve and a loose-fitting top.
- A long scarf to wrap around your face and a hat to protect yourself from sun/sand.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- As the temperatures plummet in the winters, you may want to bring with you another pair of wool socks or a shawl.
Dress Code While Visiting Mosques & Religious Places
Dress conservatively and wear long pants, full-length skirts or dresses with long sleeves while visiting mosques & holy places. Headscarves for women are encouraged.
What To Wear In Morocco By Season
Winters: December to February
These are the coldest months of the year in Morocco. A jacket or a sweater is a must if you don’t want to freeze. Closed toe shoes, socks and a wool cap will turn out invaluable when the temperature drops in the evenings. And if you’re planning on camping it’s best to get your own sleeping bag.
Spring and Fall: March to May
The spring and the fall are good times to go too, when everything has warmed up a little. You will still want to carry a jacket and a sweater, as Morocco is a country with an arid temperature that tends to drop after sunset. A loose-fitting pant or a long skirt will make you feel really comfortable if you’re a woman. Breathable t-shirts also work for everyone.
Summers: June to August
The summer is scorching and if you don’t dress accordingly, you could be a mess. You’ll still want a jacket for after the sunset. Bring along your own water bottle and sunscreen back from home. A hat can also help you more than you can imagine to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. And always carry a lot of water.
What To Wear In Morocco By City
What to wear in Marrakech
Marrakech is usually hot. Even the coldest months see temperatures of around 20 degrees during the day. As tourism has been growing steadily, locals aren’t shocked as much to see ‘western’ clothes. But it is considered disrespectful to reveal too much skin.
It’s best to keep your shoulders and knees covered, especially when you venture out to Medina (the old town).
In terms of clothing here, you’ll be walking a lot. So good footwear is a must. A closed footwear would be best. Loose trousers and t-shirts always work. Try avoiding anything too figure-hugging as it can lead to hassling out on the streets.
The idea is to wear loose and light clothes so that even though you’re completely covered up, you won’t feel too hot.
What to Wear in Fez
The cultural capital, this popular tourist hotspot is generally regarded among the more conservative cities of Morocco.
A scarf is a must because of the smell of cowhides. Tourists are usually given a few mint leaves for this reason. And your clothes are best kept simple. This city is huge and really inspiring with all the colours, people and the aroma. And you wouldn’t want to draw unwanted attention while exploring. So keep your clothes loose, comfortable and simple.
What to Wear in Rabat
Unlike Fez, take your sandals out here. And the Atlantic Ocean is really close. Rabat is a city with a ton of international activities. So you can dress a lot more relaxed here. Sleeveless tops are acceptable, and you’ll even find a lot of Moroccan women dressed more relaxed.
What to Wear in Casablanca
A lot similar to Rabat, you can relax when it comes to dressing up in this city.
In general, the dress code is usually more relaxed in the bigger cities of Marrakesh, Rabat or Casablanca but as you move away towards the towns or villages, it’s best to dress more conservatively.
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