Morocco Clothing Choices – What Should i Wear in Morocco?
It can seem like a daunting proposition: deciding what to wear in a hot, conservative country like Morocco, but the basics are actually quite simple. Here, Fez Charm Tours offers advice on what to wear—and what not to!
It can be tricky at the best of times to decide what will fit in your suitcase and what won’t, but when visiting a country out of your cultural experience, it can become harder still to know what would be considered acceptable and what would be seen as inappropriate. Here’s the chance to benefit from the experience my wife and I have acquired during our fifteen years’ stay in this remarkable country. For those who have visited before, consider it an update—fashions and attitudes have changed greatly in the last few years as the country’s youth becomes increasingly westernized and modern.
Morocco is a Muslim-majority nation but is far less conservative in its outlook than most Islamic countries. The Arabs and Berber peoples are generous, kind, and hospitable but expect and deserve a certain level of respect for their traditions and cultural heritage. Neither the law nor the people expect tourists to abide by religious dress codes, but it is respect and modesty that are the keywords.
It is also worth remembering that different areas and different times require different standards of dress. Morocco is seasonal and can get very cold in the winter—even the desert can be cold at night. The holy month of Ramadan may be a little more conservative than other times of year. Sunbathing on the beach in Agadir, clubbing in the bustling modern city of Casablanca, or shopping in Marrakech may be a lot more liberal than visiting the ancient Medina of Fes or remote Berber villages in the mountains.
TOP TIP: Loose and flowing, beyond the elbow, below the knee.
The older generation of Moroccans is usually dressed quite traditionally and smartly; kaftans, djellabas, head coverings for the women, sandals, and so on, though business suits in a western style are also common for work and special occasions. The younger generation is far more likely to be dressed in jeans, t-shirts, football tops, and trainers.
Top Tip: Don’t wear lots of expensive or flashy jewelry or wave your mobile about in public areas. Like in any other country, this will attract thieves.
Women’s Clothing Suggestions
Ladies, you may find some unwanted attention from Moroccan men. This will be in the form of catcalls or direct requests for marriage. Shopkeepers may touch your arm, but they do this to men as well—it’s just cultural. It is highly unlikely a Moroccan man would touch you in an inappropriate way, so just ignore the comments or look the man directly in the eye and tell him off. Wearing clothes that cover more of your body will help decrease the attention you receive but won’t stop it completely. Moroccan girls experience this as well. If you are blonde and under fifty, you will likely receive more attention than others.
Moroccan women usually wear loosely fitting skirts or trousers that cover the legs and tops that go below the elbow. For tourists, shorter sleeves would be acceptable. Older women tend to have their hair covered or tied back, but this is now more of a fifty-fifty split with the younger generation, who often leave their hair loose and uncovered. Feel free to have your hair as you like—no one expects visitors on a Moroccan tour to wear a headscarf. Makeup is fine too, as Moroccan women love wearing quite a lot of it and adore perfumes and scented soaps.
It is probably best to avoid low-cut tops, shorts, or tight-fitting clothes in traditional areas, especially if traveling alone or with just other women.
Flowing, loosely fitting clothes are altogether more comfortable in the climate of Morocco anyway. If you wear tight trousers or pants, it is customary to pair them with a longer loose top that reaches the mid-thigh. Baggy trousers are great and cool. Moroccan women are almost never seen in very short skirts—these are best avoided, though knee-length should be okay.
Light jumpers or cardigans are a sensible option for summer evenings and heavier ones work well for winter. Scarves are a very useful additional item—not necessarily for covering your hair, but for covering the shoulders against attention and the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Top Tip: Layers! Bring lots of thinner clothing items that can be worn in layers. It’s much easier to add or remove a layer depending on the temperature.
Men’s Clothing Suggestions
To be honest, pretty much anything goes with male tourists, and though this might not be remarked upon, it can be frowned upon and seen as disrespectful to some Moroccans. It’s your choice, but most Moroccan adult men don’t wear shorts in public. They generally wear traditional djellabas, polo shirts, or open-necked shirts with a collar—though no tie is necessary. Knee-length cargo pants are a good alternative.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are essential—not just for the countryside or desert but also for long walks in the traditional city medinas where taxis are not an option. Sandals will keep your feet cool. Ladies may find that high heels are rarely useful, except in hotels or restaurants during the evenings. Walking boots are great, but other boots might make your feet rather hot.
Beachwear
For the beach or swimming pool, anything is possible. The hammams (public baths) are segregated, so men and women are usually naked, but in mixed settings, it’s best to lean towards a more conservative style—swimming shorts rather than Speedos or a one-piece instead of a bikini. Definitely no thongs!
Dressing Up
Dressing up is not really necessary unless you’re attending a wedding or a similar event. However, it’s nice to have some formal clothes for dinners at decent restaurants or good hotels. Most hotels cater to their guests’ every need and won’t object if you’re casual at mealtimes.
Top Tip: Bring a jacket, jumper, or sweatshirt. It can get cold—not just in the winter but also in the evenings during spring or autumn, and all year round in the mountains. Even the desert often gets cold at night.
Desert Tours
For both men and women, long, comfortable trousers or pants are important for comfort when riding your camel as well as protection against the sun and sand. Closed-toed shoes or sandals are recommended to prevent sand from getting between your toes and causing burns or rubbing. A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also useful.
Purchasing Clothes
Many people end up buying clothing in the Moroccan souks (markets). The traditional styles can be beautiful in form and color, making excellent souvenirs or presents. Djellabas, kaftans, fez hats, headscarves, and sandals are all popular purchases, so make sure you leave space in your suitcase. Many clothing items are handmade with beautiful and intricate designs. The tanneries in Fes are famous for their leather goods—great quality at excellent prices. Don’t forget to haggle!
A brief checklist for the ladies:
- Loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops
- Light jumper or cardigan (summer)
- Heavier jumper or cardigan (winter)
- Light jacket
- Long trousers, pants, or jeans
- Long skirt or dress
- Light scarf
- Floppy or broad-brimmed hat
- Comfortable shoes (closed-toed for the desert)
- Sunglasses
- Sensible swimwear
A brief checklist for the men:
- Light polo shirts or shirts with a collar
- T-shirts
- Light jumper or sweatshirt (summer)
- Heavier jumper or sweatshirt (winter)
- Jacket
- Long trousers, pants, or shorts
- Floppy or broad-brimmed hat
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Swimming shorts
Clothing Summary
Please don’t hesitate to ask Fez Charm Tours if you have any questions. We are always more than happy to help in any way that we can.
What you decide to bring and wear on your Morocco tour is, of course, entirely up to you. Morocco is a very tolerant and polite society, but respect is a precious commodity.
We believe your freedom is imperative, but following the guidelines above will enhance your Moroccan experience and help avoid possible embarrassment.