So you’ve booked or are thinking about a trip to Morocco? Morocco is an incredible destination for travel. But as with the excitement of any new destination, the next question when thinking about packing for your trip is about what to wear in Morocco as a tourist.
It is a country of huge diversity in terms of terrain and culture, and given the differences of travel styles portrayed on Instagram these days it can be difficult to know what to believe regarding what to wear in Morocco.
I am one of those guilty of overpacking for my first trip to Morocco.
But fast forward to now and we’ve spent more than eight months travelling all over Morocco. I love the practicalities, vibrance and the culture of Moroccan dress. It is exciting to be a part of as a traveller.
Here is everything you need to know or wanted to ask about modesty, culture and practical tips for what to wear in Morocco.
- About Morocco
- Dress code for Morocco
- How conservative do travellers need to be?
- What do locals wear?
- What to wear in Morocco
Women
Men - Best time to visit?
- Shopping for clothes in Morocco
- Travel in Morocco
Is Morocco conservative or modest?
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, where modesty in all aspects of life is key.
Modesty in dress in important, especially for women, and in the rural areas and conservative regions of the country. Though overall, Morocco is not as conservative as many Islamic nations.
Female travellers visiting Morocco aren’t expected to dress as conservatively as local women. For visitors, modest dress is respectful and appreciated.
- Read about travel during Ramadan in Morocco.
What is the dress code for what to wear in Morocco?
There are no lawful requirements for a dress code for travellers to wear in Morocco as such.
It is not like Iran where a hijab (headscarf) is a requirement for all women.
Rather, the dress code in Morocco follows the rules of modesty in Islamic culture that require a woman to be modestly covered, and especially in public.
It is a traditional, Muslim country and as a traveller and a visitor it is best to follow this dress code when considering what to wear in Morocco.
- Read our complete guide to travel in Morocco.
How conservative do travellers need to be when considering what to wear in Morocco?
Local women dress conservatively in Morocco. So as a traveller, it’s important to respect the culture and do the same.
- Women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers below their knees. Midriff should be covered and shoulders/tops of arms should be covered.
- Men should cover their shoulders but are allowed to wear shorts that are not too short.
Women are not required to wear a hijab (headscarf) in Morocco.
What do locals wear in Morocco?
Morocco is a country of diversity in terms of terrain, temperature and culture. Thus, the clothes that locals traditionally wear in Morocco varies across the country.
The most common item of dress in Morocco for both men and women, is a traditional garment called a Djellaba.
A Djellaba is an ankle-length robe with a hood.
Men typically wear a Djellaba made from heavier, coarser material while women where floating, colourful robes with a Hijab.
What do local women wear in Morocco?
Most women wear varying styles of traditional clothing in Morocco.
As is characteristic in Muslim countries, long-sleeve, flowing gown-like garments are typical for both men and women. However the style of dress that women wear in Morocco does vary in levels of conservativity by region and culture.
You will see some Western wear, particularly in the cities. Though for Moroccan women this will still be relatively covered up.
In the smaller, rural towns and Saharan villages women dress in entirely in traditional wear.
This style of women’s dress is different and more conservative than in the cities.
While Morocco is a diverse country with varying degrees of conservatism, some cities are generally considered more traditional and religiously conservative than others, including Fes, Zagora, Tafraoute, Taroudant and some smaller towns in the Rif Mountains.
What do local mean wear in Morocco?
Local men in Morocco wear a mixture of traditional and Western dress.
The men’s style of Moroccan Djellaba is made from a heavy, thick fabric and has a pointed hood.
In the cities and larger towns, Western-style clothing like jeans, trousers, and shirts is common, though modesty remains important.
Most Moroccan adult men won’t be wearing shorts. You might see young men or boys wearing shorts, but generally, long pants are most common.
In the Moroccan Sahara, local men traditionally wear a loose, long-sleeved garment called a ‘Daraa’. This is a loose dress with colourful decorations.
The men also wear a cloth veil or turban called a Cheche. This is typically blue in colour.
For footwear, Moroccan men often wear soft yellow babouche slippers.
- Read about things to do in Tiznit.
What should I wear in Morocco as a female traveller?
There isn’t necessarily a ‘should’ in terms of what to wear in Morocco.
Western clothes are fine. But women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or pants that fall to below the knee.
The best advice as far as what to wear in Morocco as a female is to dress modestly. You don’t have to be ultra-conservative.
Remember Morocco has been welcoming travellers – albeit historically by camel – but for literally centuries. It is a friendly and fascinating country. But like it or not, the attention and respect you get will depend on what you wear.
From my experience travelling for eight months in Morocco, I can confidently say that my choice to wear modest clothing was appreciated.
My go-to outfit in Morocco was a long-sleeved or elbow-length, flowing shirt worn over loose trousers.
If it was hot or on days when we were driving and only in the company of each other, I wore a loose shirt open over a singlet or tank top underneath.
To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Long, flowing dresses or tunics are ideal for modesty and comfort.
What should I wear in Morocco as a male traveller?
As a tourist and non-Muslim, male travellers in Morocco are okay to wear shorts. Though it is not common for local men to wear shorts so you will be spotted immediately as a tourist.
Full-length trousers are expected for men when visiting Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
In general trousers are deemed more respectful in Morocco.
- Read about visiting Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
What NOT to wear in Morocco
Aside from tips for how to dress in Morocco, there are a few things NOT to wear.
These are the things you should definitely leave at home:
- Shoestring singlets
- Tank tops (except for layering)
- Short skirts
- Short dress
- Anything cleavage-revealing
- High heels
- Attention-grabbing or expensive jewellery
- Short-shorts
Though short-shorts are surely a no-no in any travel packing list, right?
What about travelling with kids?
The next question after sorting plans for what to wear in Morocco ourselves is about the kids.
There aren’t any standout needs for what to wear in Morocco for kids. Kids will be fine in shorts and t-shirts.
- For girls, there are no restrictions, though consider something slight more modest from around the age of puberty.
- For boys, there is no restriction on wearing shorts.
Local kids wear a mixture of traditional and Western clothing in Morocco.
- Read our guide to travel in Morocco with kids.
What to wear at the beach in Morocco
You can wear swimwear on the beach, but it’s advisable to cover up when walking around town.
In Taghazout or Imsouane it is easy to hire a wetsuit in the winter for surfing or swimming.
- Read about things to do in Agadir, Taghazout and Imsouane.
What to wear in the desert of Morocco
Planning what to wear in Morocco for the Saharan regions is a slightly different ballgame.
There are shops in Merzouga and Zagora with scarfs aplenty. Which once there, you will have no trouble finding someone to show you how to wrap the iconic desert-ready scarf.
There is (obviously) the blaring sun of the iconic Sahara. But contrary to images of just pure sun, it can also get cool in the evenings and overnight in the desert.
Be sure to pack a wide brimmed hat and take a fleece for overnight stays.
- Read our detailed itinerary for visiting Zagora and the Moroccan Sahara from Marrakech.
What to wear hiking or visiting the mountains in Morocco?
If you are heading into the Atlas Mountains or even taking a day trip from Marrakech to the beautiful Ourika Valley, it can be much cooler than in the cities.
Pack a light fleece or jacket suitable for a drop in temperature.
For hiking it is fine to wear usual outdoor clothing. Though for women especially, avoid anything see-through or too tight and revealing of cleavage.
Bring comfortable hiking shoes that will protect your feet from rocks and hard uneven surfaces.
Bring practical shoes
Closed-toe or comfortable shoes are must-haves for long days of exploring.
It’s also handy to haveflats or sandals for day you aren’t venturing too far. Or if you are invited to a family home or heading to the Hammam it makes much more sense to remove your shoes easily.
- Read about the experience of a traditional Moroccan hammam.
Don’t forget to pack a hat
Destinations in Morocco vary from the Sahara to the Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches so it is no surprise that it gets hot and sunny. Don’t forget to pack a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Read more about places to visit in Morocco.
Choosing a packing list and clothes to wear in Morocco
As a general rule of thumb, stick to wearing loose, light or flowing clothes in Morocco. Not only will they keep you covered up, but they’re also lightweight and easy to pack.
- Tops: Don’t wear tank tops, crop tops, or tops that show too much cleavage. T-shirts are fine though aim for anything that is not too fitted.
- Shirts/Blouses: Great for sun protection and looks elegant and modest.
- Skirts/Dresses: Midi and maxi length skirts and dresses are the way to go.
- Trousers: Loose, flowing trousers are smart and respectful of culture and modesty.
- Jumper/Jacket: It can get cool in the evenings in winter or in the mountains and desert.
- Shoes: Bring comfortable and sturdy soes for walking and sandals or flats for outings near your hotel.
- Swimwear: It is not a problem to wear a swimsuit or bikini at your hotel.
- Scarf: You don’t need to pack one as there are scarves galore to choose from. But they are an essential part of what to wear in Morocco – for sun, style and photographs!
It is also a good time to remind you to leave room in your packing and planning for what to wear in Morocco to take souvenirs home. The rugs, carpets and beautiful handicrafts are hard to refuse!
Where do you buy traditional clothes to wear in Morocco?
This is my favourite part of talking about what to wear in Morocco!
The colours of traditional Moroccan Djellaba, Kaftan and scarves are so vibrant and colourful. The markets inside the city medinas are filled with shops for tourists as well as local clothing stores.
In the desert towns of Merzouga and Zagora it is easy to buy a scarf to be desert-ready for the Sahara.
Dressing for travel in Morocco (at the end of the day)
The truth is, packing and planning for what to wear in Morocco isn’t meant to be complicated. It is a welcoming country and especially in the cities, you will be far from the only tourist visiting.
You don’t need to overthink your packing list with concerns for being ultra conservative. Morocco is an Islamic country with many traditions though it is also a vibrant tourist destination.
The clothing and traditional dress of Morocco is beautiful, colourful and practical and ultimately is a way of preserving and celebrating their cultural identity.
Your packing list for Morocco will differ depending on where in the country you are travelling, who are you with and the activities you are doing.
But finding a balance between being comfortable in the clothing you’re wearing for travel and being conscious of local customs and traditions is important for any traveller.
I hope that helps with planning what to wear in Morocco as a female, male or family traveller!
Where to stay in Marrakech
Marrakech is well known for its seemingly limitless range of beautiful accommodation.
From traditional riads to modern hotels and AirBnB’s you will definitely find something to match your budget.
Here is our pick of the best range of budget and mid-range riads and luxury hotels in Marrakech to choose from.
Budget riads in Marrakech
Mid-range riads in Marrakech
Luxury riads in Marrakech
Where to next on your Morocco itinerary?
Here are some other itinerary ideas for Morocco.
- 5x Itineraries for 7-days in Morocco.
- 10 days in Morocco? 5x Morocco itinerary options.
- Plan 2-days in Marrakech.
- 8-day Morocco itinerary: Marrakech to Zagora and M’Hamid.
- 10-day Morocco itinerary: Tangier to Fes, Chefcahouen and Marrakech.
See our detailed destination and city guides for more of Morocco.
- Read more about the things to do in Chefcahouen, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, Fes and Rabat.
Or if you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read about crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Read about crossing the border from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before planning any packing lists or wondering more about what to wear in Morocco!