Morocco is a popular tourist destination – but it’s also a relatively conservative country. This can make it tricky to know what to wear. Striking a compromise between fitting in with Moroccan cultural norms and enjoying a Western-style holiday isn’t always easy. In general, since Morocco does not have a law mandating what female tourists must wear, you’ll see everything from traditional jellabas to jeans, dresses, and trainers, particularly in larger cities. At the same time, however, Morocco is more conservative than many European countries, so it often pays to be considerate of this when heading out. If you’re not sure how to strike this balance, here’s a quick guide:
Contents
Everyday clothing
You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe before your trip. Most women will already own clothes that suit Morocco. The important thing is that you pick outfits that you can cover if you need to. So, for example, by all means wear a SKIMS slip dress at the beach and around the holiday resort, but also bring a cardigan or jacket to cover your shoulders if heading into, say, a traditional market.
Covering your shoulders and choosing skirts, dresses or shorts that fall around the knee or below will help you blend in more comfortably. Lightweight linen trousers, wide-leg trousers, midi skirts and loose shirts all work well in warmer weather. If you’re travelling outside the hottest months, jeans with a blouse or lightweight jumper will usually work well.
Traditional Moroccan clothing
You don’t have to wear Moroccan clothing, but many visitors do opt to buy a jellaba after they arrive. People wear jellabas throughout the country because they’re comfortable, lightweight and practical in hot weather. You can pull one over your usual clothes if you want a little more coverage while visiting older parts of a city or spending time in smaller towns.
Different places, different expectations
Your surroundings will often make a big difference to what you feel comfortable wearing. For example, cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat have a relaxed approach to clothing compared with many rural areas. You’ll see local women wearing both Western and traditional clothes, often in the same street. Midi dresses, loose trousers, skirts and tops that cover your shoulders won’t look out of place.
However, smaller towns and villages tend to follow more traditional customs. Long dresses, loose trousers, caftans, and tops with sleeves usually attract less attention than shorts, crop tops or low-cut clothing.
Beach resorts follow different expectations again. Swimwear is widely accepted on the beach or around hotel pools, but most people cover up before walking into cafés, restaurants or shops. The same logic applies at other desert and historic sites in the region. Petra in Jordan is another spot where a little extra coverage goes a long way with locals.
Avoid drawing unnecessary attention
You don’t have to dress exactly like local women, but revealing clothing is likely to attract more attention than it might at home. Very short skirts, low-cut tops and very tight clothing tend to stand out in traditional settings. Gym wear can also attract attention away from hotels or sports facilities, particularly if it’s designed to fit closely.
What else should you pack?
“Pack lightweight clothes that breathe well in hot weather. Carry a scarf or shawl if you plan to visit mosques or other religious sites where you may want extra coverage. Comfortable shoes are also a much better idea than heels once you start walking across uneven pavements or old stone streets. If you’re trying to fit everything into one bag, this carry-on is worth a look for keeping things simple. And, of course, pack a good hat, sunglasses, and swimwear for the beaches and pools.”
Conclusion
You don’t need to change your personal style to visit Morocco. Pack clothes that keep you comfortable, think about where you’ll wear them and pay attention to the people around you. If you feel overdressed or underdressed, you’ll usually notice quickly enough to adjust the next day.
