What To Wear In Morocco As A Woman
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It can be difficult to figure out what to wear in Morocco as a woman but it doesn't have to be! Just follow these tips on how to dress in Morocco and you'll be good to go.
I’m a big supporter of the philosophy “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. So you wouldn’t see me visiting a Muslim country wearing a tank top. On my recent trip to Morocco, I saw way too many tourists dressed in an inappropriate way…
I’d like to share a few thoughts on why not to expose too much skin and how to do it well.
The recent surge of low-cost flights to Morocco has made the country available for tourists from all over the world, even those who would have previously not even considered going there.
Morocco is a great country to get a taste of Africa, before heading further South.
A large number of visitors haven’t familiarized themselves with the local dress codes and it shows. I, as a frequent traveler, have a problem with ignoring local customs.
If you're with me on this one and also prefer being respectful to the locals and their traditions, just read on.
Morocco Dress Code Basic Rules
Here are a few basic "rules" to keep in mind regarding a Moroccan dress code.
- You shouldn’t have your shoulders and knees exposed. That applies to men as well.
- No low-cut shirts. Women shouldn’t show their cleavage.
- Dress more conservatively in rural areas. While it’s generally more relaxed in the cities, count with more stringent rules if you go see the villages, especially in Morocco’s South. There it’s good to even wear a scarf on your head.
- Don't wear your swimsuit around. You can definitely wear your swimsuit (including bikinis) if your hotel has a pool or you're visiting a riad but wear a coverup when walking from the pool to your room (or the changing room) and only wear the swimsuit there.
Do Female Tourists Need To Cover Their Hair in Morocco?
This is one of the questions I see most often - do women need to cover their hair in Morocco? While some of the locals will (see below), it's not mandatory like in other countries and tourists don't need to.
As a woman, you don’t have to cover up your hair, just show a bit less of your skin than what you’re used to if you’re coming from a Western culture.
The one exception is entering mosques, where you may be expected to cover up so I always recommend carrying a scarf just in case.
What Do They Wear in Morocco?
The way the locals dress varies greatly. Some women wear long gowns with hoods and scarves, other show their hair and you might even come across a local lady dressed in a European way.
Men usually wear long pants and a shirt, but you might encounter men wearing long light gowns and a little cap on their heads. Of course, nobody expects you to wear clothes identical to the locals :)
How to Dress in Morocco: 6 Easy Tips
Okay, now let's talk about exactly what to wear in Morocco as a woman.
- Long dresses and long travel skirts are perfect for the Moroccan heat. So are long-sleeved tunics and shirts. It’s all about the material that you choose!
- Don’t show your silhouette very clearly, the baggier the better. Nice bigger airy clothes will both protect you from the aggressive sunshine and from the suspicious looks of the locals.
- Pack a scarf. The scorching heat and the strong sun actually make it relieving to wear a white or light-colored scarf and you’ll protect your scalp from getting burnt!
- Bring layers. The temperature in Morocco can vary greatly and while it's likely to be HOT during the day, it can also get down to 40 degrees in the winter. A range of 70 to 100 degrees F is more likely the rest of the year but even that's a big difference!
- Wear comfortable shoes. Morocco is not the place for heels. Bring a pair of closed toed shoes for days when you'll be walking a lot and a pair of sandals for more casual days. But definitely pick comfort over style here!
- Accessorize for the sun. Think floppy hats and sunglasses to protect your face. I also recommend regularly applying sunscreen to your face and anywhere that isn't covered by your clothes.
What NOT To Wear In Morocco
Now that we've covered my recommend tips for how to dress in Morocco, let's quickly cover how NOT to dress in Morocco. Here are the things you should definitely leave at home:
- Short shorts
- Short skirts and dresses (unless you're wearing leggings underneath!)
- Anything made out of a hot or heavy material (breathable fabrics are key, especially in summer!)
- Tank tops (except for layering)
- High heels
- Anything that shows off cleavage
- Expensive or attention-grabbing jewelry
Is It Okay To Wear Jeans in Morocco?
Yes, tourists can wear jeans in Morocco. While flowy pants and dresses tend to be more comfortable due to the heat, don't be afraid to throw in your favorite pair of jeans if desired. I would still recommend wearing a long, flowy top with them.
No matter whether you go backpacking in Morocco or travel more in comfort, these tips for what to wear while traveling in Morocco will help make sure you have an enjoyable, safe trip.
Dressing appropriately is not only respectful to the locals, it can also stop you from becoming the object of unwanted attention.
What are your thoughts?
If you're looking for more information about Morocco, there are a few more posts here on TravelGeekery.
First of all, 5 key terms you'd need to understand before going to Morocco. You cannot miss out on seeing Marrakech and so you'll find handy a recent guest post suggesting the ideal itinerary for two days in Marrakech.
You'll surely find handy a guide for haggling, too. Last, in case you'd like to know what Marrakech is like, read the post on What's so special in Marrakech.
If you GO...
Consider getting a Lonely Planet guidebook. They are a great way to familiarize yourself with the history and cultural background of a place.
When in Marrakech, stay in a riad. You'll feel more local than in an anonymous hotel.
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I am from Morocco and your tips are very helpful for foreigners who are not sure about what's appropriate and what's not, I will definitely share this with any female travelers who wants to visit morocco.
100% agreed. I've written a similar article about what to wear in Libya and i gave more or less the same advice: cover up to respect the country you're in but also to protect you from the sun. The more of your blog i read the more i like it, i've signed up for email updates and i'm looking forward to new articles. Keep up the quality writing :)
I so agree! You have written an important post. I have been in Morocco many times and the last time when we were in the very south, I bought several long dresses on the market. They were just perfect in that hot climat and I felt very comfertable.
Hi Bente, i m Réka daughter of Éva and Dezső from Hungary. Still have the Magnus doll you made me as a farewell present. :) Best Wishes from Budapest! :)
As a co-owner of one of the many riads in Marrakech, I can only agree with you about how to dress in Morocco. I would like to add that the further out of the cities you go, the more conservative people are. If you're dressed in shorts and a tank top in country areas, they will perhaps not address you or look at you - it is not meant as an insult, just that they are not used to that kind of undress and they feel it is shameful. So do them a favour and don't put them in that position. The cities are a lot more liberal and are used to Western dress - but it is still a good idea to be respectful of the local culture. It makes your experience pleasanter too.
Thank you, Barbara! Very good to know for fellow travellers - I hope everybody can be respectful! No need to show more skin than it's a norm in a country like Morocco.. not worth the looks and the lesser chance of interacting with locals!
I think you should be able to wear what you want to. The people who live there understand you are a foreigner. Just because of the way you dress, does not give them the right to judge you.
Darlin', that kind of arrogance is gonna get you on the losing end of a ISIS-like stick. If your going to be a visitor in a foreign country, be a nice one.
Yup, ignorance and arrogance are a dangerous combination
I feel that as a traveler you should respect the country and the people that live there. If you disagree with how the country is then maybe that country should be crossed off your list.
Fully agree with you, Heather.
I hope you changed your minder in those 3 years after posting this.
You are in their house so be respectful.
According to you if a man wants to walk around naked in a primary school. Hè should be free to do so. And no one should judge him.
Mind you. I use primary school as an example, because you have a western mindset. You feel that everyone should do as you want.
We as moroccans dont see the need to show skin.
It feels like You need attention when you do.
Them finding us foreigners shameful for the way we dress is equivalent of us finding them shameful for wearing burqas and hijabs in the United States, and that shouldn't be praised upon. Very contradicting. Ignore this article, wear what you want to wear. Let nobody judge you.
If you have a problem with respecting a country and its culture then you do not need to travel there!
Actually that's not very true, it's not about finding you shameful. In reality foreigners do have the free card in Morocco, nobody will ever ask you what to wear or judge you, Moroccans know that this person is a foreigner and it's just the way she or he dresses, but they do appreciate when someone try to respect their values and try to wear modest clothing Modest doesn't mean you have to wear a scarf or wear long clothing but at least to not be provocative in the term of this specific culture for example in Morocco people are not used to people wearing very short skirts or shorts while in South Korea wearing the same thing is quite normal but showing a part of your chest is not acceptable (which is more tolerated in Morocco than wearing miniskirts) . Also even as Moroccan when traveling to the countryside with different dress code, I try to wear traditional clothing of this region as a way of respect not because anyone make me do it. In cities even some Moroccan girls wear revealing clothing but in the countryside people are still holding to their values and traditions I would advice foreigners at least to wear modest clothing when visiting small villages out of respect not as a necessity.
Thank you, Salma. I fully agree with you! Very well written.
I'm from Morocco too, and i'm totally agree with what you say salma, everyone is free to do what he wants and we shouldn't forget that visitors come to enjoy and learn about other culture and not necessary do the same as. nice article by the thanks for sharing.
@salma, I am Moroccan and I am traveler too , and I am agree with you , I was just about to write the same thing , Morocco is not that very conservative country like Egypt or other Middle East countries , that they have a dressing code , in Morocco is more open and even Moroccan girls can wear sleeveless dresses or tee-shirts , short skirts but not miniskirts. in country sides yes it is important to wear appropriate since people there they are more conservative than in big cities (also not all women or man wears djelabas as shown in the pictures!!!).
Yes, what it was written by Salma is true, im totally agree with her.
Well said Salma .. I definetly agree with you sister
Thank you very much for this post, I hope that it can be of benefit to both men and women visiting Morocco. Truly appreciated.
Gigi, as a Moroccan, I can tell you it has nothing to do with shame or disrespect . It's the fact that most Moroccans (especially in villages as stated by others in the comments) have this sense of modesty that is due to their Islaamic upbringing. It is even common that Moroccan women do not reveal their skin in front of their own children (whether they are girls or boys) and other relatives. She will only show some skin, and often times the only person to see her legs and any part of her torso is her husband.
So, if they do not look at you or talk to you, it's due to their shyness and modest values. First of all, that Islaam teaches them not to gaze at anyone else's body (whether it is out of desire or not), and secondly out of respect to you! The body is a very very special thing for us Muslims, and that's why both men and women have a dress code in Islaam. And it's no surprise that this part of the religion does have an influence on all Moroccans, whether they are conservative Muslims or not.
Then of course, you have the complete opposite to expect-- people who are so shocked to see that much skin they will stare you up and down until you disappear into the horizon. While this is disrespectful behavior which can often times make you uncomfortable as a woman, truth is, you should expect it from people who have never seen that much skin from a foreign woman. And unless you want and enjoy the attention aspect, I advise you not to do it. Particularly for your own safety as well, as not all men...anywhere in the world really...are raised with a modest upbringing and taught that they need to control themselves and respect a woman no matter what she wears. So, this could mean that you can bring upon yourself a dangerous type of attention.
As for Muslims wearing burqa and hijaab in the west, this is a very different issue. That is because there's no reason for anyone to get offended by a women choosing to cover her body and protect it from the gaze of anyone and everyone. And this is particularly true in western countries that allow the people the freedom of religion as well as the freedom to dress however they want as long as it's not obsene. So just like a man or woman in the west have the right to show as much skin as they want (to a certain extent), a Muslim man or woman have the right to cover as much of their skin as they wish.
A better analogy than the one you gave would be if a tribesman or woman from an Amazon or African tribe wearing absolutely nothing but beads and feathers and their private parts completely exposed tried to dress like that in the west. Of course for us in the west, we have every right to be shy to look at that person and heck, some people might even turn around and walk away (particularly someone with kids).
On the other hand, some people might not be able to control their ability to stare them up and down. Maybe even take a picture of them or two to put on Facebook.
We have every right to think it's a little too much skin showing because why? Those aren't our customs and nor are we used to seeing people dressed down to that extent. Similarly, this is how the people of Morocco react to seeing a man or woman showing what is seen in the culture and religion as too much skin.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the situation.