Dress Code in Morocco – What to Wear in Morocco

When going to Morocco, it is worthwhile being aware of their dress codes if you want to pass without any hassle and enjoy all the fascinating cultural experiences that the country has in store. Morocco, of course, is a land of colorful fashion, but it’s also a place where tradition and modesty are part of everyday life. In this post, we will discuss about Dress Code in Morocco.

Modesty is Key

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country where privacy and modesty are generally respected. Not as conservative as other countries in the region, but it’s just a good idea to be respectful of the local culture and cover up. This normally means that shoulders, low-cut tops and thighs are covered up, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites.

Women: Most women in Morocco wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Long skirts, dresses or pants teamed up with a lighter weight top or tunic is also a good option. If you’re planning to visit religious sites, where covering your hair is often suggested but not required in many places, consider stashing a scarf in your day bag.

Men: The same sort of standard as for women. For men, modesty usually entails at least no shorts above the knees, especially when dealing with the locals. Long pants, sleeves are always a safe bet, even in hot weather.

What to Wear for Different Occasions

As you stroll through the busy souks or relax during an evening out, you’ll encounter many styles. For daily life, locals dress well — and conservatively. In cities such as Marrakech or Casablanca, men and women frequently don sophisticated and relatively conservative attire. For women, a loose dress or a long tunic with pants is preferable. For men, it’s typically long pants and polo shirts or casual button-ups.

Beach and Resort Wear:

In the coastal cities such as Agadir or Essaouira, the dress code is more relaxed – particularly in beach resorts. At the beach or by the pool women can wear swimsuits or beachwear, but if you leave for cafes or restaurants you should cover up. Shorts can be worn by males at the beach but trouser and long shorts when out of the beach please.

Religious Sites:

Men, as well as women, should dress modestly when you visit mosques and other religious sites in Morocco. Women may also wear scarves on their head as to their host do but many mens have no issue with uncovered head. For men Sleeveless shirt or shorts are a no-no.

Traditional Moroccan Clothing

Traditional Garb With today’s fashion trend spread, you can see the traditional clothing of Morocco is very diverse. The djellaba (a long, loose robe with a hood) and kaftan (a more elaborate, embroidered robe) are iconic attire that people will dress in, whether it be men, women, or children, in the spirit of a special event. These dresses are perfect for blending in at cultural festivals or fancy parties.

Footwear and Accessories

Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking on Morocco’s frequently cobblestoned streets, so it’s vital you have a pair of comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Although rather low quality, back home we decided they’ll work as beachwear. Local woman do wear something similar, here in Iran both men and women seem to like wear the same stuff during hot summer days, and these things are easy to wear without utterly abusing them, so why not. Loafers or dress shoes are worn for more formal events.

Accessories: As for accessories, Moroccans cannot get enough of jewelry. Women would wear statement necklaces and big bracelets and earrings and things like that, it also depends on the cultural context as well. Wear modest jewellery when touring religious sites.

Weather Considerations

The climate of Morocco as can be seen from above, varies widely from place to place and also according to season, therefore bringing appropriate clothing is a must. The summer months can be sweltering in places such as Marrakech so opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. For cooler evenings or mountain visits, you might want a light jacket or sweater.

Dos and Don’ts for Dressing in Morocco

• Do cover up, especially when in the countryside or places of worship.
• Don’t sweat in breezy fabrics, even in the summer.
• Don’t dress in clothing that is too revealing or tight.
• Don’t wear anything too flashy or too expensive that’s going to attract attention.
• Do pack a scarf or shawl to wrap around your body or head, in particular when entering mosques.
• Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting religious or conservative places.

Final Thoughts: Dress Code in Morocco

Dressing appropriately in Morocco isn’t just about a dress code, it’s about showing respect for the local traditions and culture. Simply donning conservative attire and feeling comfortable, you’ll feel much better as you get to know the country, and can provide yourself with a peace of mind, as well as a guarantee that you are respecting Morocco’s olden-rime traditions.

Whether you’re exploring the centuries-old streets of Fes, or lazing in the sunshine in Agadir, Morocco is a heady combination of fashion, tradition and chic. Be a smart packer and you’ll be set to have an up close and personal trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.