Morocco is a Muslim country and showing respect as a visitor to the locals in the way that you dress is always a good idea. The following gives you some insight into dress codes and some tips on what’s considered appropriate clothing for both men and women.
What clothes to take to Morocco?
Dress code in Morocco depends on the city/ countryside you are going to because Morocco is a diverse country. You’ll find some parts that are so westernized but other parts are conservative.
In larger cities, you will see different ways of clothing. Women wear tight jeans, sleeveless T-shirts, or skirts and others are wearing loose clothes with a headscarf, but in the rural area/countryside, you will notice that the majority of women dress traditionally. The traditional dress of Morocco is “Djellaba”, a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves and it’s for both men and women.
In a nutshell, my advice to you would be:
For men:
- The jeans and t-shirt are fine.
- Long shorts (sorry SoCal hipsters) and t-shirts are OK in hotter regions, but are sometimes shorts are viewed as underwear. Bring them, but follow local cues.
- Don’t dress like a bum/ Aladdin / etc. It could either get you unwanted attention (of the “hey, hey, hashish?” variety) or you’ll just be laughed at.
For Women:
You will have to make sure you wear culturally appropriate clothing while traveling in Morocco. However, even though Morocco is predominantly Muslim, it’s more relaxed than some of its neighbors to the east, and most major tourist spots have gotten used to foreigners and their style. Still, be culturally respectful and:
- Cover your shoulders and leave the strappy tops at home.
- Cover your knees at least. In rural areas, full length is even better.
- You don’t need to cover your head, but bring a scarf for visiting mosques.
- I know short shorts and crop tops are in, but leave them at home.
What should I consider adding to my packing list for Morocco?
Packing for Morocco can be made a little easier if you’re spending more than a week or two in the country. It may make sense to simply have your clothes washed. There are laundry facilities available, simply ask your concierge or riad owner and they will be able to help you get your clothes cleaned.
