Travel Planning
What to Wear in Morocco
How to dress comfortably, respectfully, and stylishly across every region of Morocco — from medina souks and desert camps to beach towns and mountain treks.
The Golden Rule
Morocco is moderate and welcoming. There is no enforced dress code for tourists. Covering shoulders and knees in medinas, rural areas, and religious sites shows cultural respect and reduces unwanted attention. At resorts and modern city districts, dress as you would in southern Europe.
Women's Clothing Guide
Medinas and Old Cities
The medinas of Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes are conservative neighborhoods. Modest dress is respectful and practical — it reduces street attention and keeps you comfortable in the heat.
Recommended
- Loose trousers, culottes, or maxi skirts
- T-shirts or blouses covering shoulders
- Lightweight linen or cotton dresses (knee-length+)
- Light cardigan or scarf for layering
- Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals
Avoid
- Short shorts or mini skirts
- Low-cut or revealing tops
- Tight, body-hugging clothing
- High heels (cobblestone streets)
- Expensive jewelry (attracts attention)
Modern City Areas (Gueliz, Casablanca)
In the Ville Nouvelle (modern districts), Moroccan women dress fashionably in a wide range of styles. Tourists can dress as they would in Spain or southern France.
- Jeans, dresses, blouses — standard western fashion
- Shorts are acceptable but not as common as in Europe
- Restaurants and cafes have no dress code beyond basic decency
Beach and Coastal Towns
Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier are relaxed coastal destinations where beach attire is normal near the water.
- Bikinis at hotel pools and resort beaches — completely normal
- On public beaches, a one-piece or modest bikini is most comfortable
- Use a cover-up or sarong when walking to and from the beach
- Topless sunbathing is not acceptable anywhere in Morocco
- Sundresses and shorts fine in coastal town centers
Men's Clothing Guide
General Advice
Men face fewer clothing expectations than women in Morocco, but modest dress in traditional areas shows respect.
Recommended
- Long trousers or knee-length shorts
- T-shirts, polo shirts, or linen shirts
- Lightweight breathable fabrics
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sun hat for outdoor sightseeing
Avoid
- Sleeveless vests in medinas (wear sleeves)
- Very short shorts in rural areas
- Flashy designer logos or expensive watches
- Flip-flops for medina walking (uneven surfaces)
What to Wear by Activity
Sahara Desert
What to wear: Loose, light-colored clothing covering arms and legs. Cotton or linen. Headscarf or turban (your guide will show you how to wrap one). Closed-toe boots or shoes — sandals fill with sand. Warm layers for evening (desert temperatures drop dramatically). Sunglasses.
Protects against sun, sand, and extreme temperature swings. The traditional Berber approach to desert clothing exists for a reason — loose, covering, layered.
Atlas Mountain Trekking
What to wear: Hiking boots with ankle support. Moisture-wicking base layer. Long trousers or convertible hiking pants. Fleece or softshell for altitude. Waterproof jacket (rain possible). Hat and sunscreen.
Mountain weather changes rapidly. It can be 25°C at the trailhead and 5°C at 3,000m. Layers are non-negotiable.
Hammam (Traditional Bath)
What to wear: Bring: swimwear (bikini or shorts for women, swim shorts for men), flip-flops. You will be given a kessa (scrubbing glove). Some hammams provide a wrap. Avoid: expensive items left in lockers.
In traditional public hammams, women wear underwear or bikini bottoms. In private/tourist hammams, disposable underwear is often provided. Ask beforehand.
Mosque Visit (Hassan II)
What to wear: Women: long sleeves, long skirt or trousers, headscarf available at entrance. Men: long trousers, shoulders covered. Both: remove shoes at entrance. Socks recommended.
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only major mosque open to non-Muslims. Dress respectfully as you would visiting any house of worship.
Fine Dining
What to wear: Smart casual. Women: dress or nice trousers with blouse. Men: collared shirt, long trousers. No trainers at high-end restaurants like La Mamounia or Royal Mansour.
Morocco's luxury dining scene has standards comparable to European fine dining. Most riad restaurants are more relaxed.
Surfing (Essaouira/Taghazout)
What to wear: Wetsuit (3/2mm for winter, shorty or rashguard for summer). Board shorts and rash guard for warm months. Reef shoes for rocky entries. Cover-up for walking through town.
Atlantic water is 17-21°C year-round. A wetsuit extends your sessions. Surf shops in Taghazout and Essaouira rent everything.
Seasonal Clothing Guide
Spring (March - May)
- Light layers — warm days, cool evenings
- Light jacket or cardigan for evenings
- Rain jacket for occasional spring showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Summer (June - August)
- Ultra-lightweight, breathable fabrics only
- Wide-brimmed sun hat (essential)
- Light colors to reflect heat
- Comfortable sandals, airy shoes
Autumn (September - November)
- Similar to spring — layers work best
- Warmer jacket as November approaches
- Desert visits need warm evening layers
- Waterproof layer for November rains
Winter (December - February)
- Warm jacket essential (evenings 5-10°C)
- Layers for 15-20°C temperature swings
- Waterproof shoes for northern cities
- Thermal base layer for desert camping
Shopping for Clothes in Morocco
Moroccan souks are a fantastic place to buy clothing. Quality varies — inspect carefully.
Worth Buying
- Kaftan or djellaba — Traditional robe. Comfortable, stylish, and the perfect souvenir. $30-200 depending on quality.
- Babouche slippers — Soft leather slippers in every color. $10-30. Buy a half size larger (they shrink).
- Moroccan scarf — Lightweight cotton or silk. Works as headwrap, beach cover-up, and mosque entry scarf. $5-20.
- Leather bag — Marrakech and Fes are famous for leather goods. Negotiate hard — start at 30% of asking price.
Shopping Tips
- Bargaining is expected in souks — never accept the first price
- Quality leather should smell clean, not chemically treated
- Cooperatives and fixed-price shops offer fair trade alternatives
- Check stitching and fabric quality — fast fashion exists in souks too
Clothing FAQ
Can women wear shorts in Morocco?+
Knee-length shorts are fine in tourist areas and modern city districts. Short shorts are not recommended in medinas, rural areas, or religious sites. At beach resorts and pools, shorts are completely normal.
Do I need to cover my head?+
No. Morocco does not require head coverings for tourists. A light scarf is useful for sun protection and mosque visits but is not expected or required.
Can I wear a bikini at the beach?+
At hotel pools and resort beaches, yes. On public beaches, a one-piece or modest bikini with a cover-up is most comfortable. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable.
Is Morocco strict about clothing?+
No. Morocco is moderate compared to other Muslim-majority countries. There is no legal dress code. Modest dress in traditional areas shows respect and reduces unwanted attention.
What shoes should I bring?+
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone medina streets. Closed-toe shoes for the desert. Sandals for beach towns. Hiking boots for the Atlas Mountains. Leave the high heels at home.
Can I buy clothes in Morocco?+
Yes, and you should. Kaftans, babouche slippers, scarves, and leather goods are excellent buys. Prices start from $5 in the souks. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
What should I NOT wear in Morocco?+
Avoid very revealing clothing in medinas and religious areas. No topless sunbathing anywhere. Skip flashy jewelry and designer logos that attract pickpocket attention. Avoid impractical footwear like heels on cobblestones.
What do Moroccan women wear?+
Modern Moroccan women wear a wide range of styles — from jeans and blouses to kaftans and hijab. In cities, fashion is comparable to southern Europe. In rural areas, traditional dress is more common. Morocco has no single dress standard.
Plan Your Morocco Trip
Our local guides handle the cultural details so you can relax and enjoy. Private tours, luxury riads, and 24/7 support across every region of Morocco.
Or call: +212 701 664 704