What should I wear in Morocco to be respectful?

When you plan your trip to our country you probably have many questions. One of the most common questions from travelers is what should I wear in Morocco to be respectful. It is a very good question to ask. Morocco is a beautiful and very diverse country. We have big modern cities, very old medinas and small quiet villages in the mountains and the desert. Because of this, the rules about clothes can change depending on where you are.

The short answer is that Morocco is a Muslim country and people dress a bit more conservative here than in Europe or America. There is no strict law that tells you what to wear but local people really appreciate it when visitors dress with modesty. It shows respect for our culture. Also wearing the right clothes will keep you comfortable in the hot sun and help you avoid people looking at you too much.

Below is a quick summary to help you understand the basics before we look at the details.

Quick Answer: The Morocco Dress Code

TL;DR: How to Dress in Morocco

• Cover your shoulders and chest: It is best to avoid thin strap tops or low cut shirts.
• Cover your knees: Try to wear pants, long skirts or dresses that go below the knee especially in traditional areas.
• Choose loose fabrics: Tight clothes are not very comfortable in the heat and they draw more attention. Loose cotton or linen is the best.
• Save beachwear for the beach: Swimsuits and very short shorts are only for the beach or your hotel swimming pool.
• Bring layers: The weather can change so a light scarf or jacket is always good to have with you.

The Respectful Dress Rulebook

When you pack your bags you might feel a little worried about the Morocco dress code. Please do not worry too much. Moroccans are very welcoming people and we are used to seeing tourists from all over the world. There is no official dress code police on the streets. But dressing with some modesty is a very nice way to show you respect the local way of life.

What does modest clothing Morocco mean in real life? It is actually very simple. It means your clothes should not be too tight, too short or too see-through.

For the fit of your clothes, try to choose things that do not hug your body too much. Loose clothes are actually much better for you anyway because the weather can be very warm. If your clothes are tight you will sweat more and feel uncomfortable. For transparency, just make sure your clothes are not so thin that people can see your underwear.

For length the general rule for both men and women is to cover the shoulders and the knees. If you follow this simple rule you will be fine almost everywhere in the country.

Why do we suggest this? It is not just about religion. Dressing modestly helps you blend in more. If you wear very short clothes in a traditional market you might get more people looking at you or trying to sell you things because you stand out a lot as a tourist. When you dress a bit more like the locals you will have a more relaxed time and people will interact with you in a more normal way. If you are a woman traveling alone, you can read more about is Morocco safe for solo travelers to see how clothes can help you feel more comfortable.

Morocco Dress Code by Area

Morocco is not the same everywhere. What you wear in a modern city like Casablanca will be different from what you wear in a small village in the Atlas Mountains. To make it easy to understand I made this table to show you the difference between the places you might visit.

If you are visiting different places in one day, it is a good idea to bring a light scarf or a cardigan in your bag. If you leave a modern cafe and walk into the old traditional market, you can just put the scarf around your shoulders to be more covered. If you want to know more about safety in these big cities you can check our post about is Casablanca safe.

What Women Should Wear

When women ask what to wear in Morocco women often worry that they have to buy a completely new wardrobe. You do not need to do this. You probably already have many good things in your closet. The goal is just to find your modest and comfortable clothes.

Tops and Shirts For tops, short sleeves are usually fine in the big cities and tourist areas. T-shirts are very normal. What you want to avoid are tops that have very thin spaghetti straps or tops that are very low cut in the front. Showing cleavage is not very common here. Also crop tops that show your stomach are not a good idea for the streets. If you have a nice sleeveless shirt that you really want to wear, you can just wear a light cotton or linen shirt open over it. This looks nice and keeps you covered and also protects your skin from the strong sun.

Pants and Bottoms Loose pants are your best friend in Morocco. Linen pants or wide leg cotton pants are perfect. They are very comfortable for walking and sitting and they respect the local culture perfectly. Jeans are okay to wear, many local women wear jeans, but in the summer time jeans can be very very hot. Try to avoid very short shorts. If you like shorts, try to find shorts that go down to your knee. Leggings are also very popular for travel because they are comfortable, but because they are very tight, it is best to wear a long shirt or a tunic that covers your bottom if you wear leggings outside.

Skirts and Dresses Maxi dresses and midi skirts are beautiful and very practical for Morocco. They give you a lot of air on hot days and they look very nice for photos. When you choose a dress just look at the top part. If it has thin straps, just bring a scarf to cover your shoulders when you walk in the old city. Also check if the skirt has a very high slit on the side that shows your whole leg when you walk. If it does, maybe choose a different one or use a small safety pin to close it a little bit.

Do I need to wear a headscarf? Many women ask this question. The answer is no. Morocco is a very tolerant country and foreign women are not required to cover their hair by law or by custom. You will see many local Moroccan women who do not wear a headscarf either. The only time you might need to cover your hair is if you visit a working mosque, but most mosques in Morocco are not open to non-Muslims anyway. Even though you do not have to wear it for religion, bringing a light scarf is a very smart idea. You can use it to cover your shoulders from the sun, protect your face from sand in the desert, or just keep warm if the wind blows in the evening.

What Men Should Wear

Sometimes people think the dress code is only for women but what to wear in Morocco men is also important. Moroccan men usually dress quite sharp and neat, even when it is hot.

Shirts T-shirts and polo shirts are perfectly fine everywhere. Button down shirts with short or long sleeves are also very good. The main thing for men to avoid is walking around without a shirt on. This is only for the beach. Also, tank tops or sleeveless shirts are not usually worn by local men on the street. If you wear a tank top in the medina people might think you are dressed in your underwear or gym clothes. It is much better to just wear a normal t-shirt.

Pants and Shorts Long pants are the most normal thing for local men to wear. Jeans, chinos or light cotton pants are all good choices. But we know it gets very hot for tourists who are walking all day. Can men wear shorts? Yes, tourists can wear shorts. But to be respectful it is better if the shorts are not too short. Athletic short shorts are not a good idea. Try to choose tailored shorts or cargo shorts that go down near your knee. When you go to a nice restaurant in the evening it is better to change into long pants.

Footwear For shoes, comfort is the most important thing. You will walk a lot. In the old medinas the streets are not flat. They have cobblestones and sometimes dirt. Good walking shoes or closed sneakers are the best. Sandals are okay but your feet will get very dirty and dusty.

Situation-by-Situation Outfit Guide

Your days in Morocco will be full of different activities. You might wake up in a traditional house, walk in a busy market, and watch the sunset in the desert. Here is what to wear in Marrakech and other places depending on what you are doing.

Walking in the Medina and Souks

When you walk in the old markets (souks), the streets are narrow and busy. There are people, donkeys, and motorbikes. This is a traditional area so modest clothes are important here.

• Wear: Loose long pants or a maxi skirt with a t-shirt. Good closed-toe shoes because the floor can be dirty.
• Avoid: Short shorts, tank tops, open sandals.
• Read more: If you want to know what to do here, check our guide on things to do in Marrakech.

Eating in a Restaurant, Café or Riad

When you sit in a nice cafe or eat dinner in your riad, you can dress a bit more nice but still comfortable. Riads are private guesthouses so the rules inside are very relaxed.

• Wear: A nice summer dress with a light cardigan, or clean trousers with a polo shirt.
• Avoid: Beach clothes or very dirty walking clothes.
• Read more: If you are choosing where to stay, read about riad vs hotel in Morocco.

Taking a Desert Tour in the Sahara

The desert is beautiful but the environment is strong. The sun is very hot in the day and it can be cold at night. Also there is sand everywhere. You will probably ride a camel too.

• Wear: Very loose, comfortable pants (not jeans, they are bad for riding camels). Long sleeve cotton shirts to block the sun. A scarf to wrap around your head and face to stop the sand and sun. Bring a warm jacket for the night.
• Avoid: Short skirts (you cannot ride a camel in a skirt), dark heavy clothes that make you hot.
• Read more: See what the desert is like on our 3 day desert tour from Marrakech.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

The mountains are traditional and the weather is cooler than the city. You need practical clothes for moving.

• Wear: Hiking pants or loose trousers, layers of shirts, a warm fleece or jacket, and very good hiking shoes.
• Avoid: Very tight gym clothes if you are walking through small Berber villages.

Visiting a Hammam or Spa

The hammam is a traditional bath. It is an amazing experience. You will be in a room with only women (if you are a woman) or only men (if you are a man).

• Wear: When you go inside the wet room, you usually just wear the bottom piece of your swimsuit or underwear. The staff will give you a towel or robe for the dry areas.
• Avoid: Do not take your clothes off completely in the common areas, wait until you see what other people are doing.

Visiting Religious and Cultural Sites

Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims. But some places like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca or historic madrasas are open to visitors. You must be very respectful here.

• Wear: Long pants or long skirts down to the ankle. Long sleeves that cover the wrist. No tight clothes. Women might be asked to cover their hair with a scarf in some specific holy places.
• Avoid: Anything short, tight, or with holes.
• Information: You can learn more about official rules on the Moroccan National Tourist Office website.

Relaxing at the Beach or Swimming Pools

Morocco has beautiful beaches in places like Essaouira or Agadir, and nice pools in the hotels.

• Wear: Swimsuits, bikinis, swim trunks are completely normal here at the beach and by the hotel pool.
• Avoid: Do not wear your swimsuit outside the beach. When you leave the sand to walk to a cafe on the street, put your clothes back on.

Quick Scenario Guide

What to Wear by Season

Many people think Morocco is just a hot desert all the time. But this is not true. We have very different seasons and mountains with snow. Knowing the best time to visit Morocco will help you pack the right clothes.

Summer (June to August)

The summer is very hot. In places like Marrakech or Fes the temperature can go over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

• The most important thing is breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, and rayon are good. Do not wear polyester because it will stick to your skin and make you smell.
• Wear light colors like white, beige or light blue to reflect the sun.
• A hat and sunglasses are very necessary.

Winter (December to February)

The winter can be very cold, especially in the mornings and nights. Many old traditional riads do not have strong central heating like houses in Europe.

• You need to bring layers. You can wear a t-shirt in the middle of the day when the sun is out, but you will need a warm sweater and a jacket for the evening.
• If you go to the mountains or the desert in winter, bring a very warm coat, a warm hat, and warm socks.

Spring and Autumn (March to May / September to November)

These are the best times to visit because the weather is warm but not too hot.

• You can wear normal summer clothes during the day.
• Just bring a light jacket or a warm sweater for the evening time because it gets a little cool when the sun goes down.

What NOT to Wear (And What to Choose Instead)

Sometimes it is easier to know what to wear if we talk about what not to wear. If you want to know what should I wear in Morocco to be respectful, try to remember this simple swap list. If you avoid the things on the left, you will not have any problems.

• Instead of a crop top showing your stomach $\rightarrow$ Choose a loose, comfortable t-shirt or a tunic.
• Instead of a very short mini skirt $\rightarrow$ Choose a midi skirt that goes below the knee or a long maxi skirt.
• Instead of very tight short shorts $\rightarrow$ Choose wide leg linen pants or long shorts that reach the knee.
• Instead of a completely sheer (see-through) dress $\rightarrow$ Choose a dress made of thicker cotton, or wear a slip dress underneath it so people cannot see through it.
• Instead of walking in a bikini top on the street $\rightarrow$ Save the bikini for the beach, and put a regular shirt on when you walk to the shop.

Also, it is a good idea to avoid clothes that have bad words or offensive pictures on them. Morocco is a family culture and people do not like to see bad words on clothing. Keep it simple and clean.

If you are wondering if these rules mean the country is dangerous, it is not. It is just different customs. You can read more about safety here: how safe is Morocco for American tourists.

Your Morocco Packing Checklist

To make your packing easy before your flight, here is a simple checklist of things you should put in your bag for a one week trip. This is a very good basic wardrobe for Morocco.

The Modest Capsule Wardrobe:

• 3 or 4 Breathable Tops: T-shirts or loose blouses made of cotton or linen. Short sleeves are perfect.
• 2 Pairs of Loose Pants: Linen trousers, wide-leg cotton pants, or very light chinos.
• 1 or 2 Midi/Maxi Dresses or Skirts: Very comfortable for warm days and nice for dinners.
• 1 Light Layer: A light cardigan, a button-down shirt to wear open, or a denim jacket for cooler evenings.
• 1 Scarf or Shawl: The most important item. Good for sun protection, covering shoulders, or keeping warm.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers are best for the medina.
• 1 Pair of Sandals: Nice for wearing inside your riad or going to the beach.
• Sun Protection: A good hat and sunglasses are very necessary.
• Swimwear: Only if your hotel has a pool or you are going to the ocean.

If you pack these simple things, you will always have something nice and respectful to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many people ask the same questions when they search for the Morocco dress code. Here are some short answers to help you feel confident.

Can women wear shorts in Morocco?

Yes women can wear shorts, but it is better to avoid very short shorts. Shorts that reach the knee or just above the knee are much better and more respectful, especially outside the big modern cities.

Can men wear tank tops?

It is not illegal, but local men usually do not wear tank tops on the street. It is seen as underwear or beachwear. It is much better and more polite to wear a normal t-shirt with sleeves.

Do I need to cover my hair in Morocco?

No, foreign women do not need to cover their hair. You will see many local women who also do not wear a headscarf. You only need a headscarf if you go inside a mosque, but most mosques do not allow visitors inside anyway.

What should I wear in Marrakech vs rural areas?

In Marrakech you can be a bit more relaxed. T-shirts and knee-length dresses are very common. In rural areas like the Atlas Mountains or small desert villages, you should dress more conservative. Always cover your shoulders and wear long pants or long skirts there.

Is a bikini okay at the beach?

Yes, at the tourist beaches and in hotel swimming pools, a bikini or normal swimsuit is completely fine. But please remember to put clothes on when you leave the sand to walk on the street or go to a restaurant.

Is it safe to wear nice jewelry?

It is safe, but it is better to leave very expensive or flashy jewelry at home. Simple jewelry is fine. Wearing very expensive things can attract unwanted attention from people trying to sell you things.

Can I wear sandals in the medina?

You can, but the streets in the old medina are often dusty, busy, and sometimes dirty. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are much better to protect your feet and keep them clean while you walk all day.

We hope this simple guide helps you pack your bags without stress. Remember, Moroccans are very forgiving and happy to see tourists. If you dress with basic modesty and respect, you will have a wonderful and comfortable time in our beautiful country. We hope to welcome you soon!