What to Wear in Morocco: Modest Fashion Advice
Published: 3 Jun 2025
Welcome to Morocco, friend!
We’re so happy to have you here. If you’re planning a trip to this magical country, you’re in for an unforgettable experience: golden deserts, colorful markets, kind people, and amazing food! Before we jump in, check out our previous post: Spain Vacation Outfit Ideas for more travel fashion tips.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what to wear in Morocco. Morocco blends modern cities with traditional towns, so your fashion choices really matter especially when you’re out and about. We’ll help you stay comfortable, stylish, and respectful while exploring. Ready to discover the perfect outfits? Let’s start!
What to Know Before Packing
Before you start packing for Morocco, it’s important to know a few key things about the culture and climate. This will help you choose the right clothes that keep you comfortable, respectful, and stylish during your trip.
Morocco’s Culture & Modesty Norms
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country where modesty in clothing is highly valued. While tourists are welcomed warmly, wearing modest clothes shows respect for local traditions and helps you blend in better.
- What does modesty mean here?
It means covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. This is especially important for women, but men should also avoid very short shorts or sleeveless shirts in public. - Why modest clothes?
It shows respect in traditional places like markets, mosques, and rural towns. It also helps avoid unwanted attention.
How to style modest clothing:
- Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Long skirts or pants with a loose top are great choices.
- Women can carry a scarf to cover their head or shoulders if needed.
- Men can wear light long-sleeve shirts and chinos for a smart look.
Weather & Climate by Region
Morocco’s climate changes a lot depending on where and when you visit. Knowing this helps you pack clothes that fit the weather and your activities.
- Desert heat:
Inland cities like Marrakech can be very hot during the day, especially in summer. Lightweight, loose clothes protect you from the sun and help you stay cool. - Coastal breezes:
Places near the sea, like Essaouira or Agadir, have cooler breezes. You can wear lighter layers but bring a jacket for the evenings. - Cool mountain zones:
The Atlas Mountains can get quite chilly, especially at night. Warm layers and closed shoes are a must here.
Seasonal Changes to Consider:
- Summer (June to August):
Very hot, often above 90°F (32°C). Pack breathable, light-colored clothes like linen pants, loose shirts, and wide-brim hats. - Winter (December to February):
Cooler with chilly mornings and nights. Bring sweaters, jackets, and scarves. Layering is key. - Spring & Autumn (March to May, September to November):
The best time to visit! Weather is warm but not too hot. Light layers and comfortable shoes work perfectly.
What to Wear in Morocco for Women
Moroccan fashion is a mix of modesty and comfort. As a visitor, your outfits should be respectful but also practical for walking, sightseeing, and the warm climate. Here’s what women should wear in Morocco based on local norms and daily travel needs.
Tops:
- Choose loose tops that cover your shoulders and chest. This means long sleeves or tunics that are not tight. These keep you comfortable and respectful in public places like markets and towns. Avoid tops like tank tops, spaghetti straps, or anything with a deep neckline because they show too much skin.
- Best fabrics are cotton or linen since they breathe well in warm weather and keep you cool.
Bottoms:
- Wear long skirts (maxi or midi) or loose pants made of light fabrics like cotton or linen. These are comfortable and fit well with local dress customs. Tight leggings or very short shorts are not a good idea unless you’re relaxing at a hotel or beach resort.
- Wide-leg jeans or straight-cut denim are okay if they’re not too tight. Comfort and modesty go hand in hand here.
Dresses:
- Long dresses are the best choice, especially flowy maxi dresses that cover your legs and shoulders. Styles like kaftans or shirt dresses with sleeves also work well. These dresses help you stay cool while respecting local traditions.
- If your dress is sleeveless, carry a light scarf or cardigan to cover your arms when needed.
Scarves:
- Carrying a scarf is smart even if you don’t wear it all the time. You will need it to cover your head when visiting mosques or religious sites.
- Scarves also protect you from sun and dust, especially in desert or windy areas, making them very useful.
Footwear:
- Comfortable shoes are a must because you’ll do a lot of walking on uneven streets, markets, or even sandy paths. Flat sandals, breathable sneakers, or slip-ons work great for daily exploring.
- Avoid high heels because streets are often rocky or uneven, and open-toe shoes may let in dust or small stones in desert areas. Closed shoes or boots are better for hiking or desert trips.
What to Wear in Morocco for Men
Men visiting Morocco should focus on comfort, light fabrics, and modest style. While there’s more flexibility for men than women, it’s still best to dress respectfully especially in rural areas, religious spots, or when interacting with locals.
Tops:
- Wear casual tops that cover your shoulders in public. Good options are lightweight cotton T-shirts, polo shirts, or button-down shirts with sleeves. Avoid sleeveless tops and bold graphic tees.
- Choose relaxed fits that let air flow well. Earth tones, white, and blue help you stay cool and blend with local styles. For example, locals in Marrakech wear linen shirts with rolled sleeves for comfort.
Bottoms:
- Pick light, breathable pants that aren’t tight. Long pants are best in mosques and traditional towns. Good choices are chinos, linen, cotton trousers, or loose jeans.
- Shorts are okay only in tourist beach areas or resorts. Avoid shorts in conservative places. For hot days, wear light-colored pants with a loose top for comfort and style.
Footwear:
- Shoes should be comfy and practical for walking on city streets, markets, or desert sand. Good choices are walking shoes, breathable sneakers, or closed sandals with straps.
- Hiking shoes work well for mountains or desert trips. Avoid flip-flops for city walking they’re better for beaches or showers. Dress shoes only for formal events.
Pro tip:
Bring 1 pair of sturdy shoes and 1 lighter option. Make sure they’re broken in before your trip!
Extra Layers & Accessories
When you’re packing for Morocco, add a few smart extras to stay comfortable. The weather can change, and you’ll walk a lot under the sun. These items will help you feel ready and relaxed during your trip.
Must-Have Extras:
- Light jacket or sweater
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Travel scarf
- Day bag or crossbody bag
What to Pack for Specific Places
Morocco has many beautiful places, and each one needs a little different outfit. If you’re going to big cities like Marrakech or Fes, dress modest but fashionable. For the Sahara Desert, you’ll need light clothes and protection from the sun and sand. The coast is more relaxed beachwear is fine at resorts but always carries a cover-up. In the Atlas Mountains, it gets cold, so warm clothes are a must. Here’s a quick list for each:
City:
- Flowy tops
- Light pants or jeans
- Stylish but modest outfits
- Comfortable walking sandals
Desert:
- Loose long-sleeve tops
- Light pants
- Scarf or shawl (for sand)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Breathable layers
Coast (Essaouira, Agadir):
- Swimsuit (for private beaches)
- Cover-up or kaftan
- Light dresses or shorts for resorts
- Sandals or flip-flop
Mountains (Atlas):
- Warm jacket or hoodie
- Sweater or thermal top
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Windbreaker
FAQs
1. How should female tourists dress in Morocco?
Women should wear modest clothes like long skirts, loose pants, and tops that cover shoulders. It shows respect for the local culture. Light scarves are helpful when visiting mosques or traditional areas.
2. Is there a dress code for visitors to Morocco?
There’s no strict dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated especially in public places. Covering shoulders, chest, and knees is a good rule. This applies more in rural and traditional towns than in tourist spots.
3. What do female tourists wear in Marrakech?
In Marrakech, women wear stylish but modest outfits like flowy dresses, loose tops, and maxi skirts. It’s okay to dress trendy, but avoid showing too much skin. A light scarf and comfy sandals are great add-ons.
4. Can ladies wear shorts in Morocco?
It’s best to avoid shorts in public areas, especially outside tourist spots. In private resorts or hotels, shorts are usually fine. Long, loose pants or skirts are more respectful and comfortable in the heat.
5. What type of shoes are best for walking in Morocco?
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are best for cities. If you’re going to the desert or mountains, bring closed shoes or hiking boots. Always think about dust, uneven roads, and long walks.
Conclusion
Morocco is a beautiful place full of culture, color, and history. People are kind and welcoming. When you dress with respect, you show love for their traditions.
Don’t worry too much about being perfect. Just wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Stay comfortable, and try to blend fashion with modesty.
Enjoy your trip and feel confident. Whether you’re walking in Marrakech or watching the stars in the desert dress smart, travel light, and have fun!
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
