When traveling to Morocco as a woman, it’s important to dress modestly to respect the local culture and customs. While Morocco is known for its vibrant and diverse fashion scene, the general expectation is that women dress in a way that covers their shoulders, cleavage, and knees, especially in more traditional or rural areas.
Here’s a guide to what women typically wear in Morocco:
1. Loose, Long Clothing: Morocco’s climate can be quite hot, but it’s still important to dress modestly. Loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen can help keep you cool while respecting cultural norms. Long skirts, pants, and dresses are all good choices. Tunics, blouses, and long-sleeve tops are also common.
2. Kaftans: Kaftans are traditional Moroccan garments that are both elegant and comfortable. They come in various fabrics and styles and are often worn for special occasions, but you can also find more casual versions for daily wear.
3. Headscarf: In some areas, particularly in more conservative regions, wearing a headscarf might be expected. However, in tourist areas like Marrakech, it is not mandatory for foreign women to wear a headscarf. If you prefer not to wear one, it’s perfectly fine, but be aware that you might receive some stares or attention if you’re in more traditional places.
4. Hippie and Boho Styles: Many women in tourist areas opt for a more bohemian style, with flowy dresses, skirts, and scarves. This style is both practical and stylish, especially in places like Marrakech, Essaouira, and Fes, where the fashion is often a mix of traditional and modern influences.
5. Comfortable Shoes: Morocco’s streets, especially in older cities, can be cobbled or uneven, so comfortable footwear is important. Flat sandals, espadrilles, or sneakers are a good choice for walking. If you’re planning to visit mosques or religious sites, it’s best to wear shoes that are easy to remove.
6. Avoiding Revealing Outfits: While Morocco is relatively tolerant of foreign styles, it’s still respectful to avoid revealing clothing. For example, short shorts, sleeveless tops, or low-cut tops may be seen as inappropriate in certain areas.
7. Color and Style: In Morocco, people often wear bright colors and patterns. While neutrals like beige, white, or navy are common, you’ll also find lots of vibrant reds, yellows, blues, and greens in traditional and modern clothing alike.
8. Layering for Modesty: In more conservative regions or during visits to religious sites like mosques, it’s common to wear a long-sleeve top or a lightweight jacket over a dress or shirt to cover your arms.
9. Swimwear: At resorts or beach towns, you can wear swimsuits, but it’s still considered respectful to cover up when walking around public areas, especially outside of the beach or poolside.
In summary, it’s all about balance. You can be fashionable while respecting Morocco’s cultural expectations. Dressing modestly and sensibly will help you blend in and show respect for local traditions while enjoying the beauty and diversity of the country.
