What to Wear in Morocco: A Practical Packing Guide

Morocco hits hard on arrival for most first-timers, and what you wear matters more than you think. Not for Instagram reasons, but because the wrong clothes will make you miserable, conspicuous, and hot. Here is what actually works.

The Core Principle: Modest and Light

Moroccan culture is conservative, especially outside tourist beaches and resorts. This is not about judgment, it is logistics. Exposed skin draws attention in medinas, makes you a walking target for vendors, and can feel uncomfortable once you clock what locals are wearing.

At the same time, it is 30+ degrees in summer, and wool trousers will cook you alive.

The answer is simple: loose linen, cotton, and layers. Breathable fabrics that cover key areas without making you sweat through your shirt by 10 AM.

Women in Medina Cities

If you are spending time in the medinas of Fez, Marrakech, or Essaouira, dress modestly. This means:

Loose linen trousers or long skirts (knee-length minimum, ankle better)
Loose shirts or tunics with covered shoulders
A lightweight scarf (doubles as sun protection and modest coverage when needed)
Closed-toe shoes or very secure sandals
A cross-body bag worn in front (not on your back)

You will see local women in djellabas and headscarves. You do not need to dress exactly like them, but the closer you are to that silhouette, the less attention you receive. Once you find your footing, it settles quickly.

Bring one pair of smarter trousers for dinner out, but even in mid-range restaurants in Marrakech, locals are dressier than in London or Dublin.

Women in Coastal Cities

Essaouira, Taghazout, and Agadir are materially more relaxed. You will see European women in shorts. It is not forbidden. That said, wearing shorts in Agadir’s medina will still draw attention. On the beach or in a resort town, the rules soften, but use judgment.

Men

Shorts are fine in tourist-heavy areas, beach towns, and resorts. In medinas and smaller towns, knee-length shorts are better. Long trousers are safest if you want zero attention. Absolutely avoid swimwear outside swimming contexts.

Bring one decent shirt for dinners out. Short sleeves are fine, but a lightweight long-sleeve shirt doubles as sun protection and can be worn rolled up in evening.

Sahara Layering: What People Get Wrong

The Sahara in spring and autumn is deceptively cold at night. Below 10°C is not uncommon. Bringing a light fleece or thick jumper is not optional if you are sleeping in the desert.

During the day, it is hot. Wear:

Long trousers (sun protection for legs)
A long-sleeve shirt or rash guard
A light layer for night (merino wool weighs nothing)
A buff or lightweight scarf (sandstorm protection, sun protection)
Sunscreen 50+

Do not underestimate how intense the Saharan sun is. SPF 50 at minimum.

Heat Management: The Practical Reality

You will be hot. There is no getting around it. But loose clothing lets air circulate. Tight lycra leggings do not.

Cotton and linen breathe. Synthetic fabrics do not. Buy quality basics before you go: two pairs of loose linen trousers, four loose cotton shirts, a scarf, and one pair of lightweight joggers for lounges around your riad.

Avoid anything with elastic cuffs or tight waistbands. They trap heat and leave marks.

What to Buy There

Morocco has excellent textile markets. Loose cotton shirts are cheaper in Marrakech than in Marks and Spencer. If you have forgotten something, or want to dress more like a local, the medinas of Fez and Marrakech have everything.

Habibi scarves, lightweight djellabas for women (genuine ones, not tourist versions), and lightweight trousers cost less than you might expect. Buy these after day one, once you understand what you actually need.

Colours and Practicality

Lighter colours reflect heat. White, cream, pale blue, and pale pink work better than black or navy in summer heat.

That said, darker neutral colours hide dirt better when moving through dusty medinas. Bring a mix.

Shoes

Bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes (trainers are fine). Bring one pair of flat sandals or slides for riad lounging and showers. Avoid anything with straps between the toes (uncomfortable in summer heat, impractical for medina walking).

For women, closed-toe shoes or secure sandals in the medina reduce unwanted attention. Men should avoid flip-flops in conservative areas.

FAQ

Can I wear shorts in Morocco?

In beach towns and resorts, yes. In medinas and smaller towns, no. The closer you are to a major tourist area, the more relaxed the rules.

Do I need a headscarf?

No. A lightweight scarf is useful for sun protection and modest coverage when entering mosques (you will not be allowed inside most anyway as a non-Muslim tourist, but it is good to have). Wearing a scarf does not make you “blend in,” but it shows respect.

What if I get cold at night in the Sahara?

A light fleece or merino wool jumper costs £20 and weighs nothing. Do not skip this. Nights are surprisingly cold.

Is it disrespectful to wear western clothes?

No. Moroccans wear western clothes daily. What matters is coverage and modesty, not authenticity.

What about swimwear?

Wear it only at pools or beaches. Wearing a bikini or swimming trunks through town is the fastest way to be treated as a tourist with no awareness.