What to wear in Morocco as female traveler? Guide for travel packing
Mezguita old kazbah, Morocco
Are you planning a trip to Morocco and wondering what to bring with you? I had the same question when I was planning my first trip to Morocco. Don’t worry I got you!
First of all needless to say that Morocco is a Muslim country and that means most of the country and tourists are dressed conservatively. Dressing in accordance with country customs and religion will keep you safe, away from any remarks and troubles and is a respect to the local traditions. As a tourist, especially if a woman like myself, you will stand out in the public no matter what and will attract unnecessary attention for 2 main reasons: 1) as a tourist you will be a target to make some money for the locals and 2) as a woman you will receive a lot of attention from local men for obvious reasons. Therefore, number one rule to dress appropriately and not attract much attention and only bring provoking clothes for the specific occasions and photoshoots.
I visited different cities with different landscapes and from the touristy Marrakech with tolerant dress code, the clothing preferences were changing from the big cities to the smaller more conservative ones. I’ll suggest below to bring some basic clothes but would also suggest to consider buying some authentic Moroccan outfit for the memory and great cultural pictures. The outfits are different in every region, for example I bought a dress and a headscarf on a picture below in Sahara but that style wasn’t available anywhere else. Other cities that I passed by had absolutely different outfits.
I’m a big lover of linen and cotton fabrics and you definitely can bring clothes with you (and you should) but keep in mind that you will be able to find beautiful clothes with a local vibe in Morocco and probably even cheaper than in your country (but depends, i’m from USA). Based on your style I would suggest to bring some neutral colors that are easy to mix and match for pictures. When/if you will be shopping for clothes in Morocco you will see two types of sellers: in the open market, like medina in Marrakesh (The Souks) or the designer shops (those I prefer). There are plenty of designer stores in charming big cities like Fez and Marrakesh but I snatched my pretty red dress in a village open market in Merguza (Sahara departure point) for the lack of designer shops and my pictures came out just fine! Therefore just buy what suits you.
What to wear in Morocco during the summer
If you're planning to visit Morocco during the summer months, it's important to dress appropriately for the hot and sunny weather. Here are some tips on what to wear in Morocco during summer:
Lightweight, breathable clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to help keep you cool in the heat. Loose-fitting clothing is also recommended to allow air to circulate around your body.
Cover your shoulders and knees: While it may be tempting to wear shorts and tank tops to stay cool, it's important to dress modestly in Morocco. Women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or pants that fall below the knee. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public.
Hats and sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. This will also help you stay cool and comfortable in the hot weather.
Sandals or lightweight shoes: Wear comfortable sandals or lightweight shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid closed-toe shoes that can trap heat and make your feet sweaty.
Scarf or shawl: Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl that you can drape over your shoulders or head to protect you from the sun or to cover up when visiting religious sites.
What to wear in Morocco during winter months
If you're planning to visit Morocco during the winter months, it is important to dress appropriately for the colder temperatures. Here are some tips on what to wear in Morocco during winter:
Layers: Temperatures in Morocco can vary greatly during the winter months, so it's important to dress in layers. This will allow you to easily adjust your clothing based on the temperature and weather conditions.
Warm, insulated clothing: Bring warm, insulated clothing such as a winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf to help keep you warm in the colder temperatures.
Closed-toe shoes: Wear closed-toe shoes such as boots to keep your feet warm and dry. This is especially important if you plan to do any outdoor activities such as hiking.
Pants: Wear pants or jeans that will help keep your legs warm. You can also wear leggings or tights underneath your pants for added warmth.
Sweaters and cardigans: Bring a few warm sweaters or cardigans to wear under your coat for added warmth. You can also layer a turtleneck or long-sleeve shirt underneath your sweater or cardigan.
Overall, it's important to dress comfortably and appropriately while also being respectful of local customs and traditions.
