As a more conservative country with a predominantly Muslim population, it can be a bit of a minefield deciding what to wear in Morocco as a female traveller. Whilst it's important to respect the local culture and dress accordingly, it's also key to stay cool and comfortable. Balancing both (whilst serving looks!) can be a real challenge.
The local women in Morocco largely adhere to traditional Muslim dress, with burkas and hijabs. However you will see some Western wear, though this will still be relatively covered up. What is appropriate will also depend on your destination. For example, in Marrakech the locals are definitely used to seeing foreign tourists in all sorts. It's not unusual to see crop tops and denim hot pants, however personally I'd recommend steering clear to avoid unwanted attention. In lesser frequented parts of the country, you may want to consider opting for more modest pieces.
I've put together this guide on what to wear in Morocco as a woman to help provide you with some packing inspiration, and top tips for staying stylish yet modest when travelling to Morocco.
Keep it Covered
When packing for Morocco, I generally choose clothing that hits below the knee, and weren't too revealing of my shoulders and décolletage. If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I'm very much a dress girlie, so this means a lot of full sleeved midi and maxi dresses. If you prefer separates, consider flowing maxi skirts and loose trousers with puff sleeve tops. Or opt for a casual trouser and shirt co ord. Avoid anything too form fitting - not only is bodycon inappropriate for a conservative country, it'll be far too hot!
Dress for the Weather
Though it depends on the time of year you choose to visit, likelihood is, it'll be hot. Therefore it's imperative to keep cool! To this end, I'd recommend picking loose, flowing pieces in cool fabrics like cotton and linen. Opt for lighter colours like white and beige. However it can get chillier in the evenings or in the mountains, so always pack an emergency cover up!
If you're staying somewhere with a pool you may want to pack swimwear. Maybe leave the thong-kini at home for this one! I opted for one pieces with a kimono cover up, however this is best to judge based on the atmosphere and other clientele wherever you're staying.
Pack a Shawl
My very top tip for packing for a more conservative country is to pack a shawl or two. On my last trip I had a couple of strappier / lower cut dresses I wanted to pack, so wore a simple white shawl over the top. Often when visiting certain sights such as religious buildings you may need to be more covered up, so having a shawl on hand keeps you from getting caught out! I've found one of the best places to pick up shawls from are hijab brands such as Aab and Vela. If you don't have any, never fear. You'll find countless stalls selling beautiful pashminas throughout Morocco.
Dresses for Morocco
Comfort is Key
You'll probably be doing a lot of walking in Morocco, particularly if you're visiting a major city such as Marrakech or Fez. The streets are often uneven and dirty, with no discernible pavement. Therefore shoes that are easy to walk in are a must. I'd recommend open toe flat sandals to keep you cool and comfortable. I made the mistake of wearing heeled sandals one day in Marrakech, and ended up with nasty blisters!
Accessories make the Outfit
Personally I can struggle with styling modest outfits. It can be hard to feel chic when you're used to wearing very different styles of clothing. However I've come to learn that it's all about those little extra accessory details to make an outfit pop. My go-to is a silk headscarf to tie in my hair - it feels bohemian, and adds a pop of interest. Or opt for a fun printed kaftan or kimono to cover up in style.
Straw bags are for sale everywhere in Morocco - I love a cute straw or wicker bag to hold all my essentials whilst adding a touch of travel-chic. my favourite is this tote, which holds so much stuff, is surprisingly sturdy (I throw my bulky camera in it far more often than I should) and goes with everything!
Your Morocco Packing List
- Loose, flowing clothing that covers your knees
- Comfortable flat sandals and shoes
- A swimsuit if you want to cool down by the pool
- A shawl to cover up skimpier outfits and in religious sights
- Headscarves, kimonos, and straw bags to complete the fit
- Sunglasses, sunhat, and SPF to shade yourself from the heat of the African sun
The Finishing Touches
I hope this guide to what to wear in Morocco as a female traveller has been helpful. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance you feel comfortable with, whilst respecting local customs. Let me know if you have any questions or specific styling requests in the comments or by sending me a DM - I'd love to hear from you.
