Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, where modesty in all aspects of life is key. I was in Morocco, during Ramadan (a holy month of fasting), which was even more reason to be mindful of my attire. While exploring the medina in Marrakech there were several tourists who wore shorts and crop tops. Our guide told us it was extremely disrespectful towards the culture, especially given it was the holy month.
Here’s a guide to what to wear in Morocco while staying culturally appropriate, fashionable, and comfortable in the intense summer heat.
In general, it is advised to cover your shoulders, knees, mid-drift, and avoid low-cut tops particularly while in the medina and rural areas.
Layers.
Our first night in Morocco, my friend Fi and I wandered the medina in Marrakech to visit Le Jardin, a very trendy restaurant. I wore an over-the-knee, high neckline, spaghetti strap linen dress that I covered with a light-weight open kimono. While walking through the crowded medina, I wore my kimono. Le Jardin was definitely a hotspot for foreigners, so I felt comfortable removing my kimono for a bit while inside.
Light-weight clothing.
Our second day in Morocco was spent driving from Marrakech to Dades Valley via the Atlas Mountains, with a lot of stops in rural areas along the way. I wore a halter pant jumpsuit with a long-line floral kimono. Despite the incredibly hot weather, I was really comfortable in this outfit because all the items were light-weight.
Breathable clothing.
One key to staying cool in the summer is to wear clothing made with breathable fabrics like cotton, chambray, rayon, linen, and blends. My first day in the Sahara, I wore a loose fitting sleeveless tank with leggings. The second day I wore a racer back shirt with light-weight pants. I also kept a jacket handy because it was chilly in the mornings.
My rule of thumb was that I was ok exposing my shoulders while in remote, less crowded areas. That’s why I opted for a more covered look ( scooped back tank, high-waisted culotte pants, paired with a kimono) when we walked through the medina of Chefchaouen.
Traditional Moroccan clothing.
My traditional Moroccan kaftan was perfect outfit for my half-day tour of Fes. The dress was really comfortable and people were genuinely happy to see us in their traditional garments.
As you can see there are an abundance of options to dress and remain cool, look great, and most importantly culturally appropriate in Morocco!
What are some of your favorite clothing items to wear when traveling to modest countries?
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I LOVE that Moroccan dress! So beautiful!
Thanks Michelle!!
Layers are the perfect solution. And your blue kaftan is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see your post on what to visit!
Thank you!!! Yessss, layers for the win 🙂
I adored the fashion I saw in Morocco. It takes extra creativity, which I typically don’t have in cooler climates but in hot weather I am alright. You did an excellent job. I don’t understand -how- people are comfortable wearing shorts in the Medinas. It’s like you’re asking for trouble / attention, which simply isn’t my ministry.
I agree with you! In such a modest country, exposing your body will cause too much unnecessary attention. And yes the fashion in Morocco was dope!
The colors in Morocco are just absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing – love this guide. Can I just have your closet?! haha
Thanks Megan!! I was obsessed with the diversity of Moroccan landscapes and the tiles were incredible!
I love the styles of Morocco. So many free-flowing dresses and skirts, all brightly-colored. That’s my kind of style!
Yes, free flowing dresses and skirts are the way to go in Morocco! 🙂
Love these ideas, thanks for sharing! Did you purchase the Moroccan dress after you arrived, or bring it from home?
Thank you! I purchased the dress in a shop in Tinejdad- Melaab 🙂
Wow your pictures are soooo beautiful!! And love your clothes! I went to Marrakech a couple of months ago and really struggled with what to wear when I first got there. I think it’s really good you wrote this blog because a lot of people don’t know and just walk around in mini shorts and dresses without caring what the local people think. It’s really good your guide told you that it’s very disrespectful too. Great post!
Thanks Daisy! I was blown away by the amount of people I saw with inappropriate attire. Hopefully they learned for the next time they visit a predominantly Muslim country.
Your photos look gorgeous! I’m glad you chose to be respectful of the culture – it makes my skin crawl seeing tourists who aren’t mindful of the dress in the country they are traveling through. I love that you said that locals were happy to see you in their dress, that’s awesome! Did you feel safe while there? All my friends who have traveled have felt safe, but it gets a bad rep!
Thanks Nikki! Yea, I really don’t get how people felt comfortable wearing shorts and crop tops in a medina during Ramadan. I actually felt really safe there. I was on edge when I first got there because I read a lot of intense stories, but I just practiced basic precaution like ignoring the people who came up to us trying to give directions, avoiding dark alleys at night, etc. Overall, people were really friendly and welcoming.
OMG the colors, the textures, the patterns!! I must go right now! Great post!
Thank you!! Yesss Morocco is a sensory treat.
Your photos make me want to go to Morroco! Some great tips on dressing and you have an amazing style!
Thanks Nam!! You should definitely visit.
These photos are stunning- I love that blue dress!
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Thanks Marisa!!
I have been searching for what to wear in Morocco for a long time. Loved your article and it will surely help me for my trip in October 🙂
Thank you! Enjoy your trip in October 🙂
Your photos are amazing! And all of those outfits are adorable! I especially love that light blue dress and will need to find that. Love that you were able to put together such fashionable outfits while still be conscientious of the local culture.
Thanks Kate!! It was very important to me that I was respectful of their culture, but still looked good lol. I bought the dress in a shop in Tinejdad- Melaab, a neighborhood we drove through to get to the Sahara.
Where did you get the cream kimono? It’s so cute and perfect to go with just about anything. I’m heading to Morocco in a week!
Thank you! I got it about 4 years ago from Forever 21! Most stores are transitioning into fall time clothes now, so hopefully, you can find something similar. Have so much fun in Morocco!