Why Tourists Need To Be Cautious Of The Clothing They Pack For A Trip To Morocco

Whether you're looking to relax on beautiful sandy beaches, take in the beauty of vast desert landscapes, hike through rugged mountains, or shop until you drop for artisan goods in bustling markets, Morocco is an incredible destination. Cities like Marrakech are must-visits for history buffs, with breathtaking architecture and luxurious accommodations, and the small villages throughout the country offer an authentic taste of North African and Islamic cultures. The 1942 film "Casablanca" firmly cemented the country amongst the world's most romantic destinations.

Morocco is generally considered safe, and welcomes millions of tourists from all over the world each year. It's most popular amongst Europeans, especially travelers from France and Spain. For years, Morocco sat at the top of my bucket list. I was completely entranced by photos of the elaborate buildings, decorated with mosaic tiles and the bustling souks selling colorful spices and home decor. When I finally began to plan my trip, one of the major questions that emerged was what to pack.

Morocco is an Islamic nation. While there is full religious freedom, and people from many different faiths and nationalities call the country home, Islam is the official religion. For many people who practice Islam as their religion, modesty is very important. Part of Morocco is covered by the Sahara Desert — one of the hottest and driest places on earth. A good part of the country remains warm year round, and summers are scorching hot. I planned on visiting beaches, cities, and small towns, so I needed clothing for a variety of conditions and activities. As I researched, I realized their a few things tourists should be aware of when visiting Morocco, including the importance of packing cautiously to ensure I had clothes that were comfortable, stylish, and respectful of the local culture.

Like many other travelers, I was left wondering what I should wear in Morocco, and whether or not I should consider covering my hair with a hijab or scarf. Rest assured that there is no official or legal dress code for locals or tourists. Morocco is a great example of a modern and moderate Islamic country, and during my trip, I saw a great variance in the way locals dressed. When walking through the streets of Marrakech, it wasn't uncommon to see a woman in a hijab and an abaya walking arm in arm with a woman wearing jeans and a t-shirt. That being said, the majority of women in Morocco still dressed modestly compared to what I'm used to in the United States. Men wore kaftans or long pants with nice button up shirts. The only people I saw showing a lot of skin or wearing shorts were tourists, and it did cause them to stand out.

I felt most comfortable in long flowy dresses that covered my chest, shoulders, and legs. Flowy pants and loose fitting tops also work. Covering up is a great way to show your respect for the local culture, and avoid getting instantly pegged as a tourist. The weather was hot, even in November, so ensure that you pack plenty of lightweight, light colored options to stay cool. When the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly, so packing a scarf or shawl is a practical way to stay warm and cover up as you're walking around at night. In rural parts of Morocco and around mosques modest clothing felt even more essential. Had I spent more time in smaller villages or entered mosques I would have chosen to wear a head scarf out of respect.

While it's important to dress modestly in public, the vibe within hotels, riads, and clubs was much more laid-back. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with a central courtyard, and many of them have been converted into gorgeous accommodations for tourists. Many riads feature tiled pools in the courtyards where guests can lounge around and swim. Within your riad, it's usually fine to wear whatever kind of swimwear and clothing you want. Alcohol isn't permitted within Islam, but there are still bars and clubs in Morocco that cater to tourists and locals who aren't religious. Clubs and some restaurants, especially those in tourist areas, are places where you can feel more free to express your personal style — just make sure to bring along a scarf or jacket to wear when you depart. 

Artsy coastal towns like Essaouira are more relaxed about clothing, but swimwear should be reserved for the pool or the beach only. Men wear swim shorts and go topless. Local women often wear lightweight or water-friendly abayas and hijabs. Female tourists can wear swimsuits, especially in the touristy beach areas around the big hotels, but consider leaving Brazilian-style bikinis at home if you don't want to attract attention. The sun is extremely intense, and the constant breeze from the ocean can trick you into thinking you aren't getting a sunburn. Make sure to pack lightweight clothing and a hat to protect your skin.

Wherever you go in Morocco, comfortable shoes are a must. The old city centers, called medinas, are very walkable, and you'll want to keep your feet happy. Sandals are great for the beach towns, but I felt most comfortable wearing close toed shoes in the cities.