What should women wear in Morocco?

Morocco is a moderate Muslim country — respectful dress for women is appreciated in traditional areas. Practical guidelines: (1) Medinas and souks: Cover shoulders and knees. A long skirt or loose trousers and a light top with sleeves is ideal. This is both respectful and practical — you will receive less unwanted attention; (2) Mosques: Full modesty required — long sleeves, long skirt/trousers, and a headscarf if entering (most mosques in Morocco are not open to non-Muslim visitors, so this applies mainly to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca); (3) Sahara desert: Loose, lightweight clothing covering arms and legs — this is practical (sun and sand protection) as well as respectful; (4) Coastal cities (Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir): Dress code is more relaxed. Shorts and sleeveless tops are acceptable in beach areas; (5) Riads and hotels: Any dress is acceptable in private spaces. Morocco is not Saudi Arabia — you will see Moroccan women in jeans, shorts, and Western dress in cities. The key principle is: when in doubt, cover up in traditional areas.

What should men wear in Morocco?

Dress code for men in Morocco: (1) General: Morocco is relaxed about men's dress. Shorts are perfectly acceptable in most areas, including medinas in cities and the Sahara; (2) Mosques: Long trousers required (shorts not permitted). Remove shoes before entering; (3) Sahara desert: Loose, lightweight long trousers are more comfortable than shorts for camel trekking (prevents chafing) and offer better sun protection in open desert; (4) Atlas Mountains: Layers — mornings can be cool even in summer at altitude. A fleece or light jacket for evenings at elevation; (5) Beach areas: Swimwear at designated beach areas only — not in medinas or walking through city streets. One key tip: a light djellaba (traditional Moroccan robe) purchased in the medina is excellent for cool evenings in the desert and is a wonderful souvenir.

Do you need to cover your head in Morocco?

Head covering in Morocco: (1) Women: A headscarf is NOT required for non-Muslim women visiting Morocco. You will see Moroccan women both with and without headscarves. If visiting a mosque (only the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is accessible to non-Muslims), a light scarf to cover your hair is respectful; (2) Men: No head covering required at any location; (3) Practical head covering: In the Sahara desert, a turban-style scarf (cheche) is highly practical — both Moroccan men and women use them for sun and sand protection. Your desert camp will provide one, or buy one in Merzouga for 50–100 MAD; (4) Hammam: No head covering required in public or tourist hammams.

What shoes should you wear in Morocco?

Morocco footwear guide: (1) Medina walking: Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers. Medina streets are narrow, cobbled, and often slippery in rain — heels are impractical and sandals can be uncomfortable on long walking days; (2) Mosques: Remove shoes at the entrance. Slip-on shoes are more convenient than laces; (3) Sahara desert: Closed shoes for camel trekking (sand in open shoes is uncomfortable). Sandals for camp life; (4) Atlas Mountains: Proper hiking boots or trail shoes for any off-road walking — the terrain is rocky; (5) Buy in Morocco: Traditional Moroccan babouche (yellow leather pointed slippers) are beautiful, cheap (100–200 MAD in medina souks), and comfortable for riad and camp use. A popular souvenir.

What clothes should you buy in Moroccan souks?

Best clothing to buy in Moroccan souks: (1) Djellaba: The traditional full-length Moroccan robe — excellent for cool evenings in the desert, hammam robes, and as a kaftan. Marrakech medina: 150–400 MAD for quality cotton. Avoid very cheap synthetic versions; (2) Cheche / Tagelmust: The Tuareg desert turban-scarf — 50–100 MAD. Functional and beautiful. Available in Merzouga and all southern Morocco souks; (3) Babouche: Traditional pointed leather slippers — 100–200 MAD. Best purchased in the Fes leather souk (Chouara) for the most authentic examples; (4) Berber blanket / handira: Traditional Berber wedding blankets with silver sequins — 200–600 MAD. Excellent as throws or wall hangings; (5) Argan oil products: Genuine argan oil for skin and hair — buy from a women's argan cooperative in Essaouira or the Souss Valley. Price reference: 100ml pure argan oil should cost 80–150 MAD.

Women · Men · Medinas · Desert · Mountains

Morocco Dress Code — What to Wear

Practical clothing guide for Morocco: what to wear in medinas, mosques, the Sahara, and coastal cities. For women and men. By Morocco travel expert Aziz Sakri.

Quick Answer

The one-sentence rule for Morocco dress

Women in traditional areas: Cover shoulders and knees in medinas, souks, and mosques. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in the heat and are respectful.
Men: Shorts and t-shirts are fine almost everywhere. Long trousers for mosque visits and camel trekking.
Both in the Sahara: Loose, light long sleeves and trousers — practical for sun protection, camel trekking, and cool desert nights.

Dress by Context

What to wear, where

Setting	Women	Men	Notes
Medinas & Souks	Shoulders + knees covered. Loose trousers or long skirt.	Shorts acceptable. T-shirt fine.	Practical in heat, reduces unwanted attention
Mosques (Hassan II)	Long sleeves, long skirt, headscarf.	Long trousers, remove shoes at door.	Most Moroccan mosques not open to non-Muslims
Sahara Desert	Light long-sleeve top + loose trousers. Cheche scarf.	Long trousers (camel trekking). Light cheche.	Sun + sand protection = practical choice
Atlas Mountains	Layers. Long trousers for hiking. Fleece for evenings.	Hiking trousers + layers. Waterproof for passes.	Temperatures drop fast at altitude
Beach / Coastal Cities	Swimwear at beach. Cover up in town.	Swimwear at beach only — cover up in town.	Agadir + Essaouira are most relaxed
Riads & Hotels	Any clothing — private space.	Any clothing — private space.	No restrictions in private accommodation

Dress Code FAQ

Morocco dress code — frequently asked questions

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