Dress Code

Of all the first-world problems that confront a Marrakech-bound traveler, agonizing over what to wear in Marrakech is probably high up there. Tourism in Marrakech has been on the rise for a number of years now, so seeing tourists in ‘western’ clothes isn’t exactly a shock to the locals.

So before you start throwing in your strappy tops, short shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, crop tops, or anything else that might show off your legs, shoulders, and cleavage.., stop! There are no official dress codes or laws in Marrakech but as a Muslim country, it is very disrespectful to be showing off too much skin. We will tell you a little bit about Marrakech Culture and how to dress (to impress).

So before you dash off to experience it for yourself, you should take a brief moment to consider what to wear in Morocco. In a desert nation such as Morocco, the sun is always beaming down with its full intensity making the days very hot. Packing for a trip to Marrakech requires careful consideration. With just a few simple tips and accessories, you can stay cool and comfortable, while also being sensitive to the conservative culture.

Dresses to pack for Marrakech?

Even though Marrakech has a hot climate, it’s a city, so your trip won’t be all about relaxing by the water in a bikini. A lot of people overcomplicate and panic-spiral unnecessarily about what to wear in Marrakech as a female traveler.

In terms of clothes, capri pants and a light cotton shirt are ideal for walking around the Medina, while long linen trousers and floaty shirts, maxi dresses, midi-length shirts, and kaftans are all perfect for other sightseeing. T-Shirts are a must as they will cover your shoulders and chest so tick the respect boxes. A leather jacket and jeans are also two good options to add to your wardrobe.

Covered knees, shoulders, and looser-fitting silhouettes are the standard for women in Morocco and fit into Marrakech Culture. Adhering to cultural clothing norms as a female traveler throughout the country is not only a sign of respect but will help you to blend in more as you move around the country. Chances are, you’ll be spending a lot of time walking around the dusty, chaotic city, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Large light-cotton drapey scarves and pashminas are extremely versatile and can be wrapped around your shoulders or worn as a headscarf. A headscarf to cover your hair is not a must, but might be handy to shake off men, especially when you have blonde hair! Moroccan women traditionally wear a hijab to cover their hair, although nowadays a lot of your women do not cover their hair anymore. At least not until they’re married. Most importantly, don’t forget your sunglasses. Trust me, you don’t want to go out without them.

What about the dress code for men?!

For men, the same rules apply in Marrakech Culture!

It’s best to always keep your upper legs and shoulders covered. So shorts or singlets will not impress the Marrakechi. Of course, when at the swimming pool, you can wear whatever you want. Just make sure you put on a shirt when going to the toilet or entering the restaurant for a drink. Natural materials are best: cotton and linen in nice sandy colors.

In the end, there’s no need to stress about what to pack for Marrakech. I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to dress for Marrakech! If you would like any further advice on where to shop in Marrakech, then get inspired by the nice shops around Riad Orange!