What to Wear in Morocco

To know what to wear in Morocco as a woman and man, it is important to first take into consideration the climate. If you go in winter, make no mistake: it is quite cold (remember that the country is close to Spain and Portugal), and not only at dawn.

From December to March, when it is winter in Morocco, is the coldest time, especially in the north of Morocco, where Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes are located. The minimum temperature in Morocco is usually 7 degrees and the maximum 25 degrees. It also rains a lot, so don’t forget an umbrella (the small ones are handy to carry in your bag or backpack when walking), a waterproof jacket, and closed shoes (that don’t get dirty easily).

You can take those nylon jackets from Uniqlo. As they turn into a roll, they are easy to keep in the bag when it gets hot during the day and keeps you warm to the right extent (since it is not as absurdly cold as in Europe).

Summer, especially July and August, is too hot (it gets up to 50 degrees in the desert) and that is why it is off-season. It is so hot that fewer people make a trip to Morocco during these months. The weather is better, milder, from April to June and from September to November.

What to wear in Morocco as a woman and man?

Morocco is one of the least strict dress code countries in the Arab world. You won’t have a major problem if you wear shorts, but most women there don’t show their legs, and if you do you will feel uncomfortable about dressing in Morocco.

The only places where you would wear shorts (or an above-the-knee dress) would be at the hotel’s pool. So, take long pants and skirts or long dresses for the cooler days to compose the Morocco look.

Women also don’t show their shoulders. Pack your suitcase for Morocco with sleeve shirts or, in the case of tank tops, don’t forget scarves and pashminas to cover your neck and shoulders. Detail: Morocco is full of wonderful pashmina stores, so it is not worth taking too many options. You will end up buying a few. These clothes will serve both the cities and the desert (for those who are in doubt about what to wear in the Sahara desert of Morocco).

A series of trips to Morocco often cause culture shock. Although today there are cities that receive hundreds of tourists a year. And have adapted very well to these requirements, such as Marrakech or Casablanca. However, if you are going to go to a country where we have a culture so different from yours. An Islamic culture with a dress code, you better understand what you are going to find.

You’re going to see how to dress in Morocco and what the typical costumes are here. You know you don’t have to dress a certain way. But the truth is that taking note of the culture you live in is always a sign of respect, so it’s a great idea.

What kind of clothes to wear in Morocco

The first thing you should know is that there is no law that tells you what kind of clothes you should wear in Morocco. That is to say, wearing a certain type of clothing is not necessary, but recommended. The type of clothing is usually recommended for several reasons. One of which is that it is better to respect the customs of the country to which you are going, simply out of respect. You want them to respect your customs and traditions, so you should do the same with them. Another reason is that if you dress modestly, you remain more unnoticed. And you avoid attracting too much attention or even being looked at badly or having something said to you. It is always better to avoid this behavior because your culture is not the same as theirs.

Shoes

High heels are unnecessary, even for the night. Unless you want to wear them in the hotel restaurant. But it’s an unnecessary bulge in your suitcase, right? The floors are uneven, with many holes, pebbles, steps, and sand. In the medinas (old town) then, don’t even think about heels or platforms.

It is best to bring the most comfortable shoes possible, such as tennis shoes. If you are in Morocco from December to March is the rainy season, so also plan to pack waterproof shoes. Many hotels have carpeting, so it is also a good idea to bring flip-flops for use in the room.

In the desert, you can choose whether to wear tennis shoes or flip-flops. Each has its disadvantages: sneakers get sand and flip-flops can burn your feet if it’s too hot. It will depend on the discomfort you prefer to feel and the time of your trip to Morocco.

Extra backpack

Don’t forget an extra backpack to store your clothes throughout the day and for the nights in the desert. As the accommodation is in tents, usually the suitcases are in the car/bus. And you should separate a change of clothes to spend one or two nights in the desert. The tents usually have a towel for each person, but it’s always good to make sure beforehand because taking a towel is a detail that fills your backpack.

Medicines:

I am not a doctor, but I have a basic pharmacy that I recommend. The roads are good and not bumpy, but they have many curves. So, if you are the kind of person who gets seasick easily, don’t forget some medicine to prevent it, like Draminate. And since you will eat different spices, it is good to take a digestive and medicine for nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

Personal items to bring to Morocco

Girls, most bathrooms (especially on the roads) do not have toilet paper or soap. Take paper towels, alcohol gel, and soap always in your purse. You can take the soaps from the hotels, because then it would not be one more weight for the suitcase.

Especially in the desert, the climate is very dry. Don’t forget to pack your Morocco suitcase with body moisturizer and lip balm.

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How we dress

We know that depending on where you are going upset more or less depending on your dress. There are so many tourists in places like Marrakech that they are used to all sorts. But in smaller towns, it can seem striking to wear clothes that are too short or that teach them too much. It is common to wear long skirts and top clothes without a neckline covering the shoulders. While this seems excessive to you because of the heat it causes, the truth is that with this type of clothing you also protect your skin and prevent burns in areas like the shoulders, so it is still an advantage. You don’t have to wear traditional clothing, although you can always enjoy the experience.

About covering your head with a scarf called a hijab Not necessary. Many Moroccan women nowadays choose not to use this scarf, so it is not necessary. Although it is often seen on women in places like cities. It’s not as common in big cities anymore because they are more influenced by other cultures. However, if you want to enjoy the experience, you can do so by buying a beautiful scarf. It also helps in places like the desert because of the sun. Many people decide to take a trip to the desert to feel like Berbers and also to avoid problems with the sun.

Another issue with this type of clothing is that in hot weather in Morocco, wear light but long clothes to protect the skin from the sun and to keep the sweat from drying out, and keeping the skin fresh longer. This is also a practical matter, so men and women are advised to wear traditional clothes in Morocco.

Traditional clothing in Morocco – What do Moroccans wear?

Moroccan traditional clothing items that not only can be interesting as souvenirs when you bring something home, but you can also try to enjoy their culture. One of them, which is also very comfortable, is the Djellaba. It is a long tunic that is usually accompanied by pants of the same tone. The tunic has embroidery of the same or a different color, and sometimes a hood with an elongated tip, which is very distinctive. It is a garment that can be found in many places and in different colors. It is light and perfect for summer to shelter you and not get burned by the sun.

El kaftan is another type of tunic mainly used by women in Morocco. It is a long tunic with wide sleeves that can be seen everywhere in the East and apparently originated in Persia. It is a very traditional garment that can be worn with simple designs every day. And with more elaborate designs and expensive fabrics at special events such as weddings. Kaftans in Morocco are for women only, and some can be very expensive because of the intricate fabrics, so they are not always available as souvenirs.

Tips about Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim country, and that already says a lot. Everyone is well aware of the strict Muslim rules, traditions, and customs. You are right to be interested in this question because it is better to arm yourself with knowledge beforehand than to get into trouble later. In order not to experience very much inconvenience do not come to the country during the holy month of Ramadan for all Muslims. It is during which time there are strict restrictions on entertainment activities, alcohol, and other recreational benefits. During this time some stores either do not work or work in a reduced mode, and tourists are not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages (with alcohol in general, everything is very complicated) and eat in public places, as some locals may not take it very kindly.

The Moroccan national currency

Morocco has a national currency – the Moroccan dirham and all calculations must be made in it. Do not worry about currency exchange and do not look where it is more profitable. Because all over the country the national bank has established a single exchange rate. Money can be exchanged in banks and special exchange offices. Morocco although a Muslim country with strict laws and regulations, but the black market of currency exchange is very well developed here. But do not mess with such people, as they offer not a much better rate. And contacting them, you can get in trouble with the police or even lose your money.

Security and safety in Morocco

In terms of security, Morocco can be called a safe country. But, as in many other countries, the most to be wary of pickpockets. Try to keep your money, phones, and documents in safe places not to lose vigilance. If you rent a car, then leave the car only in paid, secured parking lots, or the car can be stolen.

Be prepared for the fact that on the streets you will be pestered by various traders and offer to buy from them all sorts of nonsense. In order that they do not bother you, you should refuse all their offers. And do it as persistently as possible. Even if they do not give you peace, then it is worth turning to the police. They can often be found in the city and are feared as fire to the locals. Be prepared for the fact that if you went into a store and started inquiring about the goods, then leave without purchase will be very difficult.

Tips for what to wear in Morocco for both men and women

Show respect for local laws and traditions. First of all, in Morocco, women should wear long dresses and outerwear, which would cover the shoulders. Too revealing or revealing clothing can cause a negative reaction among the local population. It is better for men to give up shorts. Women should avoid walking alone on the streets. But if it happens, you need to know a few rules to help avoid getting into unpleasant situations. Firstly, do not smile at local men and do not look them in the eye. Secondly, do not smoke in public places, as all this can be an excuse for excessive attention from the male sex.

If the need arises to ask for help or directions, it is best to go to the older women. Tourists often ask for help, because the streets of Moroccan cities are not always marked with special signs, and sometimes have several names. So in this situation, it is very easy to get confused and get lost. If you are asked to pay for your help or a hint, do not be surprised and thank the person with one or two dirhams. Unlike in European countries, in Morocco, the tip should not be left in the bill. It is better to give it right in the hands of the one who served you.

As in many other Muslim countries in Morocco, there is a special tradition of tipping. If you somehow get into the house of a local and you are offered to drink tea (usually mint tea). You can not refuse, as it will be seen as a sign of disrespect. You can refuse tea only after you drink the third cup.

How to eat as Moroccans?

In Morocco, there are special traditions related to the consumption of food. Cutlery is replaced by the right hand, the food is taken with three fingers folded in a pinch. In addition to food, the table is served with a bowl of warm water in which you can wash your hands. It is not necessary to imitate the example of the local population, but it is better in a foreign country not to stand out from the crowd.

Some other tips

Moroccans do not like to be photographed, so do not try to take pictures of some of the locals, it could cause a scandal. On the streets is not acceptable to kiss or even hold hands, but this rule even the locals do not always comply with. In Morocco, it is customary to shake hands.

Who is interested in the question of alcohol, it is forbidden by religion in Morocco and it is unlikely that you will meet at least one local resident, who will drink alcohol on the street. It is forbidden to be drunk on the street in the country. But alcohol is sold, you can buy it in restaurants, hotels and some supermarkets, but the price is very high. Who needs alcohol, he/she buys it in advance duty-free.

Also, you should know that in Morocco you have to haggle. Otherwise, you will pay for the goods much more than their real value. Before you start haggling, look at the goods, find out the price and offer your own, which will be 5-10 times less, and then start haggling. If you can not agree on the price, you can leave the shop, and most likely the seller will stop you to offer the best price or agree to yours.