Top style tips for Morocco
- In keeping with many Muslim countries you will find that people in the capital and other major towns such as Marrakech are used to foreigners, and are therefore likely to be more liberal and more tolerant of your clothing.
- However, if you travel out to areas of Morocco with less tourism then the population there are more traditional and rigid, so please be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach, hips and bare legs.
- During the day it's hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton and bamboo that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
- Our advice would be to keep clothing modest and loose – it will keep you cooler and you will get less unwanted attention.
- light wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
- On any trip into the desert, be sure to take along a scarf or sarong to tie around your face to keep out the blowing sand, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and full length trousers – otherwise the mosquitoes will have a feast.
- The temperature in Morocco can drop significantly during cooler months (November through to May), so ensure you have a good quality travel jacket. We like the SCOTTeVEST travel jackets because they are extremely versatile and have been designed specifically for travel by incorporating 23 storage pockets, removable sleeves and RFID security features.
- Wear good sunglasses and a sunhat, plus plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) and insect/mosquito repellent.
Shoes to pack for Morocco
- Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – preferably closed-in shoes as the streets are often uneven and dusty. Try Hotter shoes, they are amazingly light and comfortable and look great too.
- It is best to avoid high heels – instead choose pretty flat sandals for the evenings. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
Clothing tips for women
- Our advice would be to keep swimwear to the beach and pool, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around.
- Short tops, short skirts and shorts, tight or body revealing clothes etc should be avoided.
- Cotton or other natural fibre shirts or t-shirts, with cotton trousers or an ankle length skirt, are good choices and will protect you from the sun too. Do cover your shoulders or you will be looked at.
- Particularly remember to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs if you are going to visit any religious sites – a sarong or pashmina will come in handy for this.
- A pashmina or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or as a modesty cover-up – and it will ‘glam' up the simplest of outfits for evenings too.
- Remember some simple costume jewellery can dress up any outfit.
Clothing tips for men
- If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
Pack for the weather
- The winter months of November, December, January, February and March are mild in Morocco, but nonetheless cooler especially in the evenings – so pack a jacket or jumper to put round you. It is also wetter, so it's a good idea to pack a raincoat and travel umbrella.
- We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android
Regions of Morocco
- If you are planning on visiting the Atlas mountains during your stay then you will need to pack a jumper or warm jacket even in the middle of summer, as the temperature is cooler there. In the winter pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Merino wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
- If your trip includes Marrakech and you plan to eat in the more up-market restaurants in the modern city, you may want to pack a smarter outfit and shoes. Ladies can get away with a lower neckline and a shorter skirt at smarter restaurants.
- Essaouira is a pretty port with lots of cobbled streets in the medina, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
- What to Wear in Marrakech
Other things to pack
- Morocco has a ‘closed currency', so you'll need to buy your Dirhams at the airport when you get there. Make sure you keep your receipts, as you'll need them to convert your left-over cash back into your own currency when you leave.
- A bag or soft-sided rucksack is a more practical option than a hard case when travelling around, or if you plan to travel with just carry-on baggage. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too.
- Combine your bag with a fold away day sack that will carry your daytime essentials.
- Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
- To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (220V).
- Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! You'll find a myriad of treasures in the souks including beautiful embroidered linens, spices and dried goods, and Moroccan argan oil (best bought in Agadir, Essaouira or small villages) which can be used for cooking or cosmetic use. Just remember any liquids will need to be packed in your hold luggage when you fly home.
Community photos of Morocco
Locals in Oued Laou, in May
