What Not to Wear in Marrakech: A Guide to Respectful and Appropriate Attire

When planning your trip to the captivating city of Marrakech, it’s natural to wonder about the appropriate attire. While Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, Marrakech is a vibrant and evolving city with a nuanced cultural landscape. It’s less about strict “don’ts” and more about embracing respectful and contextually suitable dressing.

Understanding the Cultural Landscape:

It’s important to acknowledge the cultural evolution Marrakech has experienced in recent decades. The city is not culturally closed off, and you’ll observe a range of clothing styles among locals. As our guide insightfully pointed out, you might see women who are fully covered alongside those who choose more contemporary and less conservative styles. This spectrum reflects the dynamic nature of the city.

However, as a visitor, adopting a mindful approach to your clothing is always recommended as a sign of respect for local customs and to ensure a comfortable and positive experience.

General Principles for Dressing in Marrakech:

The key is to aim for modesty and appropriateness, keeping in mind the specific context of where you are and what you are doing.

• Err on the side of modesty in public: While personal freedom in clothing is growing, it’s generally wise to avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. This includes very low-cut tops, excessively short shorts or skirts, and sheer fabrics. This consideration is not just about cultural sensitivity but also about dressing appropriately for a city environment that isn’t a beach resort.
• Comfort is crucial, especially for daytime: You’ll likely be doing a significant amount of walking on the uneven streets of Marrakech, particularly within the Medina. Comfortable, flat shoes or sturdy sandals are highly recommended for exploring during the day.

Specific Clothing Considerations:

• For Women:
  • Recommended: Tops that cover the shoulders, dresses and skirts that fall at or below the knee, loose-fitting trousers or jeans. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk are ideal for the warm climate. ¹ Consider bringing a light scarf or shawl that can be used for added modesty or to cover your head when visiting religious sites.
  • Consider Avoiding in Public: Very short shorts, crop tops, tank tops or sleeveless tops, low-cut tops or dresses, backless clothing, and very tight or figure-hugging attire. Swimwear should be reserved for hotel pools or designated areas.
• For Men:
  • Recommended: T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, longer shorts (knee-length or below), trousers, and jeans.
  • Consider Avoiding in Public: Very short shorts and sleeveless tops, as these are less commonly worn by local men in public settings.

Contextual Dressing is Key:

Instead of rigid “don’ts,” think about dressing appropriately for the situation:

• Daytime Exploration: Opt for comfortable and modest clothing that allows you to navigate the city easily and respectfully.
• Evenings Out: Marrakech boasts some sophisticated restaurants and venues where dressing up is appropriate. Consider packing smarter attire – dresses, skirts, blouses, or smart trousers for women, and smart shirts and trousers for men. Women might choose to wear heels for evening events.
• Visiting Religious Sites: Women will typically need to cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should also ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. It’s advisable for women to carry a scarf for impromptu visits to mosques or other religious sites.
• Hotel Pools and Riads: Swimwear, including bikinis, is perfectly acceptable within the private spaces of hotels and riad courtyards.

A Note on Respect and Perception:

Just as you might choose to dress more thoughtfully in certain settings in your own country, adopting a similar approach in Marrakech demonstrates respect for local customs. While the city is becoming increasingly diverse in its fashion, dressing modestly in public areas can help you avoid unwanted attention and shows consideration for the local culture, especially during your initial experiences in the city.

Packing Versatility:

The most valuable approach to packing for Marrakech is to bring a versatile selection of clothing. This will allow you to adapt your outfits to different situations, ensuring you are comfortable and appropriately dressed whether you are exploring the bustling souks, visiting historical sites, or enjoying a refined evening out. The concern about what not to wear shouldn’t be about rigid restrictions, but rather about making thoughtful choices that reflect respect for the local culture and the specific context of your activities.

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