Marrakesh Travel Forum

I am going in the next few weeks and wondered about dress codes for women??

Hi - best to dress a little conservatively so as to not draw too much attention. No short shorts/skirts, no low cut tops, but no need to over-cover yourself either (don't need long sleeves, scarf, etc.). Anything knee length or longer, sleeveless is okay. Enjoy!

Wear modestly and you'll be fine. No tank tops, miniskirts... just use common sense and try not to attract more attention than what's inevitable (you will attract lost of attention anyway).
It should not be really hot in March, so it should not be a problem having your arms and legs covered. No one expects you covering your head

hi Donna it looks we both did write at teh same time :)

cameltrip: you're righ as *most* people are respectful. But others are not, as in any country in the world I guess. I've been there and I saw how some other women-tourists were hassled or even insulted due their clothings (or better said lack of). I do wear more conservative when visiting Morocco or other countries that I do at home, in part as respect for the country's customs, but as well to feel myself more comfortable. I think that saying "wear what do you want" is not giving useful advice in this case. Of course any women may wear what she wants, but she may attract undesired attention, you should know this. Yes there are many local women that do not wear traditional clothes, but I never saw any wearing as a little that may be normal in some other countries

This is just my opinion. I'm not judging the country (that I love) or their inhabitants (most are really wonderful people). I'm just sharing my experience, the same way I would not advise to wear shorts in my hometown!

some morrocoan girls wear very tight clothes and some are very conservative.
the thing is though that these girls know the local scene and what is socially acceptable.
as a tourist you normally don't know the unwritten rules and my advice is to play it a bit safe to make sure you don't offend anyone.

Hi! I've been to Marrakech twice as a solo female traveller - once in January, when it was warm/hot in the day, then very cold at night, and then in August/September when it was hot and humid in the day, and warm at night. I guess in March, it will be similar to January.

I felt comfortable wearing trousers and a baggy shirt in the day, then needed my winter coat, scarf, gloves and hat at night, especially when sitting in Djemma el Fnaa - You might get by with a warm jacket/ jumper in March. In January, I spotted a few tourists wearing shorts in the daytime (male and female), and witnessed one woman in a strappy top/shorts being hissed at. In the summer, there were lots of tourists skimpily dressed.

My experience has always been to err on the side of caution, You don't need to be in purdah, but dress for comfort (both for the climate and less hassle from the locals)

In the museums/ palaces etc it is recommended to not wear vest tops/mini skirts etc.

By being dressed appropriately, You'll probably get better service in restaurants/ taxis etc -I also found that learning a few basic phrases of arabic moroccan/ berber got me 'the normal'i.e - not the inflated 'tourist rate' taxi fare etc.

Please feel free to contact me for further info.

Have A Great trip - Look forward to reading all about it!

Best Wishes,
Sue x

I went to Marrakech. See my pictures for ideas.
But really, no stress there. However out of respect for the religion and burning sun, I dod not wear any spagetti strap tops. I mean, I did, but on the top of it I wear white thin shirt.
If you will dress too skimpy Marocan man will eat you with their eyes, and old ladies will be unhappy.

Yes Balsaita, I totally agree with you. I’m betting cameltrip is a male who has never had the stares and uncomfortable feelings that many foreign women experience in more conservative countries. As far as what Moroccan girls wear – when I was having lunch one day in Marrakesh, there were some Moroccan teenage girls who were dressed “western”. They were getting extremely disapproving looks from Moroccan men.

And Jawnuta, I love your phrase …”man will eat you with their eyes”. I am a foreigner living in India and (no matter what I wear!), that’s exactly what it feels like.

hmmmm very nice Marrakech city prepares to host the session of the 58 world famous of the competition for the selection of Miss (pretty) Universe,
By the way, We don't look at women as they wears, rather we looks at them how they thinks?
So very welcome for pretty princesses and queens lol

Hi - How can you know what a woman thinks unless you talk to her and not just look at her? :-) A lot of generalizations are made about women depending on where they're from, the color of their skin, what they wear, etc. At home a woman will dress (mostly)as to what is acceptable in her culture/country. It is unfortunate that some women don't change their thinking when they go to other, more conservative countries. Thus the men there have those "negative" impressions of all foreigners. Sorry, but it does happen.

It really depends on where in Morocco you will be! If your in a city you will find that the young women wear clothes very similar to young women in US, UK or CANADA... Skirts are usually no shorter than just below the knee. They wear skinny jeans too. Tight shirts, etc etc.

I personally would suggest to dress accordingly. Modest dress will save you from a lot of hassle. It is generally a good idea to avoid shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or very tight clothing.

Not all people are equal in mind and thoughts and life etc ..
But when i said "we" that doesn't means i'm speaking by name of people!!!?
for me that appearence and clothes never gives a right image about unknown people..rather that is my personal opinion!