What to Wear in Morocco: What to Pack as a Woman

On By saar.decosterIn Morocco

Not sure what to wear in Morocco? Here’s what I actually packed, what I felt comfortable wearing and what I’d recommend bringing as a woman travelling Morocco.

Before travelling to Morocco, I honestly had no idea what to pack.

I didn’t want to arrive wearing something completely inappropriate, get stared at everywhere I went or feel like I was massively sticking out.

At the same time, I didn’t want to bring an entire suitcase of clothes I would never actually wear.

And honestly? It ended up being much easier than I expected.

I travelled through Agadir, Taghazout and Marrakech with my best friend, and what felt appropriate really depended on where we were.

There were definitely some things I would recommend being more careful with, especially in more local areas. But in places like Taghazout, where there were loads of international travellers and surfers, I felt completely comfortable wearing more typical summer clothes.

So here’s my honest guide to what to wear in Morocco as a woman, including what I would definitely pack and what I’d probably leave at home.

Is There a Dress Code in Morocco?

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so I personally wanted to be respectful of the local culture and religion while travelling there.

That didn’t mean I covered myself from head to toe for the entire trip.

Instead, I generally tried to cover my shoulders and knees when I was exploring more local areas, markets and cities, especially when visiting places where I wanted to be more respectful of the surroundings.

Official UK travel advice also recommends that women travelling in Morocco consider loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest.

But Morocco isn’t one giant dress-code zone.

A surf town like Taghazout has a completely different atmosphere from a local neighbourhood in Agadir or walking through the medina in Marrakech.

And I think where you are should influence what you wear.

If you’re also wondering what solo female travel in Morocco is actually like, I’ve shared my honest experience in Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travellers?, including how different Agadir, Taghazout and Marrakech felt.

What I Would Definitely Avoid

If you’re wondering what not to wear in Morocco, these are the things I’d be most conscious of:

Very Short Shorts

I wouldn’t pack tiny hot pants and then wear them everywhere.

You might see tourists doing it, but personally I’d rather avoid drawing unnecessary attention, especially outside beach and tourist areas.

I felt much more comfortable in looser shorts that weren’t extremely short.

Very Short Skirts

Same thing here.

A normal summer skirt is completely different from a tiny mini skirt.

If you want something that works throughout your trip, I’d choose a midi skirt or a longer, flowy skirt.

Very Revealing Tops

I would avoid very low-cut or extremely cropped tops when you’re exploring cities, local neighbourhoods or more conservative areas.

You don’t need to cover every inch of skin, but a top that covers your shoulders or at least isn’t very revealing is an easy option when you’re unsure.

Only Packing Beachwear

Don’t make the mistake of thinking:

It’s hot, so I’ll just bring bikinis, crop tops and shorts.

You’ll probably want something more covered for exploring, travelling between places, visiting markets and going into more local areas.

Should You Cover Your Shoulders and Knees?

Personally, yes, most of the time.

I usually tried to cover my shoulders and knees when exploring Morocco, partly because I wanted to be respectful of the local Muslim culture.

It was never something I felt forced to do every second of the trip. It was more a personal choice that made me feel comfortable.

And honestly, it’s really easy to do without completely changing your wardrobe.

Think:

  • Loose trousers
  • Linen trousers
  • Midi skirts
  • Longer dresses
  • T-shirts
  • Loose button-up shirts
  • Lightweight cardigans
  • Shawls or scarves

You can still look cute and feel like yourself without having to pack a completely different wardrobe.

But What About Taghazout?

This is where things changed quite a lot.

Taghazout is a surf town.

There were loads of international travellers, surfers, hostels and young people around, and the atmosphere felt much more relaxed when it came to clothing.

I definitely wore a top there and didn’t feel like anyone was staring at me or thinking it was strange.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office itself promotes Taghazout as a major destination for surfing and other water sports, so it naturally has a strong international beach and surf culture.

So if you’re spending a lot of time in Taghazout, I wouldn’t stress about dressing like you’re going to a formal religious ceremony every time you leave your hostel.

Wear what you feel comfortable in, while still being respectful of where you are.

If you’re planning to spend more time there, my Taghazout Travel Guide covers surfing, where to stay, food, transport and the overall vibe of this little surf town.

What About Bikinis?

This is probably one of the things I wondered about most before going.

Personally, I preferred wearing a one-piece swimsuit or a more covered swimsuit rather than a tiny bikini, especially on beaches that weren’t specifically aimed at tourists.

It just felt more comfortable to me.

At tourist beaches and surf spots, you’ll see plenty of international travellers in normal swimwear, so I wouldn’t panic about wearing a swimsuit.

I’d just avoid walking around towns, markets or streets in your bikini.

Beachwear stays beachwear.

That’s probably the easiest rule.

My Morocco Packing List for Women

So, what would I actually pack?

Clothes

I’d bring:

  • 2–3 pairs of comfortable, loose trousers
  • 1–2 pairs of longer or mid-length shorts
  • 1–2 midi skirts or dresses
  • 4–6 T-shirts and tops
  • 1–2 lightweight long-sleeve shirts
  • A light cardigan or jumper
  • A lightweight scarf
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Comfortable pyjamas

A loose button-up shirt is honestly one of the most useful things you can pack.

You can wear it open over a top, use it to cover your shoulders or throw it over your swimwear when walking away from the beach.

Swimwear

I’d bring:

  • 1–2 swimsuits
  • A bikini if you want one
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Flip-flops
  • Beach bag

Personally, I liked having a one-piece swimsuit because it felt slightly more versatile.

And if you’re going surfing in Taghazout, definitely consider bringing or renting a wetsuit. Morocco has a well-established surf scene, with Taghazout among the country’s recognised surfing destinations.

Don’t Forget a Hat

Seriously. Bring a cap or hat.

I know this sounds incredibly basic, but Morocco can get HOT, particularly inland.

A cap takes up basically no space and I ended up being very happy I had one.

I’d also bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • SPF 30–50 sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small day bag
  • Electrolytes if you’re travelling during very hot weather

The climate varies significantly around Morocco. Coastal places such as Agadir have a milder climate, while inland areas can become much hotter.

If you’re wondering what the weather is actually like throughout the year, I’ve also broken down the best time to visit Morocco by season, including what to expect in summer, winter and the shoulder seasons.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

This was another thing I was very happy to have.

I personally stuck to bottled water rather than drinking tap water, especially because it gets warm so quickly.

And if you’re going somewhere hot, you’ll be drinking a LOT.

A reusable or insulated bottle is therefore really useful because you can refill it with bottled water and keep it cooler for longer.

I’d also keep a small bottle in your day bag whenever you’re out exploring.

Comfortable Shoes Are Non-Negotiable

This is one thing I would prioritise over fashion.

You’ll probably walk a lot.

Medinas have uneven streets, you’re going to wander around markets, climb stairs, walk through cities and potentially spend days exploring.

I’d bring:

  • Comfortable trainers
  • Sandals
  • Flip-flops
  • Optional water shoes

And don’t bring five pairs of cute shoes you’ll never wear.

You will regret it.

A Scarf Is Surprisingly Useful

A lightweight scarf takes up almost no room but can be useful in so many situations.

You can use it to:

  • Cover your shoulders
  • Cover your hair when you want to
  • Protect yourself from the sun
  • Keep warm in the evening
  • Cover up when entering more conservative places
  • Use as an extra layer on long bus journeys

You don’t need to wear a headscarf simply because you’re visiting Morocco.

But having a lightweight scarf in your bag gives you an easy way to cover up if you suddenly feel more comfortable doing so.

Don’t Forget Your Passport

This sounds obvious, but yes, your passport.

Make sure it’s valid for your trip and keep a digital copy somewhere secure as well.

Morocco’s official tourism office specifically advises travellers to have a valid passport when entering the country.

I’d also save:

  • A photo of your passport
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Accommodation addresses
  • Flight information
  • Emergency contacts

Having all of this available offline is even better.

What to Pack for a Day of Exploring

If I’m spending a full day exploring Marrakech or Agadir, my day bag would probably contain:

My Morocco day bag:

  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap
  • Phone
  • Power bank
  • Small amount of cash
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Lip balm
  • Lightweight scarf
  • Camera
  • Any medication I need

And I’d keep my valuables secure, particularly in busy souks and medinas.

What to Wear in Marrakech

Marrakech is where I would be a little more conscious of what I’m wearing.

You don’t need to dress like a local, but I’d personally go for:

Loose trousers + T-shirt + trainers

or

Midi skirt + T-shirt + sandals

or

Long, flowy dress + comfortable shoes

This works really well for walking around the medina while still feeling like yourself.

And because you’ll probably be walking around all day, comfort matters much more than having the perfect Instagram outfit.

If you’re planning your Marrakech days, my Marrakech Travel Guide covers the best things to do, where to stay and practical tips for exploring the city.

What to Wear in Agadir

Agadir felt more relaxed to me, especially around the more touristy and beach areas.

But because we were also staying in a very local neighbourhood, I preferred wearing more covered clothing when walking around there.

Something like:

Loose trousers + T-shirt + trainers

was an easy choice.

Near the beach and tourist areas, you can obviously dress more like you would on a normal beach holiday.

If you’re deciding where to stay, my guide to where to stay in Agadir compares the different areas and explains where I’d personally stay depending on the type of trip.

What to Wear in Taghazout

Taghazout was definitely the most relaxed of the three destinations I visited.

It’s a surf town with lots of international travellers, so I wore more typical summer clothes there without feeling uncomfortable.

Think:

  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Tops
  • Loose trousers
  • Swimwear
  • Beach dresses
  • Surf clothes

I still wouldn’t walk around town in a bikini, but overall I wouldn’t overthink your wardrobe here.

What to Wear When Visiting Religious or Cultural Sites

This is where I’d always choose to be more covered.

If you’re visiting a religious site or another place where modest clothing is expected, bring something that covers your shoulders and knees.

A long skirt or trousers and a top with more coverage makes this easy.

And honestly, I think it’s just a nice way of showing respect for the place you’re visiting.

Morocco has a strong Islamic cultural heritage, with mosques, medersas and other religious sites forming an important part of its cultural landscape.

You don’t have to change who you are or dress like someone else. Just be aware of your surroundings and adapt when appropriate.

What I Would Actually Pack

If I had to pack for Morocco again, I’d keep it pretty simple.

My Morocco Capsule Wardrobe

Tops

  • 4–5 T-shirts/tops
  • 1 slightly nicer top
  • 1 loose button-up shirt

Bottoms

  • 2 pairs loose trousers
  • 1 pair longer shorts
  • 1 midi skirt

Dresses

  • 1–2 flowy dresses

Beach

  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 bikini
  • Beach cover-up
  • Flip-flops

Shoes

  • Comfortable trainers
  • Sandals
  • Flip-flops

Extras

  • Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight scarf
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Power bank
  • Small day bag

And that’s honestly enough.

You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Morocco

If I could go back to the day before my flight, this is what I’d tell myself:

You don’t need to panic about your clothes.

I spent way too much time wondering whether I’d be stared at everywhere and whether everything in my suitcase was going to be “wrong”.

It wasn’t.

As long as you’re not walking around Marrakech in a tiny bikini or extremely short shorts, you’re probably going to be completely fine in most tourist areas.

The biggest thing is simply being aware of where you are.

Wear more conservative clothes when you’re exploring local neighbourhoods or visiting cultural and religious places.

Wear normal summer clothes at touristy beaches.

And in places like Taghazout, where there is a strong international surf culture, you can relax a little more.

Final Thoughts: What Should Women Wear in Morocco?

If you’re travelling to Morocco for the first time, my biggest advice is:

Don’t overthink it.

You don’t need to completely change your personal style or buy an entirely new wardrobe.

Just bring clothes that give you the option to cover your shoulders and knees, avoid extremely short or revealing outfits in more local areas, and adapt depending on where you are.

For me, the easiest combination was loose trousers, T-shirts, longer skirts or dresses, a scarf and comfortable shoes.

And honestly, I ended up feeling much less out of place than I expected.

Morocco is a very touristy destination in many places, and places like Taghazout are particularly relaxed. At the same time, you’re still travelling through a country with its own culture and religious traditions.

A little awareness goes a long way.

And if you’re wondering what else you actually need to pack, my next step would be to make a proper Morocco packing list rather than trying to figure everything out from scratch.

Planning Your Morocco Trip

If you’re planning your own Morocco adventure, I’ve put together all my guides from the trip, including Marrakech, Agadir and Taghazout, plus practical tips, things to do, food and places to stay.

→ START HERE: Morocco Travel Guide

More Morocco Guides

Morocco city guides

Marrakech

Agadir

Taghazout

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear in Morocco

What should women wear in Morocco?

Women can wear normal summer clothes in Morocco, but it is a good idea to choose slightly more modest clothing in local areas. I found loose trousers, longer skirts, T-shirts and lightweight dresses easy to wear throughout my trip.

Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?

No, female tourists do not generally have to cover their hair in Morocco. However, when visiting religious or more conservative places, bringing a lightweight scarf can be useful if you want to cover your hair or shoulders.

Do you have to cover your shoulders in Morocco?

Not everywhere. I usually covered my shoulders when exploring local neighbourhoods or visiting cultural places because I wanted to be respectful of the local culture. In tourist and surf areas such as Taghazout, I felt much more comfortable wearing tops.

Do you have to cover your knees in Morocco?

There isn’t one dress rule that applies everywhere, but I generally preferred to keep my knees covered when exploring more local areas. Longer shorts, loose trousers, midi skirts and dresses are easy options.

Can you wear shorts in Morocco?

Yes, you can wear shorts in Morocco, particularly in tourist and beach areas. I would avoid extremely short shorts in local neighbourhoods and cities, and personally preferred longer or looser shorts.

Can you wear crop tops in Morocco?

You can see tourists wearing crop tops, especially in beach and tourist areas. Personally, I preferred more covered tops when exploring Marrakech or local neighbourhoods and felt much more relaxed wearing crop tops in places like Taghazout.

Can you wear a bikini in Morocco?

Yes, bikinis are common at tourist beaches and beach resorts. I personally preferred a one-piece swimsuit in some places, but there is no need to avoid bikinis completely. I would simply keep swimwear at the beach or pool rather than walking around towns or markets in it.

What should you wear in Marrakech?

For Marrakech, I would choose comfortable and relatively modest clothing, such as loose trousers with a T-shirt, a midi skirt with a top or a long flowy dress. Comfortable shoes are also important because you’ll probably do a lot of walking.

What should you wear in Taghazout?

Taghazout has a relaxed international surf-town atmosphere, so you can dress more casually. Shorts, T-shirts, tops, dresses and normal swimwear are all practical choices. I personally felt completely comfortable wearing more typical summer clothes there.

What should you wear in Agadir?

It depends on where you are. Around the beach and tourist areas, normal summer and beach clothes are fine. When exploring more local neighbourhoods, I personally preferred loose, more covered clothing.

What shoes should you pack for Morocco?

I’d bring comfortable trainers for walking, sandals for warmer days and flip-flops for hostels and beaches. If you’re planning activities involving water or rocky beaches, water shoes can also be useful.

What should I pack for Morocco in summer?

For summer, I’d pack lightweight and breathable clothes, loose trousers, T-shirts, longer shorts or skirts, swimwear, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a cap or hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. A lightweight scarf is also useful for covering your shoulders or protecting yourself from the sun.

Should I bring a scarf to Morocco?

Yes. A lightweight scarf takes up very little space and can be useful for covering your shoulders, protecting yourself from the sun, keeping warm in the evening or simply giving you an extra layer when visiting more conservative places.

What are the most important things to pack for Morocco?

Besides clothing, I’d definitely bring your passport, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, comfortable shoes, a reusable or insulated water bottle, power bank, small day bag and any medication you need. If you’re planning to surf in Taghazout, you can also bring or rent a wetsuit.

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