What To Wear In Morocco

Morocco has long appealed to the great and good of the fashion world. Its warmth, light, colour and exacting craftsmanship make it catnip for those with a love of beauty and creativity.

In the 60s, Yves Saint Laurent bought a home in Marrakech, known as the Villa Oasis, Henri Matisse was influenced by his time spent in Tangier and both Mick and Bianca Jagger used to regularly travel between the two cities. Morocco has always been somewhere to be seen.

It’s a country that continues to draw visitors in their droves – in 2024, the country received a record-breaking 15.9 million visitors by the end of November 2024, a 20 per cent increase from the same period in 2023. It’s also home to a rising number of fashion brands, from the billowing silhouettes of New Tangier to the impeccably crafted leather-based collections of Katso Cuir. French-Moroccan designer Charaf Tajer’s Casablanca recently opened its first store in Paris’ famed luxury shopping street, Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré.

Morocco is a relatively conservative country, and Islam is a central part of life, so what you wear requires thought beyond aesthetic. While there are no enforced dress codes, modest attire will ensure you respect religious and cultural norms – and enable you to enjoy a hassle-free trip. You’ll also need to consider the temperature; it’s often very warm during the day, but climate levels drop sharply in the evening especially in the non-summer months. Smart packing is essential. 

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Vanessa Branson photographed by Cleo Leather

“As with most countries the cities are less conservative than the countryside, but, all the same, respecting traditions when abroad is always more comfortable,” says Vanessa Branson, co-founder of one of Marrakech’s most stylish hotels, El Fenn, where Gwyneth Paltrow and Alexa Chung stay when visiting the fabled ‘pink city’. “When at home, or in hotels and restaurants anything goes, but when out on the streets, I’d suggest keeping shoulders covered, as well as no shorts and skirts above the knees.”

See our tips, along with insights from Branson, on what to pack to respect the local culture whilst managing the balmy temperatures of the North African country.

Stick to natural fabrics and loose silhouettes

Opt for breezy, breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton, and pack flowy silhouettes that will help you stay cool. “Because of the heat, my go-to are loose natural fabrics,” says Branson. Look for wide-leg trousers, floor-sweeping skirts and tunic dresses – check out our guide to the best resort brands for more shopping inspiration.

 

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Comfortable shoes are essential

Leave the heels at home (or at least in the hotel); the country’s uneven paths and streets are better travelled with flat, comfortable footwear. Choose closed-toe styles if you don’t want your toes getting dusty (FitFlop has great options for maximum comfort, as does Toast). Pack shoes you can trust to make the most of your trip.

 

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If you pack one accessory make it a scarf

A scarf is an easy way of covering necklines and shoulders. Remember dress codes are stricter in mosques and some require women to cover their hair, shoulders and torso. Any hemline should reach below the knees.

 

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Avoid anything overly revealing

The rule of thumb is cover your shoulders and steer clear of low necklines and high hemlines. Leave behind any sheer or barely-there fabrics. “You can wear tight silhouettes in the bigger cities, but keep flesh to a minimum,” says Branson. “I like to wear low slung belts over cotton dresses.”

 

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