What to Wear in Morocco: Complete Packing Guide for Americans (2026)
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with a moderate, welcoming culture. While it's not as strict as some Middle Eastern destinations, dressing respectfully will significantly improve your experience — especially in medinas, religious sites, and rural areas.
General Dress Code Principles
The golden rule: cover shoulders and knees when in medinas, souks, and near religious sites. This applies to both men and women. Loose, breathable fabrics work best given Morocco's warm climate.
For Women
- Loose trousers or long skirts (knee-length minimum)
- Tops that cover shoulders (or bring a scarf)
- A lightweight scarf — versatile and essential
- Swimwear fine at hotel pools and beach resorts
- Avoid tight or revealing clothing in medinas
For Men
- Long trousers appropriate everywhere
- Shorts acceptable at beach resorts and some tourist areas
- T-shirts fine in most tourist areas
- Collared shirts for nicer restaurants
- Swimwear fine at hotel pools and beaches
Essential Packing List for Morocco
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (medina cobblestones are uneven)
- Sandals for riad courtyards and beach
- Slip-on shoes (easy to remove at mosque entrances)
Clothing
- 3–4 lightweight, loose-fitting outfits
- 1–2 scarves (women: for covering hair; everyone: for cold desert nights)
- A light jacket or fleece (desert nights can be cold even in summer)
- Swimwear for hotel pools and Atlantic coast beaches
Accessories & Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (strong sun year-round)
- Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
- Small day bag for souks (leave valuables at hotel)
- Reusable water bottle (fill with bottled water)
What to Wear in the Sahara Desert
The Sahara requires special consideration. Days can be extremely hot (90–110°F in summer), while nights drop dramatically — sometimes to 40–50°F even in summer. Bring layers you can add and remove easily. A lightweight scarf or shemagh is invaluable for protecting your face from sand during camel treks.
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