A useful guide for choosing the correct clothing for your trip.
Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.
Even the cooler months can feel warm and humid, especially walking around the busy souks and popular points of interest.
Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.
The locals are extremely hospitable, but respect is a big thing in Marrakech.
So, what should you wear to feel comfortable yet still appear respectable?
For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.
These are flowing and elegant, keeping you nice and cool.
They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a silk kimono, adding a touch of glamour.
Lightweight cotton or linen trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.
Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a drawstring sari petticoat underneath for modesty if the dress is sheer.
Linen is perfect and always looks polished.
It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.
However, most accommodations have an ironing and laundry service at your disposal.
Cotton tee-shirts and blouses are ideal and can look very flattering with the right accessories.
Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.
They are loose fitting and comfortable.
Headscarves are fashionable and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap around for covering your shoulders.
I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.
They keep my head and neck cool, and at the same time, I feel well put together.
Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.
They are versatile and can be used as a hair tie, head covering, or pretty accessory.
Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.
You may attract unwanted attention from both males and females, spoiling your overall experience by making you feel self-conscious.
How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.
In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and swimwear for sunbathing, so pack those items of clothing also.
Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.
Many high-end restaurants won’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed acceptable.
Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.
Men’s clothing is definitely more liberal than females.
They don’t invite the same attention but are still expected to dress for the occasion when visiting certain establishments.
I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on.
That is best left for beach holidays..
So, to summarise, staying smartly dressed whilst comfortable is the only thing men need to consider.
On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.
It’s acceptable to dress more provocatively if you’re having a night out there.
You can still look and feel good in appropriate clothing.
It’s about choosing nice accessories to elevate your outfit.
Marrakech has no shortage of beautiful jewellery and handbags.
Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is certainly essential.
Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.
A little tip I found useful is to take a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.
It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.
I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses, kaftans, and djellabas.
Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.
Depending on the season and whether you plan a trip into the Atlas mountains or not, a lightweight weatherproof jacket is enough
I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been sufficient for cooler evenings.
Winter in Marrakech is better suited to layers.
A trip to Agafay desert can get very blustery whilst watching the sunset in the open air.
A thin thermal skin worn underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough to protect from the drop in temperature.
I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.
A comfortable hoodie can also be useful.
Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will also help you to plan accordingly for your trip.
So, to summarise,
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.
You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.
To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.
Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.
Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.
Sounds Of The Souks 