Packing for Morocco: Essential Clothing Tips for Women

Introduction to Moroccan Dress Culture

Moroccan clothing is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary style. In metropolitan areas, you'll notice residents wearing modern apparel, while in rural areas, traditional dress still predominates. No matter the setting, Moroccan attire places a great importance on modesty and respect.

Respectful and Comfortable Clothing Choices

Planning what to wear in Morocco might sound like a tricky task (at first!) if you're a woman. While there isn't a dress code in Morocco as such, it's advisable to dress more conservatively, and there is clothing that you should avoid wearing in public. Covered knees, shoulders, and looser-fitting silhouettes are the standard for women in Morocco, so adhering to cultural clothing norms as a female travelling throughout the country is not only a sign of respect, but will help you to blend in more as you move around the country.

Dressing comfortably while respecting the local customs and traditions in Morocco is definitely possible! Opt for loose-fitting and breathable clothing made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Maxi dresses, flowy pants, and long skirts are great options for women, while men can choose comfortable pants and shirts with sleeves. Remember, the goal is to feel comfortable and confident while respecting the local culture.

What to Wear in Big Cities

In big cities like Marrakech or Casablanca, the dress code is more relaxed, but it's still a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion. Visitors to Morocco should keep in mind that the less clothing they wear, the more attention they may attract, particularly for women. People that live in the large metropolitan cities of Morocco have quite a variety of clothing styles, the younger generation of women tend to dress in a more modern way with dresses, jeans and high-heels as well as make-up, while typically older women choose to wear more traditional clothes.

You also don't have to be covered head-to-toe as a visitor to Morocco. The basic rules are to cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Most days I had my elbows covered, too, and made sure that my tops were long enough to cover my bum. Showing elbows is fine! As you travel around Morocco, you will see that women dress in a variety of styles from traditional jellabas (ankle-long robes with a hood), to skinny jeans, dresses, and even crop denim shorts, especially in coastal towns during the summer.

Traditional Moroccan Dress

Moroccan clothing is full of rich traditions and many of the clothes worn by locals are an integral part of the culture and Moroccan identity. While numerous Moroccans, especially those from the younger generations, opt to wear modern Western garments for day-to-day life, special occasions and ceremonial events typically see a return to traditions.

The Takchita is worn mainly by women for celebrations, particularly weddings. The upper layer of it is usually adorned with embroidery and sequins. You can view the latest interpretations of traditional Moroccan clothing, particularly the Takchita, at the annual Caftan fashion show in Morocco. In some nations, kaftans are worn as an outer garment, whereas in Morocco they are worn like a dress. Moroccan kaftans may have long or short sleeves, which may be fitted or loose. Although the kaftan is a loose garment, some ladies add a wide, matching belt to give more shape and definition.

Outfit Inspiration for Morocco

Want to look and feel fabulous on your adventure in Morocco? Local women adhere to a dress code in Morocco, opting for conservative pieces, but you'll see a wide range of outfits in Morocco, especially in high tourism areas. Women in tourist areas wear everything from crop tops to burkas.

Here's some outfit inspiration for a trip to Morocco⁚ Long flowy pants, maxi skirts, dresses, and shirts. The key to covering your skin and not overheating is to wear the loosest clothes you can find. Instead of a short dress, simply wear a maxi dress with a scarf over your shoulders. Some Western women traveling to Morocco, in order to blend in with the local Moroccan women, wear a scarf on their head. You absolutely don't need to do this, but it can be fun and fashionable.

Tags: Morocco, Women,

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