As a woman traveling in Morocco, you want to strike a balance between appropriate modesty and easy comfort. You can model yourself after modern Moroccan women, who may whiz by you on motor scooters, clad in loose tunics and headscarves that catch the breeze. In other cities, you may see women wearing the hejab, or the ankle-length djellaba. Wearing lightweight, modest clothing is key to feeling comfortable, avoiding unwanted attention and respecting the local culture.
Items you will need
Long skirt or pants
Loose-fitting shirts, with sleeves
Close-toed walking shoes
Headscarf (optional)
Djellaba (optional)
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Step 1
Dress modestly first. A long skirt or pants are most appropriate, with a loose-fitting shirt -- such as a breezy tunic -- on top. Wearing a traditional robe with a headscarf can help you blend in; inexpensive djellabas are available in many local shops. Even if men see that you're a foreigner, they may assume you have been in the country for a long time if you're wearing local traditional clothing. This may or may not deter lewd comments, but at least you'll receive fewer curious gazes.
Step 2
Cover your head with a headscarf for added modesty. Though not necessary, this can help you blend in with local women. If you have blonde or red hair, a headscarf can help you avoid unwanted attention from men who may follow or harass foreign women. Modern Moroccan women wear fashionable headscarves in a variety of patterns and colors that complement their outfits; you can mix and match to look fashionable, too.
Step 3
Dress for the weather second. Temperatures in the winter are comfortably mild, typically between 40 and 60 degrees F. In the summer, temperatures can rise to almost 100 degrees F. Long skirts, lightweight pants and T-shirts keep you comfortable without sacrificing modesty. Take a light jacket or loose-fitting sweater to keep off the winter chill.
Step 4
Wear lightweight walking shoes that you've broken in before the trip. Though sandals are smart choices for hot weather, the streets are sometimes unclean, making shoes that cover your toes advisable.
Step 5
Tie your hair up for optimal modesty and comfort in the heat. Though loose-flowing hair is acceptable, you'll likely receive less unwanted attention if you tie your hair back.
TIP
Take a headscarf when visiting mosques. Cover your shoulders with the scarf throughout the mosque, and blanket your head with it if prompted in certain areas.
WARNING
Avoid shorts and skirts that are knee-length or shorter because they can attract unwanted male attention.
REFERENCES
Lonely Planet Morocco; Anthony Ham
Frommer's: Morocco: Tips for Women Travelers
Journeywoman: What Should I Wear?
The Weather Channel: Monthly Averages for Marrakech, Morocco
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley Mackenzie has been writing professionally since 2009. Her travel, consumer-related and instructional articles are regularly published online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and history.
