How covered up in Marrakech?

[peaceandove]

DH and I are off to Marrakech in 2 weeks. We've never been to a Muslim country before, so was wondering how modestly I need to dress when out & about? I'm assuming no shoulders, no cleavage, no knees on show? But will I need to cover my ankles and forearms, too?

I went for loose trousers or a long skirt and shoulders covered. No long sleeves though.

Cover up as much as you can, including your head, otherwise you'll be catcalled by the local men.

I got catcalled as my ankles were on show in cropped jeans. I'd fully cover. Was quite cold so arms were fully covered anyway

This is crap. T- shirt and long skirt or cotton trousers are what I wore when we went. We were amazed at the level or hassle - it was literally none! In the souks, in the square, nothing. Compare this to Egypt (which was more like what we were expecting) and they were worlds apart. Egypt was just constant.

I actually went to Morocco when I was 18 for the day across on a boat, I wore a short skirt and t shirt because I wasn't planning on going, didn't know anything about the place and it was literally all I had left to wear. The only person who gave me any hassle was a white western man who remained hidden and just yelled at me from a distance that I was disrespecting everyone.

We have found Marrakech to be less strict with little hassle walking around or shopping but obviously a respect for their culture would be appropriate. Nothing skimpy/tight fitting. If you travel outside the tourist areas you might need to cover more. Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey can be more unpleasant.

In Morocco the local women wear everything from Western clothes to full cover-up. So it isn't a 'Muslim country' it's specific.

And getting catcalled is just par for the course in so many countries (not specifically Muslim). Respectful, covered legs and shoulders, nothing you wouldn't wear to a posh shop in the UK.

As aside I typically HATE street harassment but I have to say the only time I properly laughed was in Marrakesh when I was with (very burly) DH and a man shouted "hey Shakira". What a compliment! And not particularly sexual. Beats, "nice tits" in London any day.

Thank you. I have some loose fitting linen dresses which I think will be appropriate, then.

When I went with my husband in 2006, I was hissed at a few times when my shirt fell off my shoulders. It wasn't pleasant. Perhaps it's changed but you might as well dress modestly.

I think it's a case of just being sensible. No shoulders and longer skirts/trousers.
I dont think I've ever been hassled in Morocco.

Have a great time.

Worst hassle I ever had was going into Milan cathedral of all places, where you do have to cover up shoulders and knees but only if you are over 30 and a woman. However, irrespective of a age, all women will get a disgusting comment from the guards as you walk in.

There are loads of tourists running round Marrakech in sun dresses and crop tops, so I wouldn't over think it too much. If you're planning on going out of town to more traditional areas then shorts that aren't hot pants and t-shirts with short sleeves would be more appropriate.

This is not my experience at all. I've travelled north africa extensively, often in rural areas. I've never worn a hijab, and always worn western clothing. Not once have I been catcalled or harassed, even when I was slim and pretty in my 20s.

Morocco is lovely, the people are so friendly we go a lot but to Agadir now although have been to Marracech a few times.
I would just dress modestly as respect ( not low clevages, crop top or hot pants type things) but not necessarily long sleeves and dresses unless visiting a mosque or similar.
I've not been harrazed for dressing but they can be quite pushy in the souks ( markets)

I believe Marrakesh is less problematic than other areas. I stayed in Rabat (never again!) and you had to be fully covered arms and legs otherwise men shouted at you in the street.

Cover up as much as you can, including your head, otherwise you'll be catcalled by the local men.
I go very often , never experienced such thing,
you can wear what you like . Although I like dressing in kaftans, I didn’t have any issues wearing short skirts or sleeveless top either .

op just search through tags on Insta and you’d get a feel of what foreigners wear , it’s everything from shorts with boots to sleeveless sundresses to long kaftans.

I would just dress modestly as respect ( not low clevages, crop top or hot pants type things) but not necessarily long sleeves and dresses unless visiting a mosque or similar.

I thought you couldn't go in mosques in Morocco unless you are Muslim/Moroccan.

sleeveless sundresses to long kaftans

Jellabas in Morocco, no?

Why would the men shout at you out of interest? As in a cover up way or sexualised way?

I've been to turkey a few times when I was 13/14/15 and you wouldn't believe the amount of men harassing me (in a Pervy way) I was a child !

I’m currently in Tunisia, all fine here, no hassle at all from people. Everyone has been really respectful. I’m in sleeveless maxi dresses, my daughter in shorts and tops with midriff showing. Such a mix of cultures here that people wear all sorts.

Jellabas in Morocco, no?
yes , I own several , very practical , there are two shops in the Semarine souk that I usually buy from , Also wear westernised kaftans like pippa holt ones etc.

Been to Marrakech And spend lots of time in Saudi and the general rule for western women is to cover shoulders and knees and not too tight. Maxi dresses are your friend! Never had to cover hair.

Also you can "these are not the droids you're looking for". If you're a complete child like me

I was hissed at and spat at for having dyed red hair in Turkey.

I would cover shoulders and avoid high pants but beyond that it's your choice, knee length skirts and t shirts are worn by some local women