Dress code in Marrakech?

[Jungfraujoch]

Obviously I’m not going to wear skimpy tops and shorts! Maxi skirts/dresses plus t shirts.

Are men/boys ok in shorts above the knee? Not short short though !

Is that a question? Despite your interrogation mark in title it sounds more like a statement.
I did wear shorts and short dresses in Marrakech and had no issue at all. It is Morocco not Saudi Arabia

Lilies just want to be respectful that’s all. Very conflicting advice out there.

Women tourists do wear shorts and sleeveless tops but they really stand out and are noticeable for the way they dress.
Social norms there are that women AND men don't wear anything above the knee or sleeveless. Women wear anything that we would wear here outside of that - skinny jeans, tight tops etc but as a British woman you'll want to wear looser cooler clothes than they do!
Shorter skirts are fine with leggings under but leggings as trousers wouldn't be ok.

Both men and women shouldnt show knees or shoulders. There are tourists that flout this rule but they often get abuse. I wore harem style trousers and loose long sleeved tops. Dh wore 3/4 trousers and shirts.
It's not as strict as lots of Muslim countries but it's much stricter than here.

Oh blimey, going to be hard to get my DS’s in 3/4 trousers!

It depends where you are in Marrakesh. If you are in the Shuk area then yes more conservative. In the more wealthy areas it’s much more western and you can wear whatever you like and not stand out, most of the women in those areas don’t cover their heads and dress in normal summer clothes (sleeveless dresses / above knees etc) and the men wear shorts and short sleeved tshirts

How old is your ds? I was struck by how tolerant it is of pre-puberty children - little girls in very skimpy outfits- but as soon as they are 12/13 it's conservative dress.

We will be exploring the souks in the medina, main square etc plus a trip out to the mountains and villages. Ds’s are 18 and 14.

Your kids will get away with shorts unless your 18 year old has a full beard and is 6 foot 4!

I wonder if some posters have actually been to Morocco. You will be in touristic towns and people will care more about you buying stuff than if your DS trousers are above or bellow the knee (and by the way 3/4 trousers are vile on anyone and should be banned as fashion crime).
You can be in a short dress and still respectful, it will depend on the dress and how you wear it.

Nobody abused me or DH and I was wearing what I would normally wear in Europe.

I agree, just got back and was pretty shocked at the outfits worn in the Medina by some people. Wore long sleeves and trousers / dress over leggings most of the time and had a light scarf which I could use to cover bare arms... it did feel like i’d be hassled more without. Out of the Medina things are less traditional so wasn’t so bothered.

It is very intense and overwhelming so I would plan what you want to do or at least line up some options in advance.

My other tips would be to stay north of the Jemaa El Fna in the souls, and don’t haggle unless you know what you are happy to pay and are willing to do so. Don’t make eye contact with traders or they’ll try and reel you in to buy! Look confident & like you know where you are going and refuse any offers of help as they’ll want tipping. Keep anything valuable very tucked away, my husband had a pickpocket in his pocket, and found his rucksack had been opened. Ask price before any food is ordered and don’t eat round the jemaa el fna - it was shit food and over priced. Can recommend cafe Arabe, terrace des epices - both gave a bit of respite from the intensity of the souks and serve alcohol! We also loved the Jardin Secret which was beautiful and calm. There is a fixed price artisan market which was good for shopping if you can’t bear the haggling.

I have been to Morocco hun a couple of times and I wore what ever i wanted and didn't have any trouble at all

I wonder if some posters have actually been to Morocco.

Probably about 45-50 times. I have family who work in the tourism industry. I know what Moroccan people think about tourists who dress disrespectfully. They won't abuse you generally speaking, Moroccan people are respectful and polite as a rule and they want you to spend money but they will be judging. Maybe you don't care but they do 🤷🏼‍♀️

Borsetshireblew I’m with you. I would hate to be thought of as disrespectful.
Ladyfuschia thanks for the eating tips too.

Men are better off in long trousers and short sleeved shirts really when in the city centre, women should cover shoulders and skirt below the knee, trousers should be baggy not tight capris. It's not a legal requirement but you really stand out if you don't. My friend is from Marrakesh and she has a "visiting home" wardrobe of modest clothes

It doesn’t have to be 3/4 length trousers, long shorts are fine as long as they cover the knee. Lots of Moroccan guys wear long shorts. Anything showing the knee will be seen as disrespectful although probably not mentioned by most. 14 and 18 year olds will not be seen as children they will be expected to follow the same norms as adults. It’s nice that you want to be respectful and I hope you enjoy your time in Morocco.

Your children can wear what they like

Lily yes I have been to Marrakech. The custom is to cover shoulders and knees. I saw tourists being given filthy looks when they didn't follow this rule.

An 18 year old would definitely be expected to cover up.