What can I wear in Morocco?

[surlycurly]

Hi all, I'm going to Marrakesh for 10 days in July. I was to dress appropriately, and for the heat. Any ideas for modest, stylish outfits and that won't roast me alive, or cost a fortune? TIA

Loose trousers (buy some in the Medina, super cheap and comfortable, still wear move around the house), long loose skirts, t shirts in natural fibres. I found there were few places where arms needed to be fully covered but took a few long sleeved t shirts and very light cotton scarves that could be used. We travelled across Morocco and the more rural places were more conservative. I also saw tourists in hot pants and bikini tops in Jemaa El-Fnaa square. I wouldn't advocate that tbh.

I absolutely do not want to be disrespectful at all- happy to conform to dress standards- just don't want to be melting alive. Would like to be organised before I go as I'm quite big- getting clothes abroad is always difficult!

light trousers in seersucker. thin cotton loose tunic

maxi dress, maxi skirt made of linen / silk / cotton

I'm not fond of really long skirts/ dresses but thank you. I think I only need to cover to my knees/ elbows so tunic dresses may be good. Any of you fashionistas that can link me any nice ones...?

I’ve been to Marrakech a lot. It’s not overly conservative, especially in the new town and everyone there is used to tourists. You’d be fine in shorts and T-shirt as long as they’re not hot pants. If you go out of the city though you may need to cover up more.

Long loose trousers and a long sleeved tee shirt would be cool enough to wear. Also jumpsuits could be a good choice

Thanks folks. I just don't want to stand out like a sore thumb.

You won't stand out unless you wear something very skimpy.
Take something you can cover up in, but shorts and t-shirt should be OK.

I just went. Wear what you like. I have a big chest and I didn’t bother buying a bunch of stuff with a high neckline. I just wore my normal maxi dresses. No one cared. The only person who harassed me was a bloody henna woman who grabbed my hand and started putting henna on it.

I wouldn't wear sleeveless, cleavage, short shorts, slashed to the thigh skirts etc
but it probably depends on where you are going. If you are visiting a mosque or something, cover up.

Thanks all- very helpful!

I've not been to Morocco, but I've been to Egypt and Tunisia.
In those countries, you didn't see many women out and about.
Make sure that you have a secure bag/pocket, because you will stand out as a tourist.
I'd love to go to Morocco

I would say Morocco, and Marrakech especially is different to a lot of other Muslim countries, for example alcohol isn’t banned and whilst a lot of Moroccans choose not to drink it you will still find some drinking in the bars and restaurants. You’ll see plenty of Moroccan women out and about either working or just going about their day. Clothing is a choice as well, some cover their hair, some don’t. The older generation tend to go for the full loose clothing but most of the younger women dress in tunic style tops and leggings. Saw a couple in shortish summer dresses. I was told they are the ones who want to leave Morocco and move to Europe. I’ve also found men under 30 really don’t care what you wear. It’s one of my favourite places and I’ve never had any issues. Everyone I’ve met there has been very polite and the younger ones especially love talking to English people to practice the language. I will echo what the poster above said about the henna ladies though. Don’t have a bare arm out near them. They’re quick!

I personally would wear like a kaftan and loose trousers, maxi dresses etc
we still got a fair amount of hassle in these types of clothes

Type in kaftan dress into google loads of lovely flowing dresses there

A light scarf/shawl was great to have in bag if you felt the need to cover up. As previous posters says it is a bit lax there compared to other places. I wore linen trousers and linen shirts or maxi dresses when out from hotel.

I love Marrakesh, we’ve been a few times. I’ve worn loose, hip length tunics and cotton trousers, long sleeved maxi dresses and jumpsuits with a cotton cardigan over the top.
Sunglasses and a light scarf are helpful- avoiding eye contact with smallholders and covering up as needed.
In your hotel, whatever you want is fine.

I've been to Istanbul a few times and it's very much the norm for women to be covered there, but when I've been there it's been in the autumn. I'm worried I'm going to be a peri menopausal mess if I'm covered head to toe. It does seem like a broad range though so thanks for the input everyone. Anything I simply must see?

Been to Marrakech Istanbul and cities in Saudi Arabia as a western woman you won't be expected to be covered up I just make sure knees and shoulders are covered. No need to cover hear unless it's a mosque.

I've been to Egypt five times. I am literally sitting in Tunisia this very second, for the third time. I'm wondering where got spotted the shortage of women, because I have travelled the length and breath of both countries and not noticed it. The only place women are in short supply are sitting around for hours in cafes smoking cigarettes and gabbing to your mates!

As others have said, Morocco is quite laid back. You'll be more comfortable in loose clothing. It's worth having a look for a nice abaya - they are easy to source in the UK, and they can fulfil many purposes including beach or pool cover up, dressing gown, and visit to a mosque wear. I always travel with at least one, plus a hijab if going to a Muslim country - mosques usually have supplies to loan to visitors, but they are often scratchy and uncomfortable!

long loose clothing is actually cooler than closer fitting clothing as the swishiness creates a breeze to cool down I would go for midi or maxi dress or skirt or mid length culotte style trousers and a loose top
I wouldn't wear a strappy top and short shorts I think covered to at least knee length and shoulders no cleavage showing

It can seem counter-intuitive to people who've not lived extensively with heat, but being covered, with long sleeves, long skirts, long trousers, is actually cooler! As long as fabrics are loose, lightweight and floaty - natural fibres are best. The space between fabric and skin creates a cooling draught. Plus, it protects skin from the sun, without having to apply a sunscreen which impedes the body's natural cooling mechanisms.

@Cottagecheeseisnotcheese Snap!

I've spend a lot of time out in Spain as we have a property over there, so I'm regularly in that dry heat but in scrappy tops/ shorts etc. Definitely finding all of this really helpful, thank you!