Appropriate dress code for women in Morocco

[Jofang]

Prior to our first venture to Morocco in a week or so my wife has been reading on the internet that ladies should dress conservatively, no bare legs, no bare shoulders and maybe wear a head scarf. She's also read that men don't wear shorts. Can someone enlighten us please?

 

[makems]

Men and shorts no problem. Women do not need to cover their head. Bare arms, legs and shoulders also OK for women eg shorts and t shirts - just avoid the trailer trash look.

 

[cossie303]

Prior to our first venture to Morocco in a week or so my wife has been reading on the internet that ladies should dress conservatively, no bear legs, no bear shoulders and maybe wear a head scarf. She's also read that men don't wear shorts. Can someone enlighten us please?

Have a look on you tube, search for Roaming Radfords, they did Morocco this year. Lots of good advice on their various videos.

 

[bladerunner]

No problem at all in tourist areas.
More rural may get frowns
Important to respect customs if e.g. visiting a mosque.

 

[Gina M]

Hi there. If you check out Jane And Rog they spent some time in Morocco too.

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[BouncyBoatFolk]

The further south you go the more conservative you need to be. Don't take photos of womenfolk without asking first.
Animals of all kinds are beast of burden, not pets, and are often treated in a manner we would find objectionable, but remember you're the one out of place. Car parks are often managed by some very young family member, and it forms a significant total of the family's income.
Cover arms and shoulders in market places and the suchlike. There are also road check areas as you head towards the Sahara/desert region where your details will be taken, and the purpose for your visit be asked, [ tourist]. The officials will quite often give ideas of other places to visit, like disused ancient citadels and villages. Be aware as heading east that the wildlife is different and interaction can have consequences, but sensible, precautions will avert any problems.
Mike.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Be aware as heading east that the wildlife is different and interaction can have consequences, but sensible, precautions will avert any problems.

That’s intriguing, can you elaborate a little

 

[Soycd]

I read the title as Monaco, silly me.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

That’s intriguing, can you elaborate a little

We we're sitting in an Oasis having a brew when seemingly out of nowhere a herd of camels appeared and started stomping their feet at us. We moved slowly to the relative safety of the car, but then noticed a pack of wild dogs slinking in the undergrowth, so it may have been them that spooked the camels .
Mike.

 

[rosalan]

When travelling in Islamic countries, ladies should wear modest clothes, sleeves down to elbows, sometimes a headsquare may be useful. Showing bits of breasts may mean to some men that you are looking for unwanted attention. Traditional clothes are designed not to expose flesh, a bit like Victorian England.

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[angiep]

Prior to our first venture to Morocco in a week or so my wife has been reading on the internet that ladies should dress conservatively, no bear legs, no bear shoulders and maybe wear a head scarf. She's also read that men don't wear shorts. Can someone enlighten us please?

I found on our trip last year that the most useful piece of clothing I took with me was a lightweight colorful long wide scarf that I could use as a shawl. I took a long sleeved shirt and loose trousers. I made a lace modesty panel to infill v neck tops. I dressmake and have made a long sleeve, high neck, maxi dress for this trip.
We did see some women tourists in shorts and strappy tops but I felt more comfortable in modest clothes. Much more relaxed on camp sites.

 

[Gina M]

I found on our trip last year that the most useful piece of clothing I took with me was a lightweight colorful long wide scarf that I could use as a shawl. I took a long sleeved shirt and loose trousers. I made a lace modesty panel to infill v neck tops. I dressmake and have made a long sleeve, high neck, maxi dress for this trip.
We did see some women tourists in shorts and strappy tops but I felt more comfortable in modest clothes. Much more relaxed on camp sites.

I'm like you I would prefer to be relaxed and dress modestly. I once went on a visit to Cairo dressed in pink shorts and t shirt and the children were laughing and men AND women were spitting at me and nudging me out of the way in the market.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

That’s intriguing, can you elaborate a little

Think it might involve a Goat

 

[Jane And Rog]

Thanks Gina M. I actually wrote a blog post on our Morocco thread on this subject.

Jane & Rog’s retirement tour, Morocco 2023

We have loved your thread also 😍 So well written and with so much useful information (especially what3words) together with some lovely photographs. You should both be very proud of what you have created with this thread and I hope you are not deterred from reporting on your subsequent travels...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Generally, I think it pays to dress a little more modestly than normal around town, although the campsite is a little part of Europe. I always covered my shoulders and legs in towns. Although people won't throw stones at you if you wander round in a bikini, I think you will be treated with more respect if you, in turn, show the culture the respect it deserves.

 

[alasdairandannie]

Dress modestly where there may be locals so covered shoulders, arms and legs for ladies and possibly something that would do as a headscarf in case you want to take a peek into a mosque. Knee length shorts and tee-shirts as a minimum for men so not vests or cap sleeves. As others have said, beaches and sites will be heavily European and far more relaxed.

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[EuroTrotters]

My German mate lives in Germany with his Moroccan girlfriend.

When the go to visit her family, they tell them they are married.

First time he visited them , they asked if he was hungry. Yes was the reply.

So they slaughtered a gist there and then in-front of him. Halal style.

He even sent me a photo !. How nice

 

[FrankNicklin]

We went to Morocco a fews years back, not MHoming just a hotel holiday. We did venture out to a local town and the ladies wore shorts and T-Shirts as did we men. It was fine, but there were obvious stares from local men as they walked around and some of the women thought the dress inappropriate (glares and stares). The bigger cities and towns are not an issue, the smaller communities are less accepting I think. Just dress appropriately i.e don't have your wares on show.

 

[DucatoMan2]

Don't take photos of womenfolk without asking first.

Probably good advice anywhere I believe it's expected tourist should make a small payment for a photo opportunity, especially if you want a smile.

 

[billym]

A couple of posts here mention mosques.

I understand it that non Muslims are not allowed in mosques in Morocco ( unlike some other countries) except the Hassan 11 in Casablanca.

It's something to do with a decree made when it was a French protectorate .

 

[EuroTrotters]

My German mate lives in Germany with his Moroccan girlfriend.

When the go to visit her family, they tell them they are married.

First time he visited them , they asked if he was hungry. Yes was the reply.

So they slaughtered a gist there and then in-front of him. Halal style.

He even sent me a photo !. How nice

Spelling Corrected

My German mate lives in Germany with his Moroccan girlfriend.

When they go to visit her family, they tell them they are married.

First time he visited them , they asked if he was hungry. Yes was the reply.

So they slaughtered a Goat there and then in-front of him. Halal style.

He even sent me a photo !. How nice

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[busby]

My German mate lives in Germany with his Moroccan girlfriend.

When the go to visit her family, they tell them they are married.

First time he visited them , they asked if he was hungry. Yes was the reply.

So they slaughtered a gist there and then in-front of him. Halal style.

He even sent me a photo !. How nice

That was still done in uk 100 years ago..My mother's family slaughtered their own pig every year by just cutting its throat..How things have changed..for us..Our Muslim neighbours still demand Halal meat and get it..BUSBY.

 

[EuroTrotters]

That was still done in uk 100 years ago..My mother's family slaughtered their own pig every year by just cutting its throat..How things have changed..for us..Our Muslim neighbours still demand Halal meat and get it..BUSBY.

I Did some work in a slaughter house some years back. I didn't eat meat for a little while. Then , that didn't last long

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

A couple of posts here mention mosques.

I understand it that non Muslims are not allowed in mosques in Morocco ( unlike some other countries) except the Hassan 11 in Casablanca.

It's something to do with a decree made when it was a French protectorate .

Yes that's the case .Non Muslims are not allowed in mosques except as stated the Hassan 11 in Casablanca .which you have to pay to get in. Think its £14 or 15 per person .but worth seeing it. 120, 000 people can pray there 80k outside and the rest inside with ladies separated on a mezzanine floor above the male worshippers.
You can walk around the outside though for free.