Money & etiquette
What should you wear in Marrakech?
- Style
- Loose, light, modest
- Cover
- Shoulders & knees
- Hair
- No need (except mosques)
- Shoes
- Comfy & closed
Quick answer
Wear loose, light, modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, plus comfortable closed shoes for the medina's uneven lanes. It's not a strict dress code, but modest dress means less unwanted attention and a warmer welcome. Women don't need to cover their hair except inside active mosques. Add warm layers for winter nights and the desert.
The comfortable, respectful default
Marrakech is a relaxed but conservative Muslim city, so loose, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees is the sweet spot for all genders — comfortable in the heat and respectful in the medina. You'll see tourists in all sorts, but dressing modestly noticeably reduces stares and hustle and earns a warmer welcome, especially away from the main tourist streets.
Women don't need to cover their hair in public, though a scarf is useful for sun, dust and covering up at religious sites. Men should skip going shirtless and save very short shorts for the pool. For upscale restaurants and Hivernage nightlife, smart-casual works well.
Dress for the season and the trip
In summer, pack the lightest, palest, loosest clothes and strong sun protection. In winter, add warm layers and a jacket for cold nights and under-heated riads. For day trips to the mountains or desert, bring layers you can add and shed, grippy shoes, and a warm fleece for chilly desert nights — even in summer. Our packing guide has the full season-by-season list.
Related questions
Do women have to cover their hair in Marrakech?
No — headscarves aren't expected for tourists in public. A scarf is handy for sun and covering up at religious sites, and you'd cover your hair inside an active mosque, but most mosques are closed to non-Muslims anyway.
Can you wear shorts in Marrakech?
You can, but knee-length or longer is more comfortable and respectful in the medina; very short shorts draw stares and hustle. Save beachwear for the pool or the coast at Essaouira.
What should I wear to the desert from Marrakech?
Loose, covering clothes for sun protection by day, layers you can add and shed, a scarf against sand and dust, closed shoes, and a warm fleece or jacket for the cold desert nights, even in summer.