Comment s'habiller au Maroc en tant que femme ?

When visiting Morocco, it’s important to dress modestly, especially as a woman, to respect the local culture and customs, which are generally conservative due to the country’s predominantly Islamic influence. Here’s a guide to what to wear and some general tips:

1. General Guidelines for Clothing:

• Modest clothing: Aim for loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. Although Morocco is quite tourist-friendly, especially in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, it’s still respectful to dress conservatively.
• Avoid tight or revealing outfits: Shorts, short skirts, crop tops, and low-cut shirts can draw unwanted attention.
• Light and breathable fabrics: Given Morocco’s warm climate, especially during spring and summer, choose lightweight materials like cotton, linen, or silk to stay comfortable while covering up.

2. What to Wear in Different Situations:

Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, etc.):

• Tops: Short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts or blouses that cover the shoulders. T-shirts are acceptable, but avoid tank tops unless you have a light scarf to drape over your shoulders.
• Bottoms: Maxi skirts, long dresses, or loose-fitting pants. You can wear capris or knee-length skirts, especially in more touristy areas, but longer options are preferred for blending in.
• Scarves: Not mandatory for tourists, but a scarf can be useful for visiting religious sites (like mosques) and for modesty when entering more traditional neighborhoods.

In Rural Areas and Smaller Towns:

• Dress more conservatively compared to the cities. Opt for long skirts or loose trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
• A light scarf to cover your shoulders or head may be appreciated, especially if you’re in a more conservative region or visiting religious sites.

In the Desert (Sahara):

• Loose, flowing clothing helps with the heat and sun protection.
• Head covering: A scarf or hat is essential to protect from sun exposure.
• Comfortable shoes: Closed shoes or sandals with good support are recommended, especially for desert walks.

Beaches and Resorts:

• Swimsuits: At hotel pools or private beach resorts, wearing a bikini or swimsuit is generally fine, but at public beaches, wearing more modest swimwear (like a one-piece or covering with a sarong) is respectful.
• Outside of resort areas, always cover up when walking to and from the beach or pool.

3. Footwear:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for sightseeing, especially in cities with uneven cobblestone streets.
• In the desert or for hiking, sturdy shoes are a must.

4. What to Pack:

• Scarves or shawls: These are versatile and can be used to cover your head or shoulders when necessary, for protection from the sun, or to blend in more when in conservative areas.
• Light jacket or sweater: Evenings, especially in the mountains or desert, can get cool, so bring layers if you’re visiting during cooler months.
• Sunglasses and a hat: Essential for sun protection.

5. Visiting Religious Sites (Mosques):

• Women should cover their head, shoulders, and arms with a scarf or shawl.
• Wear long skirts or pants to ensure full coverage of legs.
• Remove your shoes before entering mosques.

6. Exceptions in Tourist Areas:

• Tourist-heavy areas like Marrakech and coastal cities (e.g., Essaouira or Agadir) are more accustomed to international visitors, so locals may be more relaxed about clothing. However, it’s still a good idea to lean on the conservative side out of respect.

Summary:

• Recommended outfits: Loose pants, long skirts, tunics, blouses, maxi dresses, scarves, and modest swimwear.
• Avoid: Short shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, or overly tight clothing.

By dressing modestly, you’ll not only show respect for Moroccan culture but also avoid unwanted attention.