What to Wear in Essaouira: The Ultimate Local’s Guide

Not sure what to wear in Essaouira? Yeah, I get it. When I first came to Morocco I was a bit concerned about what to wear and what to pack for Essaouira since Morocco is a conservative, Muslim country.

I didn’t want to buy an entirely new wardrobe for Essaouira, but I also didn’t want to completely offend the local population by walking around with my bra strap hanging out and flopping around in the wind.

Anyway, creating a packing list for Essaouira is probably A LOT easier than you imagine. You 100% do not need to buy all new clothes and you do not need to cover every inch of your body.

Remember, Essaouira is a VERY popular beach town. There are always foreign travelers and expats here, many of whom are from France.

So, while you may need to edit your Essaouira wardrobe a bit and leave those crop tops at home, packing for Essaouira is easy once you get the hang of it.

But, don’t worry. I have lived here since January of 2023 and will help you create Essaouira outfits that will help you feel comfortable while walking around the city.

I’ll also explain what to wear and what not to wear in Essaouira. This way you can create the perfect Essaouira packing list and will have one less thing to worry about when planning a trip to Essaouira.

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What to Wear in Essaouira? The Short Answer

Okay, so I know what a guidebook and general Morocco packing lists will tell you and what people actually wear in Essaouira.

So, let’s start with the guidebook. Nine times out of ten guidebooks will tell men and women to have their knees and shoulders covered.

The rationale is that Morocco is a conservative Muslim country. So, you should be modestly dressed to respect local traditions and customs.

The reality? The is a liberal beach town where a lot of travelers and expats walk around wearing whatever they want.

There are also tons of kite surfers and windsurfers walking around the beach. So, it is not unusual to see local guys walking around in swimsuits, without a shirt on.

I have also seen plenty of women walking around one of the prettiest beaches in Morocco in bikinis.

Yeah, the guidebook will tell men to have their shoulders covered and wear pants since men in Morocco tend not to wear shorts. But, my partner wears shorts and is Moroccan so this rule is a bit old.

Anyway, does this mean you should walk around in a tube top and a mini skirt? No. First of all the sun is STRONG in Essaouira. So I would pack light, loose-fitting, long pants and long shirts that keep you protected from the sun.

Can you wear a skirt above the knee? Absolutely. No one will even look twice. But, I would avoid showing bra straps, mid-drift, low-cut tops, and super short shorts, especially if you’re going out at night in Essaouira.

In general, you can wear tank tops and shorts/skirts above the knee, but try and keep excessive skin to a minimum.

I doubt anyone will say anything but it might bother some people and you could get a lot of unwanted attention, especially as a solo female traveler.

I try to dress like I am going to my grandma’s or a semi-formal event. Some skin is fine but dress more modestly than you might at home. TBH, I tend to dress modestly (in sweatshirts and long pants) anyway so I have never had an issue.

That being said, I have worn short black biker shorts to my Moroccan partner’s home and it wasn’t an issue. So. you could wear a tank top or shorts/skirts above the knee within reason.

You can also pack a cardigan or shawl so that you can cover up if need be during your 1 day in Essaouira itinerary.

Additionally, Essaouira is MUCH cooler than Marrakech. So, it is very windy, with highs that get up to 25°C (77°F) max.

Therefore, I would pack warm jackets/sweatshirts and a scarf/sunglasses to protect you from the sand blowing around when the wind kicks up. It can get cool at night and you will want to have some nice, warm clothes.

This is especially true in the winter when temperatures are cold and many hostels in Essaouira do not come with heat. This is a great time to visit Essaouira but be sure to bundle up.

Local Tip: Be careful when wearing hats. The wind in Essaouira is very strong and they tend to blow away. I know it’s not stylish but you might want to get a hat with a strap that goes beneath the chin.

Also, don’t forget to purchase a SIM card in Marrakech or anywhere in Morocco so that you don’t have to pay ridiculous roaming fees for using data. A travel adaptor will also be handy for the electrical outlets in Morocco.

What to Wear in Essaouira as Man

On the whole, most men in Morocco do not wear shorts or tank tops. They wear T-shirts and long, loose pants to cool them off and keep them protected from the sun.

The only time this rule does not apply is at the beach. Generally, men will wear a bathing suit, or underwear, and walk around topless while swimming.

So, if you are a guy and heading to the beach, feel free to wear swim trunks or even underwear.

Generally, though, most Moroccan men don’t wear speedos or super tight/short swimsuits. They tend to wear longer, looser swim trunks and walk around without a shirt.

TBH, you can wear what you want as a man. However, I would suggest long, loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts to keep you cool and protected from the sun. Have a hat and sunscreen handy for added sun protection.

You can also wear layers so that when it gets too hot or cold, you can put on or remove clothes as needed.

Just remember that Esaoauira is a laid-back beach town. Therefore, don’t wear anything too formal. Loose T-shirts, light pants, flip-flops, baseball hats, and sunglasses are all fine.

Also, pack a jacket or a sweatshirt since Essaouira can get windy and cold at night. Just stick to neutrals since locals tend not to wear anything too funky and you will kind of stick out.

The only time you might need to dress up is if you are going to a fancy club, drinking alcohol in Essaouira at a nice bar, or visiting a hotel pool with a dress code.

If this is the case, pack one nice Essaouira outfit and use that. Try wearing chinos, nice shoes, and a collared/button-down shirt and you will look epic as you enjoy the best activities in Essaouira.

What to Wear in Essaouira as a Woman

As a woman, I would plan your Essaouira wardrobe and dress a bit more conservatively than you would at home.

If you are worried, you can’t go wrong with wearing something that covers your shoulders and knees. However, if you wear shorts above the knee or a tank top that isn’t low cut then you should be fine.

Things to avoid as a woman are low-cut tops, cleavage, short shorts, mini-skirts, crop tops, bra straps hanging out, etc.

TBH, these aren’t a great idea because you will draw a lot of unwanted attention to yourself. The intense wind and sun that Essaouira is known for also makes these outfits impractical, which is why I like to wear light, breathable layers.

I wear a lot of quick-dry hiking clothes that keep me cool and protected from the sun. However, you could wear a maxi dress with a scarf. I like wearing a hat but they tend to blow away in Essaouira.

So, I usually wear a hoodie to keep me warm and protect me from the sun. I also like wearing sunglasses to protect me from sand flying around all over the place.

Just be sure to pack long pants and a sweatshirt/jacket/sweater for the evening since the wind can pick up and make the city can get pretty cold.

I would also stick with simple patterns and less funky colors since most locals tend to wear simple, neutral clothing.

If you are planning to visit more formal bars, clubs, or hotels then you may want to pack a nice outfit. Try adding a long skirt, maxi dress, loose pants, a nice top, and a formal jumpsuit to your Essaouira wardrobe.

For sightseeing or relaxing at a cool Essaouira cafe, try wearing a maxi dress, linen pants, a loose top, a jumpsuit, a longer skirt/shorts with t-shirts, and layers for the always-changing weather.

What to Wear to the Beach in Essaouira

In general, most men in Morocco do not walk around in tank tops and shorts. The exception to that rule is at the beach which is one of the best free things to do in Essaouira.

In Essaouira, most men and boys walk around the beach in swim trunks and no shirt or a tank top.

A lot of the time, locals walk around in underwear and use that as a swimsuit instead of swim trunks. My boyfriend does this and I was actually really surprised. So, men can wear pretty much anything they like to the beach.

Just be sure to have a hat and plenty of sunblock since the sun is VERY strong in Essaouira.

In contrast, local women will probably be covered from head to toe at the beach in Essaouira. However, foreign women can wear bikinis to the beach, and will be totally fine.

I usually don’t wear a bathing suit to the beach because the sun is too strong and the wind makes it cold. However, you can and no one will say anything.

If you’re concerned, pack a shawl or a cardigan that you can throw over your swimsuit if you feel uncomfortable and want to cover up.

Please also pack/wear a hat and put on a lot of sunscreen since the sun is very strong here and you can get burned FAST.

I would also check the weather before you visit the beach to see how windy it will be. There is nothing worse than being at the beach and having sand flying everywhere.

That’s why I always bring sunglasses to the beach. They help protect my eyes from the sand flying around everywhere.

So, when heading to the beach, pack a swimsuit, cover-up/shawl, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and flip-flops. You may also want a sweatshirt if you tend to get cold or are planning some day trips from Essaouira.

Local Tip: Foreigners tend to sunbathe near the Medina. So, you can chill on sun loungers here if you feel more comfortable around foreigners in your bathing suit. Additionally, you should not sunbathe topless or wear a thong bathing suit.

I would 100% not advise it, just like I would not advise making out in public. I would also save the beachwear for the beach and wear regular clothes as you make your way back to your accommodation in Essaouira.

You may also want to add a wet suit to your Essaouira packing list if kite surfing and surfing are some of your fave things to do. However, all the surf shops here will have rentals that you can use for lessons.

The good news is that you don’t have to get super dressed up to visit Beach and Friends and Ocean Vagabond. These are two great beach bars that male for the best place to hang out in Essaouira at night.

What Shoes to Wear in Essaouira?

Essaouira isn’t a HUGE place. You’ll probably be able to walk to most of the Essaouira cooking classes and Essaouira hammams that you’ll want to visit.

But, that also means that you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, even if the city is small. So, try to pack comfy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

I love the Medina but it isn’t the cleanest place on Earth. Plus, if you walk around the fish market you could definitely step on a rogue fish head or two as you look for the best brunch place in Essaouira.

Honestly, I don’t think you need special shoes for walking around Essaouira. I tend to wear my lightweight hiking shoes, HOKA sneakers, or my Birkenstocks.

Just try to figure out how much walking you will do and plan what to wear in Essaouira for the day. I would not wear high heels or wedges or anything super stylish since streets in the Medina can be uneven.

There is also a lot of cat and dog poop everywhere and you don’t want to totally ruin a perfectly nice pair of shoes. I would save your nice shoes for when you go out in the evening to the top bars in Essaouira.

That wraps up this guide to the best outfits for Essaouira. I hope you now know what outfits to add to your Essaouira wardrobe.

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