Moroccan clothing is full of color, beauty, and history. It shows the country’s mix of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian cultures. Each region in Morocco has its own traditional style, but all share the same values of modesty, comfort, and elegance. Let’s explore what makes Moroccan clothing so special.
A Short History
Moroccan clothing has changed over hundreds of years.
It was influenced by:
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Berber (Amazigh) people, who used wool and natural dyes.
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Arabs, who brought long, loose clothes and modest fashion.
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Andalusian people from Spain, who added silk, embroidery, and fine fabrics.
These styles mixed together to create Morocco’s unique traditional clothing — beautiful yet practical for the country’s hot deserts, cool mountains, and busy cities.
Main Traditional Clothes in Morocco
1. Djellaba
The djellaba is the most common Moroccan outfit. Both men and women wear it.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Long, loose robe with a pointed hood (qob) |
| Material | Wool in winter, cotton or linen in summer |
| Colors | Men wear neutral colors; women wear bright colors and embroidery |
| Use | Everyday wear or religious events |
| Shoes | Usually worn with leather slippers (balgha) |
Tip: The djellaba’s hood helps protect from sun, wind, or even rain.
2. Kaftan
The kaftan is a long, beautiful dress worn by women.
It is made from soft and shiny fabrics like silk, velvet, or brocade. It often has hand embroidery, buttons, and decorative trims called sfifa.
Women wear kaftans for:
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Weddings
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Eid celebrations
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Family gatherings or official parties
Today, many Moroccan and international designers make modern kaftans that mix traditional style with fashion trends.
Read also: Complete Guide to Russian Clothing
3. Takchita
The takchita is a fancy two-layer version of the kaftan.
It is the most popular dress for weddings and special occasions.
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Tahtiya | Plain inner dress |
| Dfina | Decorated outer dress with embroidery and belt |
| Extras | Worn with jewelry and pretty slippers |
Brides often wear several takchitas in one wedding, showing different Moroccan regions and styles.
4. Gandoura and Jabador
Both are comfortable and easy-to-wear clothes.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Gandoura | A sleeveless or short-sleeved tunic, usually simple and light |
| Jabador | A two-piece outfit (shirt and pants) often worn by men during holidays |
These are perfect for hot days or family events, often made from soft cotton or linen.
5. Selham and Haik
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Selham: A long cloak or cape, often made from wool or velvet. Worn by men for warmth or special occasions.
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Haik: A white wrap that covers a woman’s body and head. It shows modesty and respect.
These clothes are less common today but still worn in some regions and traditional events.
Headwear in Morocco
Head coverings are important for both men and women in Morocco.
They protect from the sun and show cultural or religious identity.
| Name | Who Wears It | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fez (Tarboush) | Men | Red hat with no brim; symbol of Moroccan pride |
| Chechia | Men | Soft cap, sometimes under a turban |
| Cheich / Tagelmoust | Men | Long scarf or turban used in the desert |
| Hijab | Women | Simple scarf covering the hair |
| Melhfa | Women | Bright colored wrap around the body and head |
| Litham | Both | Cloth covering part of the face, used in dusty areas |
Moroccan Shoes
The most famous Moroccan shoe is the babouche (also called balgha or cherbil).
Main Features:
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Made of soft leather
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Usually pointed at the toe
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Can be plain (for men) or decorated with beads and colors (for women)
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Very comfortable and cool for the warm weather
| Region | Style |
|---|---|
| Fes | Classic yellow leather slippers |
| Marrakech | Colorful and embroidered |
| Tafraoute | Pointed with Berber designs |
Fabrics and Decoration
Moroccan clothing is famous for its beautiful details.
Common materials:
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Cotton – for light summer clothes
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Wool – for warm mountain wear
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Silk and velvet – for luxury kaftans and takchitas
Decorative techniques:
| Name | Meaning | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sfifa | Braided silk trim on the edges | Kaftans, djellabas |
| Aakad | Handmade silk buttons | Djellabas, jabadors |
| Tarz | Embroidery with gold or silver thread | Wedding clothes |
These details are made by skilled Moroccan artisans, especially in cities like Fes and Marrakech.
Regional Clothing Styles
Different regions in Morocco have their own traditional clothes based on weather and culture.
| Region | Men’s Clothing | Women’s Clothing | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahara (south) | Daraa – long blue robe | Melhfa – bright wrap | Loose, protects from heat |
| Atlas Mountains | Thick wool djellaba | Warm shawls | Earthy colors |
| Rif (north) | Simple tunic | Colorful striped cloth | Berber patterns |
| Cities (Fes, Marrakech) | Elegant djellabas | Embroidered kaftans | Fancy fabrics and detail |
Clothes for Special Events
Weddings
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Brides wear several takchitas, changing style and color during the ceremony.
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Grooms wear a white jabador with a selham.
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Gold jewelry and detailed belts complete the outfit.
Religious Days
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During Eid, families wear new or clean djellabas and kaftans.
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White and pastel colors are popular to show peace and happiness.
Festivals
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People wear their best clothes to celebrate local and national holidays.
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Clothing shows pride, faith, and culture.
Moroccan Fashion Today
Moroccan fashion has become modern and global while keeping its roots.
Trends include:
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Shorter or lighter kaftans for everyday use
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Modern unisex djellabas
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Eco-friendly fabrics made by local artisans
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Moroccan-inspired fashion on world runways (e.g., Dior, Yves Saint Laurent)
Local designers like Noureddine Amir and Saida El Fassi continue to make traditional clothing look modern and stylish.
What to Wear When Visiting Morocco
When visiting Morocco, it’s best to dress modestly and comfortably. Locals appreciate respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
For Women
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Loose long dresses or pants
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Tops with sleeves
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Scarf for visiting mosques or rural areas
For Men
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Long pants or loose shorts
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Shirts with sleeves
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Light jacket for cooler nights
Packing tips by area:
| Region | What to Pack |
|---|---|
| Coastal cities | Light cotton clothes, scarf for wind |
| Atlas Mountains | Warm sweater or jacket |
| Desert areas | Breathable long sleeves, hat, sunglasses |
Where to Buy Moroccan Clothes
| Place | What You’ll Find | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fes Medina | Handmade djellabas and silk trims | Ask artisans about their work |
| Marrakech Souks | Kaftans, babouches, scarves | Bargain politely |
| Chefchaouen | Woolen wraps and natural fabrics | Look for handwoven items |
| Casablanca Boutiques | Modern kaftans and designer wear | Higher prices, great quality |
Buying directly from local artisans supports families and helps preserve Moroccan traditions.
Final Thoughts
Moroccan clothing is not just about fashion — it’s about heritage, beauty, and pride.
From the simple djellaba to the elegant kaftan, every piece shows how culture and art can live together in everyday life.
When you visit Morocco or wear its traditional clothes, you carry a piece of its story — one made of color, craftsmanship, and timeless style.
“To dress in Moroccan style is to wear history, comfort, and beauty all at once.”
