Morocco

SurreyBear

Hi all
I'm heading to Morocco (Marrakesh) on Monday. Does anybody know if its ok to wear shorts above the knee? (male!) That is, Islamic cultures often prefer not but some Islamic countries I have been to haven't minded. Any thoughts?

Incapuppy

Who said the countries you have been to didn't mind? It's a matter of respect for the culture.

SurreyBear

Good point but I never received negative feedback and was welcomed where I went - Pakistan and Egypt.

Speedys

SurreyBear wrote: »

Hi all
I'm heading to Morocco (Marrakesh) on Monday. Does anybody know if its ok to wear shorts above the knee? (male!) That is, Islamic cultures often prefer not but some Islamic countries I have been to haven't minded. Any thoughts?

Thats fine, have overlanded in Morroco a number of times and always wear shorts.

My wife wears trousers if we are out in the back of beyond in a smaller village just in case.

dmg24

As Incapuppy has noted, out of respect it really is not appropriate to wear shorts in Marrakech. I have been three times, very friendly people but you would not see them walking around in shorts, and so nor should you. Also, it will not be so warm that you really need shorts. Stick to trousers/ jeans.

Pee

I doubt that it will be warm enough for you to wear shorts.

I found a lot of people ignoring the cover up as much as possible advice and I didn't see them coming to any harm, on the other hand, I thought they looked silly and I expect the locals felt the same - especially when they were in coats and complaining about how cold it was. (It wasn't cold, anyone used to the UK would be fine in a light sweater.)

bcl999

Glad to see others' opinions of weather in Marrakech. I was surprised to see it being sold as a winter sun destination. It was June when I was there and the weather then was nice but not uncomfortably hot.
Now, Taroudant, that's a different story.

cleopatra_2

I don't think it will be warm enough either. Whatever you decide to wear, you'll love Marrakech.

JPS29

Incapuppy wrote: »

Who said the countries you have been to didn't mind? It's a matter of respect for the culture.

In our culture in England we don't wear hijabs, and cover our faces but it is acceptable for different cultures to dress how THEY feel comfortable.

Why should this be any different abroad.

OP if you want to wear shorts, wear shorts mate. If you want your top off take your top off too. Have a good holiday

PompeyPete

The UK is a democracy, and look what a mess it's in.
If you wear what you feel like wearing in Morocco, you may or may not find yourself in a nasty situation because of your lack of respect for local cultures and customs. Make an issue of it, there'll only be one winner, it won't be you, and could ruin your holiday.
A bloke in knee length(ish) shorts and a polo top won't have any problem though.

bcl999

I last visted Marrakech 20 years ago and, at that time, was surprised by the variety of dress worn by the local women. There was everything from full burqas to completely westernised attire (although conservative attire). I have often wondered what changes if any have been brought about since the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Last month, a cruise ship I was on visited Agadir for a day and really I didn't notice terribly much difference in womens' dress -perhaps a few more with covered hair, legs & arms but there was still the whole spectrum of attire which had amazed me in Marrakech 20 years ago.