Has anyone been to Marekesh recently? We are traveling to Morrocco end of this month and I have heard different stories about how women should dress. Some say anything is fine, but when you visit a mosque you should dress more conservatively. Others say no tank tops or shorts for women. Its going to be very very hot so i want to dress in as little as possible-but i don't want to get spit on(as someone said I would).

I've never been to Morocco, but maybe you can read this:

Morocco Wikitravel

Read sections "Cope" and "Stay Safe".

I hope this would help. Otherwise try searching for more specific (travel) discussion forums on the web.

I'm a woman and I went to Morocco maybe 13 years ago. Mostly, I was in the High Atlas mountains and the Sahara etc but I did come down to the cities as well.

Ummm I will never understand the people that go to these Muslim countries ... and can't wait to break out in the shorts and tank tops whatnot. This is HUGELY offensive to the people. It’s not so hot that you need to present yourself in this manner.

Besides the BEST way to keep cool in hot places is to wear long loose fitting cotton dresses. Keep your skin and head covered. Drap your body .. don't expose it!

I've visited a lot really hot places.

In general, yes the country is very conservative especially Casablanca ... but Marrakesh was quite international. However, walking around in tank tops etc would be a mistake in my opinion - as you are just asking to be harassed.

You don’t have to be all wrapped up either. I suggest just wearing regular/modest Western styled clothes .. just like you would wear to any other city. I don’t see the point of pi***** off the people.

Women … do not give men eye contact on any level. They will be so pi**** off.

There are lot of cultural norms you should be aware of because western people are always having hassles with the locals.

Do your research!

Thanks-I read the wikipedia article.
and i AM doing research, but many people and books have different opinions on the matter. I have never been to a muslim country so i have no experience to go off of. And of course you can take your lead by the people when you are there-but i need to pack something. The travel agent told me it was no big deal and Marakesh is completely international......

I just believe in having respect for the country's culture. People treat you better when you respect their traditions.

But asked so I told you....

I was there two years ago after a roadtrip through Morocco, and yes, you can wear anything. There are loads of budget airlines flying into Marrakesh and plenty of people walking around dressed like they are on a Spanish beach. However, I agree with ouloveit1 that if you want a positive interaction with the local population something a bit more conservative might be better. No need to go overboard, just no tank tops or very short skirts/trousers. Use common sense and you'll be fine. Long and loose fitting does the trick perfectly.
Mosques are a different issue though, and as far as I know only Muslims can go into a mosque in Morocco (except the big one in Casablanca).

great thanks-thats the other feedback i have been receiving too. I will just save my short skirts and tank tops for the resort!!