Classes & tours
What should I wear to a Moroccan cooking class?
- Style
- Comfortable + modest
- Shoes
- Closed, flat, non-slip
- Apron
- Usually provided
- For the market
- Hat, sunscreen, water
Quick answer
Wear comfortable, modest, breathable clothes you don't mind getting a little messy, and closed, flat, non-slip shoes. Most classes start with a market walk, so cover shoulders and knees out of respect, dress for the heat, and skip loose sleeves and dangly jewellery near the stove. An apron is usually provided; bring a hat, sunscreen and water for the market part.
Comfort first, because you'll be on your feet
A Moroccan cooking class is a hands-on, active experience, not a sit-down demo, so dress for movement and a warm kitchen. Choose comfortable, breathable clothes — cotton and linen are ideal in Marrakech's heat — that let you chop, stir, roll pastry and stand for a couple of hours without overheating. Layers help, since a courtyard or rooftop kitchen can be hot at the stove and breezier in the shade.
Assume things will get a little messy: flour on your front from rolling msemen, a splash of tagine sauce, turmeric that stains. Wear something washable you won't fret about. Most classes provide an apron, but the clothes underneath still catch the odd mark. See what a class actually involves in how long is a Marrakech cooking class.
Dress modestly for the market walk
Many of the best classes begin in a local market or the spice souk, shopping for ingredients with the chef before you cook — a highlight, and a reason to dress respectfully. Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, and in the medina and markets it's courteous, especially for women, to cover shoulders and knees. Loose trousers or a long skirt and a top with sleeves keep you both respectful and cool, and mean you blend in rather than draw attention.
This isn't about strict rules so much as consideration; modest, unfussy clothing makes the market portion smoother and more comfortable. The spice-souk shopping guide has more on navigating the souks.
Shoes and safety in the kitchen
Footwear is the detail people forget. Wear closed, flat, non-slip shoes: you'll walk uneven, sometimes wet market lanes and stand at a stove, so open sandals and heels are a bad idea near hot pots and knives. Comfortable trainers or flat closed shoes are perfect.
For safety around the flame and blade, avoid very loose, floaty sleeves that can catch, tie back long hair, and skip dangly bracelets or long necklaces near the cooktop. Roll sleeves up. None of this is onerous — it's the same common sense any kitchen calls for.
A few extras to bring
Because the market part is often outdoors and sunny, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of water, plus a little cash for any personal purchases (spices, argan oil, tea) you're tempted by along the way. A phone or camera is worth having for the souk colours and the finished dishes. If you have long hair, a tie is handy.
That's really all it takes. Ready to book? Browse the full range — from a tagine class or couscous class to a family and kids class or market-to-table class — on the cooking classes page, and read how long a class runs to plan your day.
Related questions
Is there a dress code for cooking classes in Marrakech?
Not a formal one, but comfortable, modest, washable clothes and closed flat shoes are best. Because most classes include a market walk, covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially for women.
Should I bring my own apron?
No need — almost all cooking classes provide an apron. Just wear clothes underneath that you don't mind getting a little flour or sauce on.
What shoes should I wear?
Closed, flat, non-slip shoes like trainers. You'll walk market lanes and stand at a stove, so avoid open sandals and heels near hot pots and knives.
Do I need to cover up for the market?
It's courteous. In the medina and souks, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful in a conservative setting, and it keeps you cool and low-profile too.