What to Wear to a Hammam in Marrakech
“What do I wear to a hammam?” is the number one question people ask before their first hammam experience. The short answer: very little, and less than you think. Most visitors wear swimwear bottoms or disposable underwear, and the spa usually provides the rest.
The Short Answer: What to Wear to a Hammam
- Women: swimsuit bottoms or disposable underwear (some prefer a full swimsuit).
- Men: swim shorts or disposable underwear.
- Everyone: a towel and slippers, which most spas provide.
If you want the fuller picture of the ritual itself before you decide what to wear, read our guide on what to expect in a Moroccan hammam.
What to Wear, Depending on Your Session
In a women-only hammam
Most women wear bottoms only, or a full swimsuit if that feels more comfortable. It’s entirely your decision, and no one will tell you otherwise.
In a traditional hammam
Swim shorts or disposable underwear are common for men. Your attendant will scrub around whatever you choose to wear.
What to avoid wearing
- Anything you can’t get wet or don’t want stained by black soap.
- Jewelry — leave it at your hotel or riad.
- Delicate fabrics that won’t survive steam and scrubbing.
What Mayzara Spa Provides
- Towel
- Disposable underwear
- Slippers
- Black soap, kessa glove and ghassoul clay
- A locker or safe place for your things
- Mint tea after your session
What to Bring With You
- A swimsuit, if you’d rather wear your own instead of what’s provided.
- A small bag for your clothes and belongings.
- A hair tie, if you have long hair.
- Your own moisturizer, if you’re particular about products (though oils are usually offered too).
- Water — you’ll sweat more than you expect.
What to Leave at the Hotel
- Jewelry and valuables.
- Contact lenses, if you’re sensitive to steam — glasses are easier to manage.
- Heavy makeup, since it will come off in the steam room anyway.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
Bringing too much. The spa already provides the essentials — you don’t need a full toiletry bag.
Shaving that morning. Freshly shaved skin can get irritated during the scrub.
Skipping water. Steam is dehydrating, more than people expect.
Wearing anything precious. Black soap and clay can stain fabric permanently.
According to the Cleveland Clinic’s guidance on skin care after exfoliation, freshly scrubbed skin is more sensitive to sun and product irritation for a day or two — worth keeping in mind if you’re heading back out into the medina afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own towel?
Usually not — most spas, including Mayzara Spa, provide one.
Can I wear a bikini top during my hammam?
Yes, if that makes you more comfortable. There’s no strict rule.
Do men and women wear the same thing?
Not exactly. Most men wear swim shorts or disposable underwear, while women choose bottoms or a full swimsuit.
Can I wear my own flip-flops instead of the provided slippers?
Yes, though slippers are usually provided anyway.
What if I forget something?
Most essentials are provided on-site, so forgetting an item rarely causes a problem — ask your attendant when you arrive.
Ready to Book?
Now that you know what to wear, read what actually happens in a Moroccan hammam experience, or go ahead and book your session at Mayzara Spa. for booking click here