Women's dress in Essaouira

Hi,
I am going on holiday to essaouira in july and have read conflicting reports on appropriate dress for western women. I heard that this town is less strict than other places in morocco. Am i expected to cover all arms and legs? Can i sunbathe on the beach? what about knee length skirts and t shirts?
Thanks

You will see many western women in short skirts and low tops, they are pestered by every boy on every block. You dont need to cover from head to toe but if you dress with comfort in mind you will blend in and gain respect. Sunbathing in a bikini on the beach is the norm, Going topless might cause you to be arrested. and on a windy day you might get sandblasted. Dont forget your sun block & have a great time.

Hi ,
You will see when u'll b here that there isn't any difference between the way u dress or the way u used to dress, and between moroccan girls. You can wear what ever u want without getting scared of anything. Morocco isn't a country where woman have to cover their body, they just dress like western women.
On what concern the beach, , just don't wear a G string and everything will b fine. It's not forbiden, but it will just make ppl look at u , cause women don't wear it at the beach over here.

Essouiria is a tourist town, but lots of rastas live there and artists etc. I think no bikinis, and lovely linen long pants and thin linen tops are appropriate at home and abroad. Dress for comfort heat, and not for Torremolinos. In other words, class style and freedom. There is only your own rule, you are a tourist. You have the money they need. Anything goes, just go with your own style. Will be o.k. unless you wish to look like a hooker. and I doubt that by your concerns. I have been to Essouiaria twelve times over the last three years. It is lovely, and I usually go to Maroc for three months. I am older than you, but as a hippy, we all had long clothes anyway. Now I just wear thin para pants and cheap tops. With style. Have a lovely time. and go to the Chez Berber where you can order a Taghine for 20 dirham, tell em what time you wish to eat it, and the ingredients, and you get a brilliant meal under two (euro, dollar, quid, ) just fresh and cheap.