What is a kaftan?
Kaftans are a style of loose dress inspired by the fashions of many Arabic-speaking countries such as Egypt, Persia and Mesopotamia. In the western world, kaftans can be a popular choice for summer, when light, airy fabrics are favoured in order to look stylish without overheating. It can even be a great option as a layer - ideal for keeping your summer wardrobe in rotation during colder months.
Available in a range of fabrics, patterns and colours, the term ‘kaftan’ covers a wide range of dress styles, from those that are more closely associated with the cultures that inspired them, to those that have been adapted to resemble western styles.
When would you wear a kaftan?
Kaftans can be worn for any occasion, from a formal event such as a summer wedding to a casual get-together or party. It all depends on the style you opt for - when it comes to kaftans, there really is one for everyone. You can also adapt a kaftan for different occasions by pairing it with different accessories, jewellery and shoes.
They can also be worn as a cover-up at the beach or swimming pool - allowing you to quickly transition to a fashionable outfit if you need to pop out to the shops, to the car or elsewhere. Due to the lightweight fabrics used, kaftans dry quickly - especially in the summer sun. This makes them great options to wear after getting out of the sea or swimming pool, in a similar way to how you might wear a sarong.
As well as covering up swimwear to make your outfit more suitable for heading into a shop or café, kaftans can also be used to help protect your skin from the sun during hot summer days. When it’s very hot, you naturally don’t want to wear thick, suffocating layers of clothing to keep the sun at bay - so a kaftan is a simple and convenient alternative.
Handily, kaftans can be folded or rolled into a small, compact package, perfect for storing in a handbag to keep as a ‘just in case’ option when heading out for the day. They won’t take up much room in your suitcase either, so they’re great outfit options to bring along on a warm holiday.
Can anyone wear a kaftan?
Traditionally, kaftans were an item of clothing worn primarily by those living in the eastern world, where they originated. However, these days it’s generally considered to be fine for anyone to wear a kaftan - so long as it’s worn as part of a stylish outfit and not just as a costume. Size isn’t an issue either - they can be worn by anyone no matter your size or shape. Some kaftans are even designed to be menswear.
However, there are a few pointers that can help you choose the right style of kaftan for you to ensure the most flattering look possible.
First, make sure you buy your size. In some areas of fashion, it can be tempting to buy the next size up if your own size isn’t available, but this isn’t necessarily the best choice when it comes to kaftans. As light, flowy garments, they already offer a generous allowance for room, and by buying a size that’s too big for you, you could risk being swamped by the fabric.
Top tip! If you’re not certain which size would be most flattering for you, you can always order multiples of your favourite kaftan in different sizes, allowing you to try them on at home to find the best fit, then return the ones you don’t need.
It’s also a good idea to consider what you like in terms of other dress styles. If you favour a form-flattering cinched waist, there are plenty of kaftans available that offer that style. If you prefer something wide and flowing, there’s also a kaftan for you. The same principle applies to patterns, fabrics and colours - take note of what you already have that you enjoy wearing, and use those insights to find your new favourite kaftan.