Kaftan Dresses – Customs and Fashions

In its simplest form, the kaftan dress is simply a type of long-sleeved, ankle-length robe or tunic that closes or buttons in the front. However, this simplicity belies the kaftan’s long and varied history and its dozens of styles and variations in many different cultures. In recent decades, the caftan has become increasingly popular in Western countries, mainly as a women’s fashion. The kaftan dress appeals to all tastes because it is simple, adaptable, and can add a traditional or exotic touch to a wardrobe.

The classic caftan usually has open, billowing sleeves and a high neck, although modern variations may have V-necks or other cuts. Some traditional versions have tighter, narrower sleeves, although this varies from region to region. Buttons or ties are found on the front of the garment from the neck to the waist, except for pullover designs. A sash or tunic is worn around the waist to give the otherwise free-flowing tunic some shape. The traditional design is ankle-length, though modern versions can be shorter, and caftan-inspired tunics are sometimes worn as shirts or blouses. A loose sweater, cape, or outer jacket completes the traditional kaftan.

Perhaps the garment’s greatest virtue is its adaptability to different weather conditions. Loose kaftans made from lighter materials are perfect for warmer weather, while heavier versions are appropriate for cooler conditions. The caftan is loose enough to be worn over underwear and flexible enough to be worn under heavy outerwear. It can be held close to the body at the waist or loosened to keep it cool; buttons or ties can be kept buttoned at different heights depending on the temperature. The caftan was and still is a kind of all-purpose everyday garment in its home countries.

The traditional homeland of the caftan stretches from North Africa to Central Asia, although it is generally believed to have originated in the region of Mesopotamia, in or around present-day Iraq. Kaftan, therefore, is also considered as a form of Islamic clothing for women. In its original cultural context, the kaftan is a unisex attire or primarily an item for men. The word “kaftan” itself is derived from the Persian language. Depending on the cultural context, caftans may have been simple home-woven garments or tunics embellished with impressive patterns and decorations. In certain caftan-wearing cultures, decorative items and accessories were used to indicate the wearer’s rank or status. Materials range from plain cotton to silk and more; in Morocco, for example, women’s caftans are often featured with intricate lace trim.

Kaftan dresses and garments can also be found outside of these regions. In parts of West Africa, a caftan-type sweater is common, and some Southeast Asian cultures use a similar garment in batik cloth. The word itself also found its way into the Russian language, where it refers to an ancient type of men’s suit rather than a loose tunic.

The caftan made its way into European and North American fashion in the 1960s amid a general growing interest in Middle Eastern cultures. In the United States, the caftan was adopted by the hippy subculture, and the dashiki, based on West African caftan-style garments, gained popularity in the African-American community. Today, the caftan dress has become a staple of women’s Islamic fashion, either in its original form or through caftan-inspired designs.

The caftan’s status as a versatile, all-purpose garment ensured its adoption by contemporary fashion. It can be worn long or short, tied or loose, and can be cut or worn to flatter any body type. Kaftan-style garments are adaptable to any situation or lifestyle. Designers have produced caftan-style tops with puff sleeves and V-necklines for everyday wear. Full-length kaftans can be worn as a beach or pool cover up. Users have the freedom to accessorize their caftan dresses along traditional lines, for example with a sash, belt or coat, or they can adapt it to their current wardrobe. The presence of the kaftan in various cultures over a wide geographic area is a testament to its versatility and usefulness.