It appears that the caftan is having a moment in fashion again, and it's for good reason. For years, it was out of the spotlight. Yet many are now remembering exactly why they love this piece of clothing in the first place. But what is a caftan, and is there a difference between a caftan vs a Kaftan?
Today, as certified caftan wearers, our team at This Is J is sharing everything we know about this clothing item. We want you to walk away knowing exactly why it might be time to add one or two…or three to your closet to wear out at beach resorts, the summer markets, or to brunch with the girls.
What Is a Caftan? (The Definitive Answer)
So what is a caftan? Well, to put it simply, a caftan is a comfortable, loose garment with wide sleeves and a flowing silhouette. It falls away from one's body rather than clinging to it. It can be made from many materials, including cotton, silk, and bamboo viscose. They also come in various colors and patterns.
Additionally, most versions of the caftan reach between the calf and the ankle, but modern styles can vary by brand. It's also important to know that a caftan and a ‘Kaftan’ are the same thing. The only real difference is where in the world you buy one. For instance, the ‘Kaftan’ spelling appears more in Europe and parts of the Middle East. In contrast, ‘caftan’ is the spelling you’ll see most often when shopping in North America.
The History
The caftan has been around for centuries. So if you haven't heard about it, you might have been living under a rock… no shade, but definitely a little side eye. Anyways, this garment was presumed to have been worn by ancient peoples in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. This was long before it became popular in Western fashion.
In some of these cultures, it was worn as part of everyday clothing. Yet, in others, it appeared in ceremonial dress. Nowadays, caftans are simpler, with most no longer featuring ornate embroidery or heavy fabrics. In fact, most brands lean towards cooler, breathable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes so they are comfortable for everyday wear.
What Makes a Great Caftan?
As much as we would love to say that all caftans are amazing, it's not the case. There are indeed a few standout features that make a great caftan. So if you only want to wear one of the best caftans, have a look below at what to look for when shopping:
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Fabric that feels good against the skin: How something feels against your skin matters, which is why you need to be picky with your caftan materials. Most find that bamboo viscose tends to feel noticeably smoother than polyester and lighter than most cotton blends. It also needs to circulate air well. This is especially great if you intend to wear one in the hotter months of the year.
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A drape that moves easily: It's not enough for a garment to simply drape; it needs to fall naturally along the body and feel fluid rather than stiff. The best caftans give you enough movement that you feel comfortable when you walk or sit.
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A length that's comfortable: Caftans can be bought in different lengths, but it's usually best to choose midi or full-length. These cuts offer the most flexibility, as you can feel comfortable in them at home or out and about.
In addition to the above, you should also consider design. You’ll want to choose a caftan that suits different parts of the day. What we mean by this is that you should be able to wear a great caftan at the poolside, during a quiet evening at home, or while browsing boutique stores.
How to Wear a Caftan
Firstly, there is no hard rule surrounding how one should wear a caftan. However, if you are looking into how to wear a caftan before you buy one, there are several ways to do so.
For example, you could simply put a caftan on and laze about the house. Personally, this might be our favourite way to wear one. However, you could also use a caftan as a cover-up when you’re getting ready for a dip in the pool or a stroll along the beach.
You can also dress it up with a few pieces of jewelry, a snazzy pair of heels, and a cute headscarf if you plan to wear one out to lunch or dinner.
Additionally, many women tend to gravitate towards caftans during maternity and postpartum, since the draping and shape of those sold by This Is J leave room for comfort as the body changes. Not to mention, soft fabrics like bamboo viscose feel gentle against sensitive skin.
Choosing the Right Caftan for Your Body Type
One of the reasons caftans are becoming more popular again is that more people are realizing they suit everyone, regardless of shape or size.
However, we have to admit that those who may like them most are those who prefer clothing that is a little less tailored and structured.
Here are a few of our tips on choosing the right caftan for your body type:
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Choose the right length: Usually, petite wearers love caftans that stop around the mid calf or below the knee, while curvy gals love a maxi fit, as do those who are a little taller than most. Midi lengths on the petite can complement the shape, while full-length styles highlight the garment's natural movement and look elegant.
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Look for design details: Since caftans come in different designs, why not experiment? Look for ones with side slits or gentle tailoring around the shoulders if you want a little razzle-dazzle.
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Consider fabrics: We know we touched on this earlier, but it's important that you choose caftans based on fabrics you like to touch your skin. If you buy one and the material feels too stiff or itchy, or too silky, it's likely to sit on the hanger.
Caftan Care: How to Wash Bamboo Fabric
If you choose to buy a bamboo viscose caftan, don't worry about how to care for it, because it's fairly simple. All you need to do to care for your caftan and keep it soft is wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent, then air-dry it. This can help keep the texture smooth and the fibers soft. However, some caftans you can dry in a tumble dryer on low heat, but it's best to check the label before you pop it in.
The Best Caftans Made in Canada
If you feel like you want to purchase a caftan in the near future, the best caftans are made in Canada by companies like This Is J. Canadian-made garments often reflect careful craftsmanship and smaller production runs, so you can actually see the difference in quality. In addition, Canadian caftans, like those sold by This Is J, feature breathable bamboo fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, so you’re guaranteed comfort.
The Caftan: The Most Versatile Piece You're Not Wearing Yet
If you’re not wearing a caftan yet, you’re not living. These garments are incredibly comfortable, easy to style, and versatile, so why not get your hands on one of them? At This Is J, we offer a beautiful collection of Canadian-made caftans in a variety of colors and patterns, suitable for all body types. If you want to learn more or get one before it sells out, check out the collection here.
