What is kaftan? Tips to set this comfortable and special dress

These days, most women like to wear dresses and coats that are not only beautiful in design, but also very comfortable. If you also like free and elegant clothes, it is good to complete your information about your kaftan. In this article, we are going to tell you what the kaftan is and when it can be worn. We suggest you join us.

What is kaftan?

Kaftan is a traditional shirt with long and loose sleeves, which usually reaches the ankle. This tunic is just like a long tunic which was mainly used by men in ancient times. Some types of kaftans have very beautiful belts that double the effect of this outfit. The early models of this impressive bodysuit were buttoned, made of silk or cotton and presented in a completely luxurious way.

However, gradually this luxury clothing became the clothes of the poor and shopkeepers. It is interesting to know that, these days, the kaftan has been re-opened to the fashion scene of the world and is offered to the enthusiasts in the form of a beautiful, practical and stylish dress. Whenever you travel to Istanbul, we suggest you visit the Topkapi Palace Museum and see an amazing collection of kaftans left over from previous ages and made of luxurious fabrics. During the Ottoman Empire, wearing a kaftan was one of the distinct privileges that belonged to sultans, officials and courtiers. At the same time, in important religious and epic events and ceremonies, the generals who won the battlefields also wore the same clothes.

What is the history of kaftan?

The word kaftan entered the English language from the end of the 16th century AD and refers to a type of ancient clothing that originated from Iranian culture. After some time, this style of covering has spread throughout Central Asia and Western Asia and Arabia. In the past, this dress was noticed by both men and women and was worn by both groups. It is interesting to know, the word Kaftan is found in different forms in Turkish, Russian, Eastern European and many Central Asian languages.

With the conquest of Islam, kaftan made its way from Iran to Andolus, Morocco and Arabia and became the main clothing for men. The pattern of this dress was designed in imitation of the Roman tunic and the Egyptian Kalasiri. Arabic kaftans were often so long that they had to be worn with a belt. Those years in Saudi Arabia, urban women usually wore this dress only at home.

There is also a 19th century yellow silk kaftan in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Moroccan kaftans were mainly made of floral fabrics and buttoned design and were secured by a belt around the body. Early kaftans had wide and long sleeves; But in later models, the width of the sleeves became smaller.

What is the most common use of kaftan?

1. beach wear

These days, the kaftan is used as a beach wear. This dress is a very beautiful and comfortable cover-up that you can wear over your swimsuit and cover your body when you are out of the water and protect it from damage caused by direct sunlight. For this purpose, it is necessary to use soft and delicate kaftans, which are mainly made of cotton and natural fibers and make it easier for you to bear the heat. Wearing a kaftan on the beach creates a beautiful and impressive effect. In the heat of the desert, you can wear kaftans made of natural fibers and take beautiful photos of yourself.

2. Casual and formal events and occasions

Kaftan is one of the suitable clothes that can be used in formal and informal ceremonies depending on the type of fabric. Especially women who have a pear-shaped body like to wear this dress. Because the simple and free pattern of this long tunic helps them make their figure look more proportional. Kaftans that are made of velvet, silk or fabrics with stone embroidery, tapestry, gulabton embroidery and sequins are a suitable option for formal events.

3. As a coat and street covering

Kaftan is one of the best options that can replace a mantle and guarantee your comfort and convenience at all hours of the day. It is enough to wear a suitable kaftan depending on the situation and enjoy your unique appearance. For example, during the day and in normal times, you can choose a colorful and simple linen or cotton kaftan. Meanwhile, for more formal meetings, it is good to wear kaftans that are sewn using more formal fabrics.

What is the method of setting kaftan?

• You can match your colorful, patterned and distinctive kaftan with a colorful shawl or scarf. To create more effect, you can tie your scarf or shawl in African style on top of your head.
• If you want, you can tie a wide leather belt on your kaftan and make your look more attractive.
• For the right occasion, we suggest pairing your striking silk kaftan with a pair of skinny jeans or Bermuda shorts. In this way, you can have a casual yet elegant style.
• Depending on the type of kaftan, the fabric, and the desired event, you can match it with a pair of summer sandals without heels or a pair of attractive high heels.

What are the essential tips when wearing a kaftan?

1. Choose the right fabric

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important points that turns a kaftan into a formal or casual garment. Note, each dress and fabric is considered for a specific condition and situation. Obviously, wearing a cotton kaftan for a formal event would not be very desirable. Meanwhile, a silk or velvet kaftan cannot be worn by the beach, while browsing the market or in a friendly gathering.

2. Adjust the length of your dress according to the situation

According to the position, you can adjust the length of your kaftan and shorten it as needed. For example, wearing a long dress at work would probably be awkward. For this reason, you can wear an option that reaches below the knee. In such a situation, you can match your beautiful and practical kaftan with jeans or linen.

3. Take the choice of the right bag seriously

Considering the special pattern of the kaftan and its wideness, we suggest to be careful when choosing a bag and choose items that are not too big. Remember, small clutch or crossbody bags will make a more appropriate combination with this type of outfit.

Crossbody bag models are here

4. Choose the right shoes

As we said before, in order to create an impressive and stylish effect, it is necessary to choose your shoes according to the position and the type of fabric of your kaftan. For example, to attend a formal event, we suggest wearing a silk kaftan with a pair of silver high heels and shine in the crowd. If you wear shorter and more casual kaftans at work, you can use sneakers. Meanwhile, a stylish summer sandal can double the beauty of a cotton kaftan on the beach.

The most popular models of women's sandals are here

5. Choose the right accessory

Due to the type of pattern and the specific model of the kaftan, we suggest that you avoid using complicated, busy and large accessories while wearing this dress. Instead, depending on the occasion, you can go with a pair of relatively small pearl earrings, a nice watch, a matching belt, and not too big rings. If you are going to wear a simple kaftan, you can add a delicate bracelet and necklace to this collection.

The most popular silver jewelry is here

Which celebrities like to wear kaftans?

Among the old celebrities, “Elizabeth Taylor” is one of the most well-known faces who liked to wear kaftan. In the picture below, you can see this popular actress wearing a beautiful kaftan.

last word

In this article, we tried to tell you what kaftan is and how it can be worn on different occasions. what is your opinion? Are you interested in wearing this dress? In what situations and for what events do you prefer to use it? We'd love for you to share your views with us and other readers in the “User Comments” section.