8 Kaftans We’re Living In This Summer Because We’ve Given Up!
Just kidding. Kaftans are chic. And they allow us to eat copious amounts of bread.
Image from Diarrablu
by The Candidly Team
There are very few items of clothing that solve the riddle of “I would rather walk barefoot over my stovetop than wear anything tight around my stomach” and “I also refuse to live another day as a tent-sized-t-shirt-wearing slug.”
And yet, we continue the hunt.
Because whether we’re apple, pear, or banana in shape, we’re all looking for clothes that do two things: 1. Look effortlessly chic (aka like we tried) and 2. Feel unshakably easy/ comfy/ unrestrictive.
Enter the kaftan.
The kaftan can oft be misfiled as a mumu (not that there’s anything wrong with that) or some other big, tented item we equate with “giving up.”
But, my friends, we’re here to prove the exact opposite to be true.
A kaftan? Is chic.
Sophisticated.
Sexy.
But most of all, a kaftan is so easy, so un-needing (a word, no?) of fuss, that we get to throw it on, look good, and feel entirely unself-conscious.
And, perhaps most important, kaftans are not designed for the male gaze. They are designed for our own gaze, as we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the shop window on the street, looking impossibly chic, gloriously untrendy, and entirely ourselves.
Here our 7 favorite kaftans on earth:
1. Free People Groovy Baby Maxi Kaftan
Does it make us want to throw a chic, Mad Men-themed pool party with our hair in a bouffant bun? Yes, yes it does. But it’s also just wildly flattering and easy to wear in general. We’re not sure why a broad batwing sleeve seemingly shrink-wraps our waist and lengthens our legs in the fashion of some sort of fun-house mirror, but we’re not asking questions. We are, however, packing this exact light-as-air kaftan in our suitcase for every vacation we ever take.
Price: $98
2. Emerson Fry
Blue Daughters Caftan
The magic of this dress is that we can put it on, feeling our most bloated and sandbaggy, slip into a sleek sandal, and poof, we look light, lovely, and entirely “put together.” A Coastal Grandmother giving boho-chic vibes. If that’s possible. We think it is.
Price: $198
3. Bel Kazan Printed Duster Robe
This is really the look we picture when we envision our lives in a kaftan. The billowy sleeves. The delicately tied waist. And a print so chic, we can wear it to the pool or a party, looking our best-dressed without ever having to think about it.
Price: $148
4. Vitamin A Costa Caftan
Should doubt creep into your mind over whether something so gloriously spacious could also be chic, picture strolling along a boardwalk in this, with a gorgeous sandal and a summery raffia tote. Its dipping neckline and smart slit ensures it’s not just some sack we throw over ourselves, but a lovely, intentional “look” that will make you feel glam, while yes, feeling like PJs.
Price: $148
5. TNUCK Beach
Blush Chandelier Long Sleeve Salty Paloma Caftan
A pretty dress, in kaftan form, can be one of the most flattering shapes, especially for those of us who don’t want to suction ourselves into shapewear every time we walk out the door. The flowy silhouette on this one skims our belly without adding bulk, making it an ideal dress for an apple-shape…but, honesty, pretty much any shape. And it sizes up to XXXL.
Price: $148
6. Pomander Place Black Finley Flutter Sleeve Dress
We’ve covered the sheer bliss of having our stomachs utterly unregarded when in a kaftan. But this one has the added bonus of showing off our legs. Black is a staple we turn to on repeat but it comes in every color we could want. Also sizes up to XXXL.
Price: $128
7. J. Crew Long Beach Shirt In Airy Gauze
Not technically a traditional kaftan, but lest us not forget that a light and long, kaftan-like layering piece can be the most effective way to not feel self-conscious or completely exposed parading about in our best swimsuit. This one is gauze, so it works even in extreme heat. And sure, it can live its life as a cover up, OR you can just button it up and belt it with nude leather flips, and voila, you’re dressed for town.
Price: $98
8. Diarrablu Satu Dress
There is so much handcrafted care that goes into this jaw-dropping dress, which is masterfully made by a small atelier in Senegal. The print selection is the stuff of dreams. You can order it in up to 3XL, but most amazingly, the brand will tailor it to your height without adding a minute to your delivery time.
Price: $225
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
We have to eat.
