I love the fact that so many of you are as delighted by caftans as I am, even as I recognize that there are also many of you who think they fall somewhere on the tacky/frumpy/I give up continuum. I believe they can be very chic, but I also like them for lolling about at home, and they make me feel infinitely more glamorous than my same old sweatpants-and-tee combo does. It’s not really caftan season, so I suspected it might be tough to round some up, but I was wrong. For starters, I think this rainbow stripe number is just adorable.
This one, from Rag & Bone, also comes in a very pretty floral (click through to see) but I’m digging this tiger stripe. I’d even wear it out in the world, layered over a black silk slip.
This is probably the most sophisticated of the bunch—the print and color combination are both just so good.
A gauze option in a particularly pretty teal.
This henley version with shirtdress-like details is just so far up my alley that I might have to go for it.
This is so pleasingly graphic.
Here’s one that’s a bit pricier than the others, but has a simply unstoppable print.
And speaking of prints, I’m pretty crazy for this awesomely loud one too.
This pale pink confection is a delight.
I’m kind of on the fence about this one: it’s a whole lot of print, in bold hues too, and I’m not sure I could pull it off. But it reminds me of vintage Pucci, and I like the handkerchief hem.
The dark stripes here are fantastic: I’d wear this layered over a turtleneck now, and on its own later.
A preppy, striped version that looks ideal for lounging.
And finally, my all-time favorite: this excellent specimen from Emerson Fry. It’s feather-light, and the very definition of breezy.
This is a much smaller label – but her prints are out of this world. https://www.ofthebirds.com/shop/kaftan-rainbow-earth
I love caftans and this is a great selection. Does anyone know what the fabric content is for the Wolf and Badger stripes? I assume it’s cotton, but can’t seem to find the info.
I have an answer for you! I was interested in that one, too. So cute! I went to her website and found that it’s made out of pique, which I looked up just to make sure I knew what it meant: “Pique is a durable cotton knit fabric covered with a tiny, textured pattern. The cross-tuck knit construction creates a cellular effect with a unique, subtle texture. The term pique is also used for a woven fabric that is covered with a tiny, textured pattern which makes it appear quilted.” Here is the caftan on her website: https://jennafergracecollection.com/products/dominique-striped-caftan-kaftan-dress I’m thinking about it!
PS. I don’t mean for you to buy on website, but just for you to see description. đŸ™‚
Thank you!
My sister made me a white cotton pique dress for my 8th grade graduation. It had a sweet pink grosgrain ribbon bow at the neckline. I loved that dress.
As much as I wear and love my Emerson Fry caftan (shorter ladies do note that the long version is really, really long, but the short version fits perfectly) I don’t feel I can really wear it out of the house because the fabric is a bit see through. However, so many of these you’ve found, Kim, look like they are ready to go out to lunch/brunch whatever and how awesome is that! (Still, I am pondering the pairing of cowboy boots with a caftan––lordy)
Yes to the boots and I agree that a caftan with a slip defeats the purpose so I always look for a heavier cotton. that black with the strip is calling to me. I could see cutting it off (slightly) and wearing it to work. No one would know I have my “robe” on.
I always love your caftan posts, and this one is smashing yet again. Hurrah!
I do wish that the refrain about how many people think of them as “giving up” could be dropped from the caftan posts, though. I feel sad every time I read it! It would be wonderful during the occasional post that focuses entirely on profoundly comfortably clothing to not have to be reminded about how many people judge the unwillingness to suffer to conform to someone’s ideals of what a woman should dress like. The world is happy to talk to folks who want them about compression garments and spine-and-foot destroying shoes endlessly. I have to fight to not have the internet tell me about that stuff simply because it can tell I’m female! I’d love to have the occasional delicious caftan post in peace and celebration, barefoot, braless, with a nice cup of tea, and no shaming reminders.
All bodies and psychologies are so different. I am a smallish person with–when I was younger–the body of a Playboy pin-up which I found completely embarrassing. My happy place has always been oversized flowy, even when the world, friends, magazines were telling me that my body should show it all. I’m still small at 62 and I still wear big clothes. I have never remotely thought of caftans as “giving up” and you shouldn’t either! Rock that caftan in whatever way you want to and I will too!!
I have now purchased 8 of the Emerson Fry caftans: 4 for me, 4 for various friends. I have never loved an article of clothing as much as I love those caftans.
Aaah thanks for this post – requested cover ups, and that rainbow number is just perfect and on it’s way to me. I have the Emerson Fry caftan pictured, and love it. I find if it’s cinched it is far less flowy and see through.
Hmm, those shoes with the dark stripes one look rather nifty. I wonder what they are. … … … Super fun post, Kim!! These are smashing.
My all time favorite clothing item – love this list, Kim. For those looking for a caftan that is not sheer and can be worn in public, I love this one from Lake. Ihttps://lakepajamas.com/products/heatwave-gauze-caftan?variant=39371161567322
I have it in the red, may also spring for the pink or blue.
Frances Valentine (the company Kate Spade founded after leaving KS) has some beauties. I own two and get compliments every single time I wear them. They are pricey but very well made (there are usually promos and coupons floating around the internet). FV is also size inclusive, going up to 3X – and the dresses are sized generously.
And for your next trip to AmanJiri anywhere, Two New York. https://twonewyork.com/collections/caftans
I live in Miami and caftans are everyday wear here especially in hot summer months. I love that they are a “Mrs Roper” vibe–makes me feel like I’m going to the pool even though I’m going grocery shopping. A floppy hat, oversized earrings and sunglasses and you are set for any occasion here.