A caftan is a long, flowing garment with long sleeves that can be made of silk or cotton. It originated as a men’s garment and can be seen in various forms in different countries. In the US, it is often worn by women as a muumuu. It is comfortable in hot weather and can be easily made at home. Most kaftans sold in the US are one size fits all, but better fit options can be found in specialty stores.
A caftan, sometimes spelled kaftan, is a flowing, ankle-length garment with long sleeves. In its original form, it was made of silk or cotton and was usually worn with a belt or sash around the waist. It is similar to the khalat, which is a silk or cotton robe. However, the caftan does not have an open front and slips over the head.
The caftan is typically a men’s garment in their countries of origin. People can still be seen setting in the Eastern Mediterranean. It can be worn over pajama-style pants in places like Egypt. The first kaftans were generally quite simple, but the designs, fabrics, and patterns became more complex over time. During the Ottoman Empire, they were worn by sultans and were extremely complex in design and printing. You can also gift elaborately printed and embroidered garments.
Variants of the caftan style can also be seen in certain African countries. There, it can be worn by both men and women, and is usually made of cotton in bright colors. The sleeves can be long or up to the elbow. Worn in this way, it is usually without a belt.
The caftan may also be worn by women in the US, where it is usually called a muumuu. Again, it is usually not belted and can come in a variety of prints. Some are Hawaiian-inspired, and others may have prints reminiscent of African designs. In the US, this garment may be cotton, cotton/polyester, or cotton gauze. It is typically worn as a housecoat, nightgown, or bathing suit, and can be extremely comfortable.
A caftan can be especially useful in very hot weather, especially if it’s 100% cotton. Cotton and polyester blends tend to retain more body heat. Many people also feel that silk is too warm for the hot months.
It is also quite easy to make a caftan. The simple shape of an A-line lends itself well to those learning to sew. Basically, two equal size pieces of fabric are cut and two seams are attached to each side. A more elaborate caftan may require more experience. Adding slits, buttons, embroidery, or more than one fabric can mean more work.
Most kaftans that can be purchased in the US are made as a one size fits all garment. In general, this means that there is only one size available, and it is large enough to fit most people. Those who are very petite or wear small sizes may find such a garment to be too large. Women who wear plus size clothing may also find some kaftans too small. Fortunately, stores that specialize in petite or plus-size clothing may offer better fit options.
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