Are you looking for the perfect piece to make your summer wardrobe stand out from the crowd?
Really? I am too! And I think I’ve found them- women’s Kaftan (or caftan) dresses, are a brilliant choice for summer, for several reasons.
These bold, feminine, flowing creations are designed to be comfortable and breathable in those humid summer months and will make you the center of attention at any summer gathering.
They’re also offered in a range of designs that are sure to fit both casual and semi-formal wear occasions, so there’s pretty much something awaiting every woman.
And, bonus- finding these summer wardrobe essentials has never been easier!
What is a kaftan and why it’s the perfect summer dress
A kaftan, sometimes also known as a caftan, is one of the most versatile and comfortable dresses you can wear in summer.
Kaftans have a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years.
They were first worn by people in Asia, Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa and were used as robes to protect from the hot desert sun.
While they have remained a mainstay in these regions, Kaftans have become increasingly popular in the West for decades as a stylish women’s fashion item.
The modern kaftan is typically made of light fabric such as rayon, chiffon, cotton, or blended fabrics, with designs that may include embroidery and colorful patterns.
It can be worn with a belt or without, comes in various sizes and colors, – and is often accessorized with jewelry.
Choose the best Kaftan for you – styles, materials, colors & measurements
Because Amazon has so many choices, it can be difficult to decide what would be best for you. To narrow down your options, start by considering the style of Kaftan that best suits you.
- Are you looking for something full-length and sophisticated?
- Perhaps something short and flirty?
- Sheer or not sheer?
- More tapered, or super-flowing?
- Where will you wear it? home? beach? picnic? BBQ? day trips, family outings?
- After you’ve decided on a design, select from the range of different materials to find one that fits your lifestyle.
- Then, be bold and choose a color that shows off your personality or select something classic.
- Finally, take time to measure yourself to ensure a perfect fit as Kaftans tend to run large.
Writing down your answers to these questions will help in the decision-making process.
And something else to consider- if you’d like to wear your Kaftan more formally in public (like running errands, or going for lunch), don’t forget to order a Kaftan that is not sheer, and accessorize accordingly.
Now you’re ready to bask in the knowledge that you’ve chosen the best possible Kaftan for you!
Our Top 11 Kaftan Picks on Amazon
Whether you’re going classic, bohemian, or full-on beach glam, our top 11 Kaftan picks will have you looking and feeling fabulous this summer.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1.) Eddoyee Kaftan Dresses
Look stylish in the Eddoyee Kaftan Dress. This dress comes in one size that fits US sizes M, L, and XL and comes in 14 other vibrant colors and patterns.
It is crafted from lightweight and breathable polyester material for comfort and skin-friendly wear.
The beautiful print and color, oversized design, and side split of this dress not only showcase your feminine charm but also provides ample coverage.
Perfect for staying cool during hot summer days, this kaftan will turn heads wherever you go!
2.) Bsubseach Women Ethnic Print Kaftan
The Bsubseach Women’s Ethnic Print Kaftan Beach is made from 100% polyester fabric for comfort and has a pull-on closure.
It is a plus-sized dress that fits sizes S to 3XL with a bust of 64.5″, length of 55.5″, and shoulder of 48.8″. It features an elbow-length batwing sleeve design which is very flattering and flows beautifully for an elegant look.
It also comes in 36 colorful and exotic patterns and prints!
The comfortably roomy fit also makes it easy to put on as you swan breezily through the house, it is lightweight but not sheer and washes and dries easily.
3.) Beautybatik Women’s Hand Blocked Rayon Kaftan
Experience comfort and style with the Beautybatik Women’s Hand-Blocked Rayon Kaftan in plus sizes XL, 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X, with 33 colors and prints to choose from!
This piece is made from 100% first-grade thick rayon and lined with rayon for a soft feel.
Featuring a pull-on closure, this dress has truly hand-made stamp-blocked batik motifs in colors that are non-faded.
It provides a nicely draped loose fit with a V-neck cutting kimono style, making it ideal to wear during lounging around the house or accessorizing and wearing out.
4.) Miss Lavish London Women Kaftan Dress
Stay fashionable with the Miss Lavish London Women Kaftan Dress! This cover-up is made from 100% polyester with a pull-on closure and is machine washable.
Available in six sizes (S-3XL), they are lightweight at 200g each and approximately 52″ long.
Perfect for protecting yourself from the sun, this long-length maxi dress style Kaftan tunic is versatile and sexy, suitable for evening wear, summer wear, or even sleepwear.
5.) CHERRY CAT Women’s Kaftan Dress
Be fashionable and protected from the sun’s rays in the CHERRY CAT Women’s Kaftan Dress made from 100% Viscose for a soft rayon fabric feel.
This Kaftan is one size that fits most, measuring 53.1″ (length), 33.1″ (shoulder), and 66.2″ (bust), and comes in 24 amazing colors and prints!
Stand out from the crowd with this blue and white print Kaftan while showing off your figure as you go from day to night – it makes a perfect swimsuit cover-up at the beach or an elegant evening dress!
6.) AILUNSNIKA Women’s Loose Kaftan
Make a statement in the AILUNSNIKA Women’s Loose Kaftan! This rayon cover-up features a V-neck rectangle cut to enhance your figure and comes in 40 different styles, materials, and patterns!!!
It’s designed with a loose style so that you look slimmer, and the manual chiffon fabrication makes it extremely comfortable to wear.
Perfect for parties, daily wear, swimming pool, or beach trips – this one size (bust: 68.5″, shoulder: 44.09″, length: 54.33″) kaftan can be worn almost anywhere! Look sleek and sophisticated in this must-have piece.
7.) Kawai Peach Women’s Kaftan Dress
Look and feel fabulous in the Kawai Peach Women’s Kaftan Dress!
This semi-sheer kaftan dress is made of high-quality polyester for a breathable fabric with a fantastic touch, a “one-size-fits-most” description, and comes in 6 colors- white, dark blue, beige (seen below), purple, orange, and black.
The tropical and sexy design with a long dress lends itself to an incredibly flattering and sophisticated look.
With one size fitting most women, this garment drapes beautifully, making you feel feminine and super slim. Make sure you grab yours now – it takes up very little space in your bag or suitcase!
8.) HDE Women’s UPF 30+ Kaftan Dress
The HDE Women’s UPF 30+ Kaftan Dress is perfect for a day at the beach or pool, this flowy, 100% rayon, Kaftan dress has a casual yet dressy style, comes in 5 patterns and colors, and can be taken from cover-up to casual evening wear!
With two sizes covering US sizes 4-30 and full ankle length, you’ll feel confident in your oversized kaftan.
Not to mention, modern floral, tie-dye prints, and ethnic-inspired embroidery will make you stand out among the summer beach crowd! So don’t forget your HDE Women’s UPF 30+ Kaftan Dress on your next vacation or cruise.
9.) Bsubseach Women Ethnic Print Kaftan Dress
Stay fashionable and comfortable in the Bsubseach Women’s Ethnic Print Kaftan Dress!
This long maxi dress is made from 100% polyester, featuring a pull-on closure, elbow-length batwing sleeves, 36 other gorgeous patterns and colors, and a comfortable roomy fit.
Perfect for relaxing throughout the house, or lounging by the beach or pool – with its stylish ethnic print and lightweight fabric, it makes for an ideal cover-up.
Easily washable and quick drying, this kaftan dress is bold, fun, flirty, and functional! Grab yours now for that breezy summer feeling at home or away.
10.) Miss Lavish London Women Kaftans Dresses
Stay chic and comfortable in the Miss Lavish London Women Kaftans Dresses.
With batwing sleeves that reach the elbow and a range of sizes from S to 2XL/3XL plus sizes, and 36 amazing, colorful patterns, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit.
These lightweight dresses are made from 100% polyester, and weigh 220g each, making them a great choice for any outfit – from evening wear to beachwear and sleepwear!
Look stylish anywhere with Miss Lavish London Women Kaftans Dresses.
11.) SHU-SHI Women’s Kaftan Dress
Look stylish and feel comfortable in this SHU-SHI Women’s Kaftan Dress.
With a unique combination of tropical graphics and traditional hand painting, this semi-sheer cover-up is perfect for beachwear, sleepwear or anywhere you want to look gorgeous!
This lightweight dress is available in 3 color styles, is made from 100% rayon, and is crafted digitally in Bali through a fair trade family-style relationship.
Machine washable and easy to hang dry – experience beautiful craftsmanship with the SHU-SHI Women Kaftan Dress!
Buyer Beware
Before making any purchase from an online retailer, it’s important to exercise due diligence.
As you are not physically able to assess the quality, fit, and craftsmanship of the item you plan on buying, extra caution needs to be taken.
To garner the greatest success while shopping online, consider these measures:
- Investigate reviews and ratings from previous buyers; this will give you a better idea of what kind of product you can expect to receive.
- Understand your physique; decide which areas you would like to emphasize or conceal.
- Familiarize yourself with clothing styles that best suit your body shape.
- Carefully review the return policy and its details, including time frames and procedures for returning merchandise.
- Choose fabrics that are comfortable against your skin (for example, I personally have no issue wearing polyester).
- Realistically accept that minor defects may occur.
- Be proactive; wash the item according to care instructions if you feel it has an odor when you receive it, iron out any wrinkles if it shipped wrinkled, and take in a hem if you need to, or quickly sew a ripped seam.
Tips for Wearing a Kaftan
- Choose flesh-colored underwear for optimum invisibility under sheer or lightweight materials- if you’re not wearing it as a bathing suit cover.
- Invest in nude-colored slips that match your skin tone, these are a great way to smooth your figure- and they are way under-utilized today (as I also mentioned in our Maxi-Dress post!).
- Opt for shapewear to define your silhouette and boost your confidence.
- Invest in a fitted, supportive, comfortable bra- not sure if you need one? take a well-lit picture from several angles, 6-8 feet from the outfit you plan to wear, and assess accordingly.
- Decide whether you prefer to shave or not; just remember that summer dresses often require us to lift our arms and bare our legs!
If you wearing sandals, wedges, or flip-flops, check out this 5-minute pedicure that will have your feet looking smooth, gorgeous, and beach-vacation-perfect in no time flat!!!
How to Style Your Kaftan – Accessories and Shoes
Summer vibes are in the air, and what better way to kick things off than with the perfect boho, casual, or sophisticated summer aura? With different lengths, vibrant prints, and carefree silhouettes, Kaftans can be styled for a variety of different looks- whatever you like!
–A glamorous fedora hat or a wide-brimmed straw hat would be the perfect accessory.
–If you want that extra wow factor, add some slim, metallic, and demure jewelry.
–Add a pair of sandals or flip-flops to finish off your outfit – comfort is key for summer days.
–Always bear in mind to have a stylish tote bag with you to store all those essentials!
Conclusion
Yay! We’re on our way to an awesome summer! We hope you enjoyed these picks, and if there is anything else you as a 40+ woman would like to see Ledoux Lagoon write about please drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you!