The kaftan dress - also spelled caftan - is a very simple item of clothing that has evolved over the years to become somewhat of a fashion statement. It belongs to the family of robes or tunics and was originally worn by men as well as women. It was often used as a court robe, with the level of embellishment detail being an indicator of the wearer's rank.
Though this garment is most often associated with Islamic cultures, it has crossed borders to become a fashionable item in the Western world as well. In some countries in south east Asia, it is the perfect piece of clothing for warmer weather, due to its loose-fitting silhouette and lightweight fabric use. In the West, it became most popular during the hippie era of the 60s and 70s, with inspiration drawn from traditional ethnic styles.
This is an item of clothing that can be worn just as easily when lounging at home as it can for going out. There are many versions of heavily beaded kaftan gowns that work well for semi-formal events when worn with heels and a clutch. In the Western world, women are most found in caftans.
It is very easy to create an item like this at home, even for beginners. Fold a piece of fabric lengthwise so that it is the desired final length. Then, measure precisely where the center point of the fold line is. This is important to ensure that the arm length of the caftan is equal on both sides.
The key is to accurately measure the size of the neck hole for the wearer to be able to fit their head through it when putting it on. The neckline can be a V-neck or rounded, or whatever shape is desired for creativity. Cut the shape of the neck hole and neck line into the folded fabric, starting at the center point and making both sides even.
The raw edges of this piece can be bound or faced. For beginners, a decorative trim can be hand stitched onto the edges of the fabric. More advanced sewers will be able to create a facing pattern with adequate seam allowance to neaten the edges of the neckline. Alternatively, a thin strip of binding can also be used on both the neckline, armholes and hem of the piece.
There are different ways to treat the sides of the caftan, depending on the skill level of the person making it and also on the desired outcome. If the piece is to be worn over other items of clothing or over swimwear, for example, it can be left open at the sides like a cape, or simply tacked at either side by the waist line to hold it together. Alternatively, it can be sewn from just under the desired opening for the arm hole down to the hem, either in a straight or shaped line.
The kaftan dress, though simple in shape and construction, is often embellished with sequins, beads or a trim detail. This is usually around the neckline or hemline of the piece. Simultaneously, a caftan can be worn as a top, a short dress or a long gown depending on the length of the fabric when folded.
Though this garment is most often associated with Islamic cultures, it has crossed borders to become a fashionable item in the Western world as well. In some countries in south east Asia, it is the perfect piece of clothing for warmer weather, due to its loose-fitting silhouette and lightweight fabric use. In the West, it became most popular during the hippie era of the 60s and 70s, with inspiration drawn from traditional ethnic styles.
This is an item of clothing that can be worn just as easily when lounging at home as it can for going out. There are many versions of heavily beaded kaftan gowns that work well for semi-formal events when worn with heels and a clutch. In the Western world, women are most found in caftans.
It is very easy to create an item like this at home, even for beginners. Fold a piece of fabric lengthwise so that it is the desired final length. Then, measure precisely where the center point of the fold line is. This is important to ensure that the arm length of the caftan is equal on both sides.
The key is to accurately measure the size of the neck hole for the wearer to be able to fit their head through it when putting it on. The neckline can be a V-neck or rounded, or whatever shape is desired for creativity. Cut the shape of the neck hole and neck line into the folded fabric, starting at the center point and making both sides even.
The raw edges of this piece can be bound or faced. For beginners, a decorative trim can be hand stitched onto the edges of the fabric. More advanced sewers will be able to create a facing pattern with adequate seam allowance to neaten the edges of the neckline. Alternatively, a thin strip of binding can also be used on both the neckline, armholes and hem of the piece.
There are different ways to treat the sides of the caftan, depending on the skill level of the person making it and also on the desired outcome. If the piece is to be worn over other items of clothing or over swimwear, for example, it can be left open at the sides like a cape, or simply tacked at either side by the waist line to hold it together. Alternatively, it can be sewn from just under the desired opening for the arm hole down to the hem, either in a straight or shaped line.
The kaftan dress, though simple in shape and construction, is often embellished with sequins, beads or a trim detail. This is usually around the neckline or hemline of the piece. Simultaneously, a caftan can be worn as a top, a short dress or a long gown depending on the length of the fabric when folded.
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