When it comes to summer attire, we’re all about finding that ideal combination of comfy, lightweight and stylish, and what sartorial staple epitomizes that carefree aesthetic better than the caftan? Caftans have a robe-like silhouette, with loose, flowing sleeves, all of which are a dream when it comes to summer dressing. The caftan (also sometimes spelled “kaftan”), which originated in North Africa and the Middle East thousands of years ago, gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s at the the height of the flower-child, bohemian hippie era. It’s easy to see why the silhouette has remained a summer wardrobe mainstay ever since.
Caftans are the perfect mix of glamour and ease, allowing movement and comfort without sacrificing fashion and elegance. They’re also incredibly versatile, as today’s caftans also come in a variety of silhouettes, patterns and fabrics, whether you’re looking for a glamorous silky caftan maxi to pair with sparkly slides and a clutch for an evening out, or a linen version to throw on over your swimsuit with sandals as a stylish cover-up. You can pair a simple cotton caftan with a fisherman sandal or platform loafer and you’re workday-ready. Below, see the most stylish caftans to shop for every summer occasion.
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Lake. Lake Pajamas Pocket Caftan in Balsam Stripe
$128, Shop NowThis crisp cotton caftan is polished yet effortless, with nautical green-blue stripes.
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Pucci. Pucci Blue Printed Kaftan
$1,350, Shop NowYou can’t go wrong with a chic Pucci caftan; this one has a kaleidoscope print that really embraces the retro vibes.
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Shoshanna. Shoshanna Marigold Eyelet Gazelle Caftan
$350, Shop NowBring the sunshine with you in this marigold eyelet caftan, which has an adjustable tie at the waist for a more tailored fit.
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Missoni. Missoni Mare Metallic Striped Crochet-Knit Kaftan
$860, Shop NowMissoni’s sheer metallic crochet caftan adds a touch of effortless polish to your beach ensemble.
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Ortigia. Ortigia Silk Celeste Kaftan
$720, Shop NowFor a major dose of glamour, try this silky printed caftan.
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Michael Stars. Michael Stars Mila Cover Up
$168, Shop NowA simple white caftan is such a classic and laidback option for a swim cover-up, and we love the slits and cinched waist on this style.
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Mirth. Mirth Palm Springs Caftan Sweet Pea
$200, Shop NowA breezy floral caftan is a fresh and feminine daytime option; pair this one with nude sandals and a straw bag for the perfect summer look.
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Lisa Marie Fernandez. Lisa Marie Fernandez Hooded Linen Blend Gauze Caftan
$595, Shop NowThis long linen caftan has a practical hood (summer rain showers are a thing!) and nautical-esque rope ties at the neckline—it’s screaming for a boat trip.
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Camilla. Camilla Scarf Tie Kaftan
$749, Shop NowAmp up the drama in this colorful caftan, which truly has it all—big sleeves, cold shoulder cutouts, bows and an embellished deep v-neckline. It’s giving us 1970s Palm Springs vibes.
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Eres. Eres Rivage Kaftan
$575, Shop NowKeep it simple in this classic striped caftan, which you can style as a cover-up or as a chic dress.
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Lafayette 148. Lafayette 148 Harbor Stripe Linen-Cotton Silk Pom Kaftan
$999, Shop NowThis oversized coverup caftan features colorblocked stripes, big sleeves and whimsical tassels.
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Printfresh. Printfresh x Pencil & Paper Co. Zinnia Out & About Caftan
$132, Shop NowAdd a pop of color to your summer ensemble with this cheerful yellow and green printed caftan.
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Mikoh. Mikoh June Caftan
$212, Shop NowThis breezy cotton caftan is such a cute and unique choice for a beach cover-up, especially with the unexpected collar.
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Taller Marmo. Taller Marmo Mrs. Ross Fringed Crepe Kaftan
$1,220, Shop NowWho says caftans can’t be formalwear? This bright blue fringed caftan is simply luxurious.
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Farm Rio. Farm Rio White Macaw Embroidered Maxi Dress
$375, Shop NowThe intricate embroidery and jaunty tassels add refined but carefree edge to this cream-colored frock.
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J.Jill. J.Jill Pure Jill Paisley Caftan
$149, Shop NowA lightweight paisley caftan is sure to be a staple in your summer wardrobe.
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M.M.LaFleur. M.M.LaFleur Freedlund Caftan
$365, Shop NowUpgrade your usual LWD situation with this flowy white caftan, which has a flattering drawstring waist, boat neckline and, best of all, pockets.
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Fil De Vie. Fil De Vie Murielle Embroidered Linen Kaftan
$450, Shop NowThis flirty cream-colored caftan has billowy sleeves, a ruffled hem and tonal embroidery.
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Frances Valentine. Frances Valentine Geoprint Maxi Dress Red Orange
$398, Shop NowThe geometric berry-toned print adds dimension to the minimalist silhouette of this caftan.
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Zimmermann. Zimmermann + Net Sustain Hooded Fringed Floral-Print Cotton-Terry Hoodie
$475, Shop NowElevate your beachwear look with this floral terry-cotton caftan, which just might be the most stylish way to dry off after a dip in the ocean.