What is a kaftan? Origins, styles, and prices
The kaftan is a long, elegant dress emblematic of Moroccan and Middle Eastern culture: worked sleeves, a refined collar and a waist defined by a belt. Made from silk, satin, velvet or organza, each handcrafted piece stands on its own. In this guide we answer the most common questions: what exactly is a kaftan, where does it come from, what does the word mean, which styles exist and at what price.
What is a kaftan?
A kaftan is a long women's robe with wide or fitted sleeves, usually cinched at the waist with a mdamma or matching belt. It is defined by its handcrafted finishes — hand-woven sfifa trim, knotted aâkad buttons, embroidery — and by its collar: round, V, square or officer, depending on the cut. Unlike the takchita, which is made of two layered pieces, the kaftan is worn as a single piece. Colours range from white and gold to deep tones such as black, by way of the very current powder pink.
What are the origins of the kaftan?
The kaftan traces back to ancient Persia, where it named a ceremonial garment worn at court. Spread by the Ottoman Empire, it was adopted in Morocco from the 16th century, where the ateliers of Fez and the great imperial cities turned it into a prestige garment in its own right, worn by royal families. It is in Morocco that the kaftan acquired its present codes: noble fabrics, gold-thread embroidery, and sfifa and aâkad buttons shaped by hand.
An evolution across the centuries
- From a Persian and Ottoman court garment to the Moroccan robe of prestige.
- From traditional embroidered silks to flowing satins and contemporary organzas.
- From classic cuts to modern styles, sometimes paired with fluid trousers or worn as a long over-robe.
What does the word 'kaftan' mean?
The word comes from the Persian khaftan, by way of Ottoman Turkish kaftan, which named a robe of honour given as a mark of distinction. That symbolism remains: to wear a kaftan is to put on a garment of ceremony and prestige. In Morocco it is still the dress of the great moments — weddings, engagements, henna evenings, receptions — and is often handed down from mother to daughter. ('Kaftan' and 'caftan' are simply two spellings of the same word.)
Kaftan styles
- Traditional Moroccan kaftan — silk or satin, refined collar, long sleeves and embroidered finishes.
- Modern kaftan — clean lines, sometimes worn with trousers or reimagined as an evening dress.
- Bohemian kaftan — light and colourful, in flowing satin or pastel tones.
- Ethnic kaftan — brocades, bold motifs and worked collars.
Each style exists in every size and at different levels of finish, which explains the range in price.
Is a kaftan a dress? The kaftan dress explained
Yes — because it is cut as a long, one-piece robe, the kaftan is worn exactly like a dress, which is why it is so often called a kaftan dress. What sets a kaftan dress apart from an ordinary maxi dress is the detail: hand-woven sfifa trim, aâkad button loops and, on dressier pieces, gold-thread embroidery. A ceremonial kaftan dress in silk or organza suits a wedding or an evening, while a lighter modern kaftan dress in crêpe or satin works beautifully for everyday, belted at the waist with flat sandals or boots.
To find the style that fits your occasion, browse all our kaftan dresses or, for lighter everyday cuts, our modern oriental dresses. For styling ideas, our guide to how to wear a kaftan shows how to belt and accessorise it.
How much does a kaftan cost?
Price depends above all on the fabric, the handwork and the making:
- Simple satin kaftan: around 150 to 300 EUR.
- Silk kaftan with embroidery and hand finishes: 500 to 1,500 EUR.
- High-end artisanal piece or couture bridal kaftan: several thousand euros.
Renting is an option for a one-off event, while buying lets you invest in a lasting piece you can pass on. To compare fits and necklines before choosing, see our size guide.
The kaftan today
Wedding gown, guest outfit, evening piece or a reimagined everyday robe: the kaftan adapts to every occasion. If you are drawn to the lighter, layered oriental wardrobe, read our guide to the modern abaya. To go further, discover all our Moroccan kaftans, handmade in our atelier in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of kaftan?
The traditional Moroccan kaftan (embroidered silk, worked collar, long sleeves), the light bohemian kaftan, the brocade ethnic kaftan and the clean-lined modern kaftan.
What are the average prices for a kaftan?
From 150-300 EUR for a simple satin to 500-1,500 EUR for a hand-embroidered silk, and beyond for a couture piece.
Can you rent a kaftan instead of buying one?
Yes. Renting suits a one-off wedding; buying lets you own a lasting piece, often passed down in the family.
How do you choose the right size and collar?
Check the exact size — some styles are fitted, others loose — and choose the collar to suit your look: round for a classic feel, V for a modern line, square or officer for a bolder touch.
