The Modern Kaftan: An Oriental Dress for Everyday Wear
Long reserved for weddings and grand celebrations, the kaftan is now living a second life. Reimagined with lighter cuts and everyday fabrics, it has become a true modern Oriental dress — one to wear well beyond ceremonies.
From festive garment to everyday dress
The traditional kaftan, rich in embroidery and precious fabrics, remains the centerpiece of major occasions. But a new generation of kaftans, more streamlined, is now finding its place in the everyday wardrobe. Flowing cuts, comfortable fabrics, discreet details: they keep the soul of the kaftan while being worn to the office, around town, or for dinner with friends.
Why the modern kaftan appeals every day
- Comfort: a loose, flowing cut that doesn't restrict movement.
- Versatility: a single piece, easy to dress up or down depending on the accessories.
- Effortless elegance: the drape of the kaftan flatters every silhouette.
- Identity: wearing a touch of Moroccan heritage in everyday life.
How to wear it day-to-day
For daytime wear, choose a kaftan in a simple fabric and accessorize it simply: a belt to define the waist, flat sandals or boots depending on the season, a basket or a structured bag. The same dress can then move into evening mode with gold jewelry and heels.
A few pieces to get started
To move from the festive kaftan to an everyday dress, go for simple cuts and easy-to-wear fabrics. The olive green Mlifa Moroccan dress with butterfly sleeves, trimmed with gold sfifa, works for a ceremony as well as during the day. The plum long dress with gold trim, with its gandoura cut, brings everyday chic. And the sage green boat-neck kaftan dress keeps the spirit of the kaftan in a pared-back version.
In between seasons, add a jacket: our article on sfifa jackets and sets has pairing ideas. For accessories, the gold crochet trapeze bag, handwoven in our Marrakech workshop, completes the look.
Discover our modern Oriental dresses
At Selhyan, this vision of the kaftan can be found in our ready-to-wear section, alongside our ceremonial pieces. Explore our modern Moroccan Oriental dresses designed for everyday life, or browse our entire ready-to-wear collection.
The kaftan is no longer just an exceptional outfit: it's a way of dressing, every day, with character.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a kaftan every day?
Yes. Modern kaftans, with fluid cuts and subtle details, can be worn to the office, around town or to dinner with friends. They keep the soul of the kaftan in a lighter version.
How do you wear a modern kaftan during the day?
Choose a simple fabric and keep accessories understated: a belt to define the waist, flat sandals or boots depending on the season, a basket or a structured bag.
What is the difference between a traditional and a modern kaftan?
The traditional kaftan relies on rich embroidery and precious fabrics for big occasions. The modern kaftan keeps the silhouette but simplifies it: lighter cuts, subtle details, everyday fabrics.
How do you take a kaftan from day to evening?
Keep the same dress and change the accessories: gold jewellery, heels and an ornate belt are enough to turn a daytime kaftan into an evening outfit.
