Kaftans have been around for centuries as high fashion items in many countries from the Middle East to Russia and even down to South East Asia. Traditionally, they are long loose pieces with long sleeves that were worn by men but over the years, they have greatly evolved and spread to every country of the world. Today, the kaftan is a beautiful piece that can be added to any outfit, especially swimwear, as an enhancing piece that can carry you from day to night.
Kaftan Fabric
When choosing a kaftan to match the wide variety of swimwear available today, the fabric will help determine the look and feel of the outfit. This is also a great way to experiment with looks and which kaftan will look best with each event.
Cotton is a great natural fabric designed to breathe. Cotton kaftans are great for throwing over swimwear to give enough coverage while going around town. The beauty with cotton is that it can carry from day to night simply by adding accessories accordingly.
Lace is one of the most sexy and feminine of all fabrics. Kaftans made entirely with lace or with lace trim will give any swimwear, even boyish styles a sexy flirty look.
Linen is simply perfect for those particularly hot days in the sun. Linen is a very cooling fabric that allow great air flow and a kaftan will be able to cover you up while wearing swimwear and still keep you feeling cool.
Silk is one of the most beautiful natural fabrics around. Choose silk for a lovely addition to any swimwear, that will immediately give you a romantic and feminine look.
Choose the Right Length Kaftan
Though traditionally long, kaftans are now available in an array of lengths and styles. Matching a different kaftan with each swimsuit will help change your look and style.
Ankle-length kaftans are great to entirely cover your swimwear for slightly more formal settings than the beach or a quick shopping trip. Choose one with a beautiful design or a plain one with striking accessories.
Fun and flirty, the knee-length kaftans are great to quickly throw over swimwear and head out for some fun. It's a great length to keep you cool and looking trendy.
If you're feeling a little more daring and want a quick little cover up over swimwear, even for an evening outing, try an above the knee kaftan for a sexy sultry look. For a really hot look, try a sheer fabric that matches the swimsuit for a beautiful show of your silhouette.
Types of Kaftans
There are two main types of kaftans that are most popular today. The more traditional styles are slip-on without any closures in the front while the other type is generally a button front for ease of use, especially when slipping it over swimwear. Both styles work well and look great to keep the body cool in the hot sun.
Adult and Children Kaftans
Just as adults need something simple and cooling to wear after a dip in the sea, children also can wear kaftans over their swimwear as a quick dress up without the fuss of changing out of swimwear.
