Ever since I discovered this stunning made-to-order resortwear brand, embroidered dresses and boho beach maxis have been top of mind. Plus, I’m kind of a lazy dresser and I’m not fabulous with heat so a one-and-done outfit is really all I care to sport all summer. Many cultures throughout history have their own version of a kaftan (or caftan), which has evolved over time, but they are typically long, maxi-length garments such as robes or dresses. There are lots of variations on the kaftan, such as the pieces below inspired by Ukrainian, Indian, Mexican designs and more. Some of them are thick, intricate, and ornate like a gown, and others, which are better known here in the US, are light and beachy like a swimsuit cover-up.
Etsy is such a fantastic resource for discovering designers and learning about traditional techniques used today and in vintage garments (there are a few vintage caftans in the mix here too). I’m personally inspired by every culture’s iteration on the kaftan that I have seen, from traditional, Ukrainian tunics to the Mexican Huipil, all of which I learned so much more about thanks to these independent designers! We’ve also sprinkled more “modern” styles in the mix, like a pink tie dye maxi dress and a fun collab with House of Harlow 1960!
If you love boho dresses, you’ll love these beautiful beach kaftans…
DandEDiscovered x House of Harlow 1960 Caftan
Kaftan Buzz Pink Tie Dye Maxi Dress
Indian Block Print Indigo Kaftan by mommyrobeclothing (custom made in your preferred length!)
MaisonMarrakech Moroccan Kaftan
Vintage Mexican Embroidered Dress via MissHippy70
Custom White & Pink Mexican Embroidered Maxi Dress from newcropshop
1960 THE LILLY Lilly Pulitzer via The Aft Cabin
HuipilesMexicourban Huipil dresses and belts
SybilsCasualElegance Silk Caftan
Tencel kaftan in a Japanese floral print by thisiskaftan
Vintage 1970s Handwoven Mexican Amuzgo Huipil via 12GalaxiesVintage
Traditional Ukrainian maxi dress with balloon sleeves by TheNewDayOutfit
This last shop features more flowy, mumu-style caftans, but I also wanted to share some of their more traditional dresses as they are just stunning!
Do you wear kaftans in the summer? Tell me where you buy yours!
[…] for lounging beside me on the beach). Enter, Etsy! Etsy always has unique finds, whether it’s beach kaftans or sun hats, but they make it near impossible to comb through all of the results. Luckily, […]