The casual Summer kaftan takes me back to beach and pool looks of the ‘70s. Kaftans can be long or short, solid or patterned, and neutral or non-neutral. They can be gauzy and see-through, soft and silky, or cotton-rich. They usually have long, wide sleeves, and are very roomy and breezy. They look warm and covered, but they are really lightweight, thin and ventilating. 

Here are four ways to wear a hot-weather kaftan.

1. Swimwear Cover-Up

The beauty of the kaftan lies in its very roomy throw-on-and-go silhouette. This makes it a great cover-up option for swimwear when you’re at a beach or by the pool. Those made of quick-drying fabrics or with ventilating cut-outs are particularly practical. The one here is very long, but much shorter and breezier thigh-length versions are fab too. Grab a beach tote, sandals, sunnies, and a hat, and off you go.

MIGUELINA Rachel Crocheted Cotton Kaftan

2. Casually Bohemian

Kaftans that are more opaque can be worn with regular undies and sported as an everyday Summer dress. Finish off the look with flat sandals, and a straw bag. The airy and unstructured integrity and comfortable volume of the kaftan is at the heart of its appeal, but I’ve also seen them belted at the waist on those who prefer dresses with waist definition.

Golda Maxi Kaftan

3. Glammed Up

Silkier kaftans can be dressed up with heels and a small bag for a bit of glam. Shorter lengths are fab for those who like to showcase their legs. Delicate strappy sandals in a shade of metallic look particularly good with the look to my eye, and they don’t need to be high-heeled. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Trina Turk Theodora Floral Print Silk Dress

4. Lounging and Working from Home

Wear a kaftan as an at-home item only. Lounge, relax, watch tele, read, or work from home in the comfort and drama of a stylish muumuu. The sleeves are fine to type in, but not so fab for cooking and doing the dishes. I have a lounging pyjama set with the same types of sleeves, and they are constantly in the way. Make sure someone else does the cooking and cleaning on kaftan days, or get take-out.

Natori N by Natori Painted Bouquet Printed Satin Caftan

I don’t have a kaftan, but wanted to get one for my beach and pool capsule. I’ll do just that when it once again becomes a priority to complete that capsule for future beach holidays. Over to you. Are you feeling kaftans?