Customs and Fashions of Kaftan Dresses
At its simplest, the kaftan dress Is simply a sort of long-sleeved, ankle-length robe or tunic that sticks or buttons at front. This simplicity, however, disguises the long and varied history of the kaftan and its dozens of styles and variations across many distinct cultures. In the past several decades, the kaftan has become increasingly common in Western countries, primarily as a lady’s fashion. The kaftan dress appeals to all tastes as it is easy, adaptable and can add a bit of the traditional or the exotic into a wardrobe. The Traditional kaftan typically has Open, billowing sleeves and a high collar, even though contemporary variants may have V-neck collars or other reductions. Some conventional versions have thinner, thinner sleeves, although this varies from area to area. Buttons or ties are located on the front of the garment from the neck to the waist, except on pull-over designs.
A sash or a tunic is worn across the waist to provide some shape to the differently freely-flowing tunic. The conventional design reaches down to the ankles, though contemporary versions might be shorter, and kaftan-inspired tunics are sometimes worn as tops or blouses. A sweater, lose or fold outer-jacket completes the traditional kaftan. Perhaps the greatest merit of the garment is its adaptability to different weather conditions. Loose kaftans made of lighter materials are fantastic for hot climates, while heavier models are acceptable for cooler conditions. The kaftan dress enough to be worn over undergarments and flexible enough to be worn under heavy outerwear. It can be held near the body at the waist or loosened for coolness; the ties or buttons could be kept buttoned to various heights based on temperature. The kaftan was and remains a type of all-purpose, regular garment for yearlong wear in its countries of origin.
The kaftan’s traditional homeland Stretches from North Africa to Central Asia, although it is usually thought to have originated from the Mesopotamian area, in or around present-day Iraq. Kaftan, thus, is also regarded as a kind of women’s Islamic Clothing. In its original cultural context, the kaftan is a unisex outfit or mostly a man’s item. The term kaftan itself is derived from the Persian language. Based on the cultural context, kaftans might have been plain, homespun clothing or elaborate robes with impressive decorations and patterns. In some kaftan-wearing cultures, decorative accessories and elements were used to indicate the wearer’s rank or status. Materials range from cotton to silk and beyond; in Morocco, by way of instance, women’s kaftans frequently appear with intricate lace decorations.
