Caftans Are Making Summer Style Feel Luxe Again

Key Takeaways

• While they’ve always been a resort staple, caftans have gotten a new life as a full-blown summer trend thanks to shows like The White Lotus and Palm Royale, plus fresh designs from high-end and accessible brands alike.
• The piece’s luxe feel and breezy silhouette make it an instant go-to, especially when styled with textured summer accessories, statement sunglasses, and touches of elevated jewelry.

Amidst the unrelenting heat of the dog days of summer, most of us are looking for a bit of escapism. Welcome back, caftans (also spelled kaftans): the easy, breezy pieces that make you look and feel glamorously put-together with next to no effort. The loose-fitting, long-sleeved maxi dresses and robes are versatile enough for everything the season has in store and are majorly trending for summer 2025, popping up on TV, runways, and in real life. Read on to learn all about the caftan renaissance, from the modern appeal to styling tips and standout pieces to shop. 

Meet the Experts

• Dianna Singh is the founder of Dianna Singh, a new line of accessible, easy-to-wear fashion hero pieces, starting with the caftan.
• Susan Padron is an intuitive personal stylist and color analyst.
• Erin Walsh is a celebrity stylist and Marshalls and TJ Maxx Fashion style expert. She works with A-listers including Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, and Mariska Hargitay.
• Kyla Flax is a fashion stylist and the head of styling at Anthropologie.

The History of Caftans

Caftans might feel right at home amidst modern-day comfort and glam, but in reality, they’ve been around for centuries. “Caftans—or at least early forms of them—have been around since ancient times,” says Dianna Singh, whose eponymous fashion line puts caftans center stage. “The Metropolitan Museum of Art even has one in its collection that dates back to approximately the 8th century CE.”

Over the years, caftans have been popular among people worldwide, from all different cultures. “One of the things I like most about caftans is that so many different cultures have their interpretation of the style,” Singh says. “The book Caftans: From Classical to Camp: A Fashion History by Cameron Silver documents that beautifully.”

While caftans are a fashion tale nearly as old as time, the oversized silhouettes hit the mainstream in the mid-1900s. Intuitive stylist and color analyst Susan Padron says we have designer Yves Saint Laurent to thank for the initial emergence of the trend in the U.S. “He brought the caftan into mainstream fashion in the 1960s, because of his love of Marrakesh,” she reveals, noting that caftans were popular in Morocco around the 16th century. “We then saw a lot of A-list celebrities wearing caftans through the ’60s and ’70s.”

One that stands out? “You can’t talk about caftans without talking about Elizabeth Taylor, who brought them to the forefront of fashion in the 1960s,” Singh says.

The Caftan Trend in 2025

Caftans have rotated in and out of fashion since the ‘60s and ‘70s. While the silhouette has long been a resortwear staple, this year, it’s edging into the everyday. “Caftans are having a huge resurgence because of designers such as Pucci, Lilly Pulitzer, and Monique Lhuillier highlighting their interpretation of this classic design on the spring 2025 runways,” Padron shares. On TV, shows like The White Lotus (hello, Victoria Ratliff), And Just Like That…, Palm Royale, and Inventing Anna all prominently feature caftans. Additionally, celebrities like Martha Stewart, Kyle Richards, and Sarah Jessica Parker all regularly rock the free-flowing garment. 

@diannasingh / Instagram

“Caftans have really evolved beyond their resort roots,” says Kyla Flax, the head of styling at Anthropologie. “What stands out in 2025 is the range of different fabrications, silhouettes, and unexpected details. You’ll see everything from ultra-minis to subtle cutouts and graphic prints that feel modern.”

HBO

The Appeal of Caftans

Caftans are one of the most versatile garments on the market. The long, breezy dresses and robes can work well as beach cover-ups, casual maxi dresses, and even evening attire. It all depends on the style and fabric you choose. 

@gayleking / instagram

“Caftans have evolved into a timeless silhouette, and depending on the fabric and detailing, can be worn in a wide variety of ways,” Padron says. “Caftans with a lot of metallics and beading are gorgeous options for more formal events, while a silk, cotton, or linen caftan could work as resort wear.”

Flax agrees. “Caftans really work for so many moments, from a summer picnic to even a night out—it all comes down to fabric and finishing touches,” she says. “If the caftan is silk or structured, I’ll dress it up with sharper accessories like a statement bangle or cuff. For casual days, it’s as easy as sliding into sandals and letting the print do the work. It’s that balance of relaxed and refined that makes them so versatile right now.”

Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, who works with A-listers like Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, and Mariska Hargitay, thinks the caftan obsession is a matter of ease. “Caftans offer that magical blend of elevated and effortless that feels very timely; they shine for their blend of chic [style], comfort, and most importantly, versatility,” she says. “From rooftop dinners to resort getaways, caftans are the ultimate statement piece for those leaning into an eye-catching yet laid-back luxury look.”

@johnnywas / Instagram

For Singh, the rise of caftans in everyday fashion boils down to joy. “In 2025, finding joy in the little things feels more necessary than ever, and in my experience, caftans are instant mood-boosters,” she says. “To me, caftans are pure joy in a garment: They’re celebratory, non-exclusionary, and make a statement without making a fuss.”

The appeal of caftans is about far more than spacious comfort and stellar looks, though. Their design is also breathable and cooling, making them particularly popular for summer. “Caftans are an elegant way to combat the heat,” Padron says. “Their design is naturally light, airy, and breezy, with minimal contact to your body.” Because of this, she says that caftans aren’t only great for the beach and around the resort, but as standout pieces for warm-weather weddings and events, too. 

How to Style

The overall consensus? Let the caftan take the lead. For daytime wear—either as a cover-up or brunch outfit—Flax says to keep it simple with a thong sandal, raffia bag, and colorful layered necklaces. At night, swap your flat sandals for platforms and your colorful jewelry for pops of gold. 

@carolinakuniverse / Instagram

Another way to style caftans in 2025? With the ‘70s top of mind. “I love to think very 1970s glam with a caftan,” Walsh says. “Big glasses, gold jewelry, a metallic sandal, or even a chunky platform—the options are absolutely endless when it comes to curating a sleek, statement look with a caftan.”

The Best Modern Caftans to Shop

If the idea of breezy days in a caftan has you jumping to get your hands on one, you’re in luck. The below selection is full of movement, joy, and color for every style and occasion, so you can bring this effortless piece into all aspects of your life.