The Return Of The Dubai Kaftan — Style And Care Tips For Nailing The Look!

Summer is here, temperatures are rising, and you understandably want to look like a diva on your outings and vacays.

Have no fear; the Dubai kaftan is once again here!

Light and breezy, kaftans are an absolute must-have for your summer wardrobe.

Why?

Well, for starters, they’re comfortable and soft to the touch, while their design is ideal for any body size and shape.

And, guess what — comfortable is the new trendy!

What’s more, there are various Dubai kaftan styles to suit any occasion and event, bringing a much-appreciated versatility into the bargain.

All you need to know is how to style the different types of Dubai kaftan to nail the look you’re aiming for!

So, to give you the best start to wearing this popular trend, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you create stunning outfits.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s see how the exotic garment took the fashion world by storm.

How The Dubai Kaftan Went Global

Kaftan style garments originated in Ancient Mesopotamia, while Ottoman sultans started wearing them in the 14th century to symbolise their wealth and high status.

Over time, their popularity spread to Europe and North America, when travellers and eccentrics brought them back from their exotic expeditions.

In the ‘50s, French couturiers - including Dior and Balenciaga - adapted the traditional kaftan dress for high fashion, and a decade later, Vogue described it as ‘an essential garment for every member of the jet set’.

Designer Tom Ford shortened the kaftan to micro-mini length in the ‘90s, and, ever since, big names like Matthew Williamson and Elie Saab have worked hard to bring the Dubai kaftan well into the 21st century.

How To Rock The Kaftan Style For Every Occasion

1. Pair with sandals and sunnies for a glam beach day

Opt for a light and breezy organic cotton kaftan to instantly take your beachwear — or pool wear — to the next level.

It’s the perfect way to jazz up your swimwear and add a touch of bougie glam to your seaside style.

And since it’s not a fitted dress, you can relax, kick back, and soak up the sun for hours in one of these bad boys!

2. Dress it up for a formal occasion

If you want to give your outfit that added ‘oomph’ for a posh five-star dinner or luxury outing, we’ve got you covered!

Simply choose a more fitted silk or embellished design, and pair it with some elegant pumps and a shawl.

A well-placed accessory or oversized jewellery will instantly increase the drama of your outfit, making it perfect for your evening wear.

3. Dress it down for classy clubbing

Going downtown for shenanigans?

For a classy look with a bohemian feel, try pairing a monochrome kaftan with some statement platform heels, a matching headwrap or scarf, and some bold earrings to boot!

The loose-fitting, breathable, and incredibly light design will keep you cool and gorgeous in the hustle and bustle of the club, so you can dance and jam the night away!

4. Pair with jeans and heels for some on-the-go glam!

Chilly nights and evening occasions call for a little more sophistication than your average outing.

To pack a punch on your next Ladies Night, why not pair your colourful kaftan with some dark skinny jeans or leggings, modest heels, and an elegant headscarf for added allure.

You’ll have heads turning in no time!

5. Wear it with some formal earrings and a beautiful necklace for a wonderful National Day outfit!

It’s Saudi National Day and it’s time to find a new and inspiring way to wear your beautiful kaftan!

With some light shopping, you can revolutionize your look. All it takes is a new pair of earrings – nothing too over the top, but something with a little bit of flair, like these from Nous & Nola. Pair it with a stunning necklace like this one from REWORK and you’ve got a whole new outfit in as little as 1, 2, 3!

Taking Care Of Your Kaftans

Here are some tips on properly washing, storing, and preserving your kaftans so that they stay with you for decades of style!

1. Follow the instructions on the label

Natural fabrics like silk and cotton tend to require more care and attention due to the delicate nature of the fabric fibres.

The best way to ensure you wash your kaftan right is to carefully read and follow the instructions on the label, as this will protect the structural integrity of the fabric long-term.

To sustain the quality of your kaftan pieces in scorching places like Dubai and beyond, we recommend that you go to dry cleaners who specialise in silk.

2. Gentle hand wash is best

If you can find the time, the best and safest way to clean your kaftans is by hand-washing them. Simply follow these instructions:

• Fill a washing-up bowl with cool water and detergent.
• Swirl the kaftan in the soapy water to remove light stains on the fabric surface.
• Rinse the kaftan in a bowl of clean cold water.
• Lay your kaftan flat on a towel to air dry.

3. Iron on low heat

If you air-dry your kaftan correctly, then you can skip ironing entirely. However, if your kaftan is still creased after hours of air drying, we recommend getting out your trusty iron.

When ironing, it’s imperative that you use a low to medium heat setting, to avoid burning or melting the fabric.

Furthermore, you should ALWAYS use a thick piece of white cotton fabric placed between the iron and kaftan garment to avoid damaging the glue or the embellishments.

4. Machine washing is a no-no

Most types of Dubai kaftan are made of very delicate fabrics, which are incredibly prone to tearing.

If you want to keep it in tip-top condition for as long as possible, you should never put it in a washing machine or tumble dryer of any type.

5. Store your kaftans inside 100% cotton garment bags

Cotton garment bags are your kaftan’s best friend, and here’s why:

They protect your darlings from dust, dirt, mould, direct sunlight, insects, humidity, and mildew throughout the seasons so you can prolong their longevity and wear them for years to come.

Dubai kaftans come in a variety of designs, lengths, colours, and fabrics to suit your needs and looks. From sleek and sophisticated to bohemian and casual, this comfortable and versatile piece of clothing is your perfect companion for this season’s adventures.

We hope we’ve inspired you to try out the many Dubai kaftan styles on your next fashionable venture and achieve that air of confidence and elegance that only kaftan lovers will understand!

Wild Fabrik

At WILD FABRIK, we believe that fashion is a universal language through which we communicate who we are and what we stand for. With our blog entries we aim to provide you with an elegant guide to a sustainable lifestyle, packed with our experience, knowledge, and continuous research on sustainability matters. Driven by our passion for all things green, we hope to inspire you to be your own label and make conscious choices that look — and feel —good.

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“Summer is here, temperatures are rising, and you understandably want to look like a diva on your outings and vacays.”