Thanks to The White Lotus, this dress style is making a comeback—here’s where you can find one.
The holiday season is here, and that means it's time to create your perfect summer wardrobe. You may already have your swimwear, sunhat, and flip-flops ready, along with various linen pieces like light trousers, shirts, and skirts. However, allow me to remind you about the kaftan—a dress style that's making a notable comeback in 2025. "Kaftans symbolize relaxation, self-care, and ease. They evoke joyful, carefree moments, such as vacations and casual gatherings, embodying a lifestyle centered around comfort and balance," say Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea, the founders of the popular label Taller Marmo. "As more people embrace a slower lifestyle and share self-care practices on social media, fashion that feels effortless and purposeful—like the kaftan—naturally resonates."
Monikh showcases a white linen-blend kaftan, styled with black flip-flops and an oversized black clutch. HBO's The White Lotus, the cult series that's captivated audiences since its debut in 2011, arguably plays a role in this kaftan revival. The show, which revolves around the lives of the wealthy at a fictional holiday destination, has inspired fans to emulate the characters' looks. The latest season, set in humid Thailand, featured numerous striking style moments, with cast members donning elaborate kaftans, chic poolside cover-ups, luxurious tunic dresses, and bold robes.
With the kaftan being worn in various styles as temperatures rise in the UK, Europe, and beyond, I've been inspired to delve into this trend—its origins, current interpretations by fashion influencers, and to curate a shopping list so you can embrace the style just in time for your next tropical vacation.
### The Best Kaftan Brands of 2025
- **Best For Iconic Prints:** Pucci
- **Best Boho-Chic Brand:** Zimmermann
- **Best High Street Brand:** Free People
- **Best Luxury Brand:** Johanna Ortiz
- **Best Occasionwear Brand:** Taller Marmo
- **Best Poolside Brand:** Melissa Odabash
- **Best Italian Brand:** Emporio Sirenuse
### What Is a Kaftan?
A kaftan is a loose, flowing garment or robe that typically reaches the floor or mid-calf, featuring long sleeves and a tunic collar. Usually crafted from silk, cashmere, or cotton, today's kaftans are often adorned with vibrant colors, patterns, or embellishments, making them a favorite pick for maximalists in the summer. There are also simpler versions in shades like white or black available.
Kaftans are sometimes confused with kimonos, which are traditional Japanese garments. Kimonos are full-length robes cut in a T-shaped pattern, usually made from silk, and are worn with an obi belt or sash, showcasing intricate designs or occasionally hand-painted motifs.
### The Kaftan's History
Like many fashion items, the kaftan has evolved over the years to adapt to changing tastes, climates, and the lifestyle needs of modern wearers. This clothing piece carries a deep historical significance and has been worn by commoners, dignitaries, and royalty alike. As per UNESCO, "the garment has been embraced by countless cultures along the Silk Roads for millennia, holding various social significances and evolving with numerous regional styles. Initially specific to Central Asia, the caftan likely has Mesopotamian roots, spreading across Eurasia and widely adopted well before the 1st millennium CE." The '60s and '70s saw a kaftan revival, as it was loved by the hedonistic hippies and bohemians, influencing design houses like Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Pierre Cardin to create luxury kaftans cherished by Hollywood icons such as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Collins.
### How to Wear a Kaftan in 2025
You might wonder how to style a kaftan in 2025, and I'm here to tell you it's one of the easiest garments to wear. Many styles are sizeless or come in a one-size-fits-all, thanks to the loose, boxy structure of the garment, making it suitable for every body type. Some designs resemble jackets and can be cinched at the waist with a tie, while most are over-the-head dresses with a roomy and flowing fit perfect for a breezy vibe. "They offer what people desire: ease, elegance, and a sense of escape. In today's fast-paced world, kaftans embody a slower, effortless rhythm—luxurious pieces that remain elevated," explains Carla Sersale, co-founder of Emporio Sirenuse, a brand that reflects the essence of their famous Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano. She shares, "[Kaftans] serve as the quintessential transitional piece—from poolside to brunch, to evening drinks
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Thanks to The White Lotus, this dress style is making a comeback—here’s where you can find one.
The kaftan is trending in 2025. Continue reading for my definitive selection, featuring everything from affordable to high-end styles.
