If you’ve ever searched for the perfect kaftan online, chances are you’ve also come across the word caftan. The two terms appear throughout fashion, resort wear and luxury collections, often describing remarkably similar pieces.
So, what exactly is the difference between a kaftan and a caftan?
The short answer: kaftan and caftan refer to the same garment. The difference is primarily in the spelling, with both words tracing their origins back to the same centuries-old style of dress.
But the story of the kaftan goes far beyond spelling. From its historic roots to its place in contemporary resort wear, the kaftan has evolved into one of fashion’s most enduring silhouettes.
Kaftan vs Caftan: Is There Actually a Difference?
In modern fashion, there is generally no structural difference between a kaftan and a caftan.
“Kaftan” is the spelling most commonly used internationally today, while “caftan” is an alternative Western spelling. Depending on the country, designer or fashion house, you may see either term used.
Both typically describe a loose, flowing garment with an elongated silhouette and wide sleeves. Modern versions can range from relaxed beach cover-ups to intricately designed luxury kaftans intended for dinners, events and destination dressing.
So if you’re deciding between a kaftan vs caftan, you don't need to choose, they are two spellings of the same fashion icon.
What Is a Kaftan?
A kaftan is traditionally a long, loose-fitting garment with origins stretching back centuries across regions including the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and parts of the Mediterranean.
Historically, kaftans could signify status and were often created using luxurious fabrics, elaborate patterns and detailed embellishment.
Over time, designers around the world reinterpreted the silhouette, and the kaftan became particularly associated with effortless glamour, travel and warm-weather dressing.
Today, the modern kaftan can be worn almost anywhere.
Over swimwear at the beach. Barefoot beside the pool. With statement jewellery for dinner. Styled with trousers for an evening out. Or simply worn on its own as an effortless statement piece.
That versatility is exactly why the kaftan continues to have a place in modern wardrobes.
From Traditional Kaftan to Modern Resort wear
The kaftan's transformation into a resort wear essential is part of what makes the garment so interesting.
Its naturally relaxed construction makes it ideal for warmer climates, but its dramatic silhouette also gives designers an extraordinary canvas for colour, print and movement.
Modern resort wear kaftans can feature bold prints, intricate borders, flowing sleeves, embellished trims and lightweight fabrics designed to move beautifully with the body.
The result is a piece that feels effortless without looking casual.
At Korallomania, this balance is central to our approach to the kaftan. Our collections reinterpret the silhouette through original prints, Mediterranean influences and limited-edition designs, creating pieces intended to travel far beyond the beach.
Why Kaftans Have Become a Luxury Resort wear Essential
Few garments transition between settings as easily as a kaftan.
A beautifully designed kaftan dress can work as a beach cover-up during the day and become an entirely different look with a change of accessories in the evening.
There is also an ease to the silhouette that makes it particularly suited to destination wardrobes. Instead of packing separate outfits for the beach, lunch, sunset drinks and dinner, one statement kaftan can move through several moments of the day.
For travellers, that versatility matters.
For designers, the simplicity of the silhouette leaves room for extraordinary prints and details.
And for the woman wearing it, a kaftan offers something increasingly valuable in fashion: comfort without sacrificing presence.
How to Style a Kaftan
The beauty of a kaftan is that it rarely needs much styling.
For a relaxed resort look, wear a flowing kaftan over swimwear with flat sandals, a raffia bag and oversized sunglasses.
For lunch or an afternoon away from the beach, pair it with coordinated trousers and simple jewellery.
For evening, choose a more dramatic printed kaftan and add statement earrings, metallic accessories or a structured bag.
The strongest kaftan looks often follow one rule: let the garment be the statement.
A beautiful print, fluid fabric and dramatic silhouette can do most of the work for you.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Kaftan?
Not all kaftans are created equally.
If you're investing in a luxury kaftan, pay attention to the fabric, construction, print placement and finishing details. The way the garment falls and moves is just as important as how it looks when standing still.
Originality also matters.
A distinctive kaftan should feel like more than a simple beach cover-up. Thoughtful prints, considered proportions and beautiful finishing can turn an otherwise simple silhouette into something memorable.
Korallomania kaftans are created in limited quantities in Türkiye, with original prints designed by founder Eva Tufan. Each collection draws inspiration from colour, travel, art and the Mediterranean, bringing a contemporary identity to one of fashion's oldest silhouettes.
Kaftan or Caftan: Which Spelling Should You Use?
Both are correct.
If you're shopping online, you may find designers using kaftan, caftan, kaftan dress, caftan dress, beach kaftan or resort kaftan to describe variations of the same basic garment.
Today, kaftan has become the more widely recognized spelling within international fashion and resort wear, which is why it is the spelling we use at Korallomania.
Ultimately, however, the spelling doesn't change the garment.
Whether you call it a kaftan or a caftan, its appeal remains the same: a flowing silhouette, effortless movement and the ability to make getting dressed feel remarkably simple.
Discover Korallomania Kaftans
At Korallomania, we believe resort wear should be just as memorable as the destination.
Our luxury kaftan sets combine expressive original prints with flowing silhouettes and Mediterranean-inspired design. Made in limited quantities in our atelier in Türkiye, each piece is designed to be worn from the beach to lunch, sunset drinks, dinner and wherever the journey takes you next.
Because the best resort wear shouldn't only belong on holiday.
Discover the Korallomania kaftan collection and find the print you'll want to take everywhere.