caftan
Caftan (noun) means a long, loose, wide-sleeved robe that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted waist, worn as a dress, a beach cover-up or loungewear. Example: “She wore a printed silk caftan over her swimsuit.”
How to use caftan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long, loose robe-like dress with wide sleeves.
'Caftan' is the usual American spelling and 'kaftan' the usual British one; both are correct and pronounced the same. In fashion writing the word covers everything from a beach throw-on to formal occasion wear.
A caftan is cut straight and hangs loose from the shoulders. A kimono wraps and ties at the front, which is the quickest way to tell illustrations apart.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore a printed silk _____ over her swimsuit.
Etymology
From Turkish kaftan, itself from Persian khaftān, a long robe.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a caftan and a kaftan?
None at all — they are two spellings of the same garment and the same word. Caftan is more common in American English, kaftan in British English.
What is the difference between a caftan and a kimono?
A caftan is pulled on over the head and hangs straight from the shoulders, sometimes with a front opening. A kimono is a wrap garment with square sleeves that overlaps at the front and is held by a sash. Their origins are Middle Eastern and Japanese respectively.
What is the difference between a caftan and a muumuu?
Both are loose full-length dresses. A muumuu is Hawaiian in origin, usually simpler in cut and in bright floral cotton, while a caftan comes from Middle Eastern dress and is more often long-sleeved, structured at the neckline and made in finer fabric.
What is the meaning of caftan?
"caftan" (noun) means a long, loose, wide-sleeved robe that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted waist, worn as a dress, a beach cover-up or loungewear.