Caftan Shopping Guide

Wondering where to find the best caftans? I’ve rounded up 100 caftans in all price ranges from under $100 to luxury caftans over $1000 and everything in between, so you can dress like you live in a Slim Aarons photo.  Plus, I’m sharing 10 favorite caftan brands!

You know I’ve been Team Caftan forever, but since the pandemic, many more converts have joined the caftan club! I get a lot of inquiries asking where to find caftans, so I’ve put together this guide to help.

Bookmark this for future and share with a caftan-loving friend!

Frances Valentine caftan

Caftan Shopping Guide: Where To Find 100 Fabulous Caftans + 10 Favorite Caftan Brands!

What Is a Caftan?

BUT FIRST… before we begin, I thought we should clarify what a caftan is. Also, is it caftan or kaftan? Both are technically correct, so it’s up to you. Even though I’m typically partial to the letter “k” — somehow caftan with a “c” just feels right to me. But to each her own.

As for the definition of a caftan, a caftan is defined as:

“a long, full, usually collarless robe with wide sleeves that is worn at home for lounging or entertaining or at the beach as a cover-up.”

For me, a caftan is a loose frock with an open waist and an easy open sleeve. They can be silk and glamorous or cotton, earthy and breezy. Either way, they’re ideal for looking chic but being comfy. Win, win!

Sometimes house dresses, patio dresses, tunics, kimonos and robes are included in the caftan category too. Caftan purists might not agree, but I think as long as the spirit is there — easy, breezy-chic — who cares?!

As for length, traditionally most caftans are thought of as long and ankle-length, but shorter knee-length caftans are great too. I personally call them “halftans” (half + caftan).

Hester Bly caftan

Where To Find Caftans: The Ultimate Caftan Guide

Okay, let’s get to the fun part — where to find fabulous caftans! Below are my favorite brands and sources. If you have any to add, please leave them in the comments, and I’ll be sure to update this list as time goes on.

I actually already have a list long enough for a Part II, so stay tuned for even more!

Without further ado, here are where to find caftans (my favorites!) and brands…

TOP 10 CAFTAN BRANDS

1. Frances Valentine Caftans

Perhaps my favorite of all the caftans, Frances Valentine caftans are special, colorful and worth collecting, but still at a fairly accessible price point given the quality ($300-$600).

 Use code KLFV17 for 17% off at Frances Valentine

2. Hester Bly Caftans

I have two favorite brands of luxury caftans and Hester Bly is one of them. These are in the $500-$1000 range, so a splurge to be sure, but SO beautiful.

3. La Vie Caftans

My other favorite luxury caftan brand? La Vie. This Dallas-based brand has mastered the art of the caftan with cool silhouettes and interesting cut-outs. They sell out FAST every drop (prices range around $500-$1000).

4. Teggy French Caftans

My friend, the fabulous Teggy French, launched her own line of caftans. They’re colorful and spirited — just like Teggy — and the price point is great (under $300).

5. Trina Turk Caftans

I think of Trina Turk as the OG caftan queen! Long or short, full-length and flowing or shorter halftans, you can’t go wrong with a colorful, patternful Trina Turk caftan. Prices range from $200-$500.

6. Sail To Sable Caftans

I’ve been wearing small resortwear brand Sail To Sable for years and their caftans (and tunics!) are some of my very favorites. They’re light and breezy, great for hot Palm Springs summers. The prices are great, about $120-$220ish.

7. Cynthia Rowley Caftans

I love Cynthia Rowley. The designs are always the perfect mix of form and function. I have owned several CR pieces over the years, including my beloved flask bangle, and love the brand, so can’t wait to add more of their kaftans to my Caftan Closet soon! Prices are in the $300-$475 range.

8. Marimekko Caftans

I’m obsessed with the prints that Finnish brand Marimekko creates. And one of my all-time favorite frocks is from them (see it here!). I’ve linked where you can shop Marimekko caftans, which range from $295-$500.

9. Lilly Pulitzer Caftans

If you’re on the hunt for caftans that are more pool and beach cover-ups, Lilly Pulitzer is always an excellent choice. Likewise, if you’re tip-toeing into caftans for the first time, Lilly Pulitzer tunics and maxis are a great gateway, as they are a bit more fitted and less overwhelming. Prices range from $120-$250ish.

10. The Sleep Shirt Caftans

If you’re in the market for a loose, comfy caftan to wear at home as loungewear or sleepwear, poolside or as a dress, The Sleep Shirt’s linen and cotton caftans are for you. I also love that they are inclusive with plus size caftans in sizes up to 5X.

Affordable Caftans Under $200

Caftans can be pricey and they are normally totally worth it, IMO (I never get rid of mine and keep and wear them for years — #caftancloset). That said, sometimes you’re in the market for a caftan that doesn’t break the bank. I’ve linked several cute options, most well under $200. I’ve ordered from this site multiple times and always adore the designs and quality.

Hester Bly caftan

The Best Caftans for 2023

Below are caftans in all price ranges, from splurge-worthy to cheap thrills. Just hover over to see the price and click thru. I’d love to know your favorite(s) in the comments below!

Do you have a favorite caftan source or designer/brand?

I’d love to hear…

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Kelly Lee, aka Kelly Golightly, is a Palm Springs-based fashion and lifestyle expert. She loves color, caftans, Slim Aarons, Audrey Hepburn and her pup Odee Golightly. When she’s not swanning in her pool, she can be found constantly redecorating her home Villa Golightly, which has been published in Traditional Home magazine, among several others.