Thanks to the White Lotus, This Dress Style is Having A Revival—Here's Where to Get Your Hands On One

Holiday season is truly upon us, and with that comes the task of building your ultimate summer wardrobe. You may have your swimwear, sun-hat and flip-flops to hand, as well as an array of linen garments in the form of breezy trousers, shirts and skirts, but let me introduce you, or rather re-introduce you, to the dress style that is undergoing a significant 2025 revival—the kaftan.

"Kaftans are a sign of relaxedness, self-care, and ease. Associated with joyful, stress-free moments like vacations and relaxed gatherings, kaftans symbolize a lifestyle of comfort and balance," explains Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea, founders of cult label Taller Marmo. "As more people embrace slower living and share self-care rituals online, fashion that feels effortless and intentional—like the kaftan—naturally resonates."

Monikh wears a white linen-blend kaftan, paired with black flip-flops and a black oversized clutch bag.

Perhaps HBO's The White Lotus, the cult television show which has enthralled us since its premiere in 2011, also has something to answer for. Focusing on the lives of the rich and famous in a fictional holiday resort, the series has eagle-eyed fans craving and imitating the looks worn by the characters. The latest season, which is set in humid Thailand, gave us many memorable style moments, with the cast going full OTT vacation-mode in many a glamorous kaftan, designer poolside cover-ups, luxe tunic dresses, and maximalist robes aplenty.

Parker Posey's character Victoria Ratliff wearing a bright purple and green patterned kaftan in HBO's The White Lotus. HBO.

Having seen the kaftan worn in a multitude of ways lately, as the mercury heats up here in UK, Europe and further afield, I wanted to explore the trend, tap into its origins, observe how the fashion-set are wearing it today, and curate the ultimate shopping list, so you, reader, can shop the style too, just in time for your next tropical getaway.

The Best Kaftan Brands of 2025

• Best Kaftan Brand For Iconic Prints: Pucci
• Best Boho-Chic Kaftan Brand: Zimmermann
• Best High Street Kaftan Brand: Free People
• Best Luxury Kaftan Brand: Johanna Ortiz
• Best Occasionwear Kaftan Brand: Taller Marmo
• Best Poolside Kaftan Brand: Melissa Odabash
• Best Italian Kaftan Brand: Emporio Sirenuse

What Is A Kaftan?

A kaftan is a floor-length and loose-flowing garment or robe that typically hits the floor or mid-calf, with long sleeves and a tunic collar silhouette. Often made of pure silk, cashmere or cotton, the kaftan as we know it now is adorned with eye-catching colours, patterns or embellishments, making it the natural choice for maximalists during the hot summer months. White, black or single-colour kaftans are also available on the market.

Kaftans and kimonos can often be mixed up. However, the kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, which takes the form of a full-length robe that is cut in a T-shaped pattern, typically made from silk, worn and fastened by an obi belt or sash, and decorated with intricate designs, or sometimes hand-painted motifs.

Lucy Williams wears a sheer printed kaftan, with beaded and cord jewellery.

The History of the Kaftan

Of course, like most garments in the history of fashion, the kaftan has been reinvented, updated and modified over the years to keep up with changing tastes, climates, styles and needs of the modern wearer. It is an item of clothing that is steeped in rich history and cultural significance, and has been worn by ordinary people, dignitaries and royalty too.

According to UNESCO, “the garment has been adopted and worn by a vast number of cultures across the regions encompassed by the Silk Roads for thousands of years and has occupied a diversity of positions of social significance and taken on many regional variations. Worn by both men and women, the caftan is thought to have originally been specific to Central Asia, and potentially of Mesopotamian origin, before quickly spreading across Eurasia and widely adopted in a variety of locales by the 1st millennium CE.”

The kaftan experienced a renaissance period during the '60s and '70s, as it was adopted fondly by hedonistic hippies and bohemians of the time. This had a trickle-up effect on fashion design houses of that era, such as Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, who then went on to produce luxury kaftans favoured by Hollywood starlets, including Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins.

Princess Grace of Monaco wears a Pucci kaftan in Monte Carlo. Getty Images.

Designer Yves Saint Laurent wears a blue kaftan whilst at home in Marrakesh. Getty Images.

Actress Elizabeth Taylor wears a white kaftan on set in Sardinia. Getty Images.

How to Wear a Kaftan in 2025

Now you may be wondering how to wear a kaftan in 2025, and so I'm here to tell you that it is likely to be the easiest thing you will ever drape over your body. Most styles are sizeless, or in a one-size-fits-all standard, due to the flowy, exaggerated and boxy nature of the garment, making it great for all body types. Some styles are open, like jackets, and can be cinched at the waist with a tie, while most are designed like over-the-head dresses, with an oversized cut and free-flowing shape, which is great for when you want a breathable and loose-fitting vibe.

"They offer exactly what people are craving: ease, elegance, and a sense of escape. In a world that feels faster than ever, kaftans represent a slower rhythm — effortless pieces that still feel elevated," explains Carla Sersale, co-founder Emporio Sirenuse. Founded in 1993, the Emporio Sirenuse resortwear and lifestyle brand translates the rich artistic history of the Sersale family’s iconic Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano into a world of wearable style. She notes that "[kaftans] are the ultimate transitional piece — from pool to lunch to aperitivo, without needing to change. You feel dressed but never overdressed. They travel well and capture that sense of freedom we associate with summer." How does she wear her kaftans, I asked. "Personally, I wear them from morning to evening in Positano — barefoot at breakfast, belted at lunch, layered with a shawl for dinner. They’re at the heart of the collection because they reflect how we actually live: light, easy, and always a little bit romantic." Dreamy!

Melissa Odabash, founder of her eponymous swimwear label, notes that "we’re living in a time where versatility is everything, women want pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night. The kaftan ticks all those boxes. I’ve always loved the effortless elegance of a kaftan, especially in the evening. There’s something timelessly chic about resort wear that feels both luxurious and easy." She imparts that "a kaftan is the ultimate vacation hero piece. It elevates any beach look instantly; you can go straight from the sand to a beachside lunch, hop on a boat party, or even stroll into an upscale restaurant without needing to change. It’s stylish, practical, and always makes you feel beautifully put together."

"Like most things in fashion, old favorites always pop back up when the timing’s right, and presently, kaftans are having their moment and we are all about it," Anda-Lavinia Stancu, stylist at Net-a-Porter, remarks. She notes that she sees kaftans as a staple of the summer wardrobe. “They are definitely a timeless piece that belongs in every holiday suitcase. A sophisticated piece, but perhaps in 2025, we’re seeing people embrace them with even more confidence, and styling them in bolder, more expressive ways.”

With all of these insider tips to hand, I've identified three modern kaftan icons, taking note of how they have styled the garment today with various occasions in mind and ideas on how you can replicate their looks. Scroll on for my sartorial findings.

1. Lounging By The Pool

Style Notes: Kaftans are a great poolside cover-up option, and can be draped over bikinis or swimsuits for when you want some modesty or shade between dips, or a quick trip to the bar for refreshments. Jennifer Lawrence pairs her Dior black and white kaftan with 90s-style rimless sunglasses and a semi-precious stone and cord pendant necklace. The simple leather tie at the waist gives a little bit of structure to the garment, without detracting from the voluminous shape. To get her look for your next resort escape, add simple black swimwear and rubber flip-flops for a cool and minimalist take on the trend.

SHOP THE LOOK:

2. Long Lunch With Friends

Style Notes: Dakota Johnson proves once again why she is a perennial fashion icon, as she opts for a pretty printed BODE kaftan to a film premiere. She teams it with a classic black patent Gucci Jackie shoulder bag and burgundy woven leather mules, letting the fun colours of the kaftan itself take centre stage. This look would be just the ticket for summertime brunches, lunches and cocktails with friends, as it is easy, breezy and casual, but has oodles of boho-chic style.

SHOP THE LOOK:

3. Glamorous Evening Event

Style Notes: Don't be fooled, the kaftan can also be worn for dinner and evening events also. Take cues from Parker Posey, who attended HBO's The White Lotus premiere wearing a maximalist floral kaftan and glittering jewellery. "This is when the kaftan really shines," adds Melissa Odabash. "Choose a flowing silhouette in a vibrant print, something that moves beautifully. Add statement hoop earrings, layered gold chains, a metallic clutch, and sandals to match. It’s glamour with zero effort." If print is not your thing, pick a singular bold colour to serve opulent main character energy.

SHOP THE LOOK:

What Fabrics Are Best For Kaftans?

According to Melissa Odabash, her pool and beach kaftans utilise "a wide range of premium, breathable fabrics - everything from silk and cotton to cotton anglaise and eco-conscious viscose. Every material is selected for comfort, elegance, and longevity. I always say: it has to feel good against your skin, and it has to last season after season."

Carla Sersale, co-founder Emporio Sirenuse opts for "airy cotton voile, handwoven ikat, soft linen and silk — all natural, breathable fabrics that move with you. They hold color beautifully, age gracefully, and bring a tactile quality that synthetic fabrics never can", making them great investments for daytime and casual wear.

Taller Marmo's eveningwear kaftans are made from specially selected materials that add both character and quality to each garment, according to brand founders Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea. "Fringes and feathers are meticulously handcrafted in Piedmont, Italy, adding texture and movement; sequins, sewn on tulle or georgette, bring fluid shine with exclusive designs; jacquards from historic mills in Como add depth through artisanal weaving; and crepe cady, a certified viscose blend, offers a smooth, stretch finish for comfort and elegance." Chic and luxe.

Kerry Pieri wears a black cotton-poplin kaftan on vacation, with a Loewe basket bag and aviator sunglasses.

The Best Kaftans to Buy Now

Here is my curated edit of the best kaftans you can shop now, all the way from high street heroes to ultra luxury labels. Happy shopping, and bon voyage!

1. Under £150

2. Under £500

3. Over £500

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