Breezy Kaftans for Resort Wear: Poolside Styles
- Words by
- Julio Arco
- Published
- Reading
- 4 min
The best breezy kaftans for resort wear are loose, lightweight and easy to layer over a swimsuit: cotton or linen for daytime, chiffon or silk for evening. Pick a length that suits the occasion (knee for a pool party, ankle for dinner) and let one detail, such as embroidery or a bold print, do the talking.
Below you'll find six poolside styles, how to choose a fabric, how to wear a caftan beyond the pool, and which shapes tend to work on different bodies.
What makes a kaftan good for resort wear?
Three things: fabric weight, opening size and length. A light fabric moves with air, a wide neckline and open sleeves let heat escape, and a hem that skims the knee or ankle keeps the silhouette clean.
Cotton and linen are the easiest daytime choices because they feel dry and crisp on warm skin. Chiffon and silk drape more and read dressier, but they cling when damp, so save them for after you've dried off.
Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd look at texture before color. A matte cotton and a glossy silk in the same turquoise do not read as the same color, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye.
Six kaftan styles for poolside days
Embroidered cotton kaftan
A white or cream mid-length cotton kaftan with floral embroidery at the neckline and sleeves is the easiest place to start. Wear it with flat leather sandals or espadrilles, a straw hat and a woven tote. The embroidery adds color near your face without making the piece heavy.
Sheer chiffon kaftan with metallic thread
Floor-length chiffon with gold or silver threadwork suits a dressier gathering. Side slits help you walk, and a thin belt defines the waist if you want shape. Add oversized sunglasses and a few bangles.
Printed boho kaftan maxi dress
A boho kaftan maxi dress in tropical florals or a geometric print works when the cut is simple: V-neck, short sleeves, relaxed fit. Keep the shoes plain (white slides or flat sandals) and let the print lead. If you want more ideas in this direction, see these lightweight bohemian dresses.
Silk maxi kaftan in a jewel tone
Emerald, sapphire or ruby silk with batwing sleeves and an ankle-grazing hem feels formal without trying hard. Pair it with neutral strappy sandals, drop earrings and a small metallic clutch.
Tie-dye kaftan cover-up
A short tie-dye kaftan with a drawstring waist is a relaxed beach caftan cover up. Turquoise, coral or lime read cheerful in sunlight. Layered bracelets and a floppy sun hat finish it.
Lace kaftan over a swimsuit
A knee-length lace kaftan in white or a pastel lets your swimsuit show through softly. Choose a solid suit so the lace pattern stays the focus.
How to wear a caftan beyond the pool
A caftan is a dress as much as a cover-up. For lunch, add a slim belt to define the waist and swap the slides for leather sandals. If the fabric is sheer, wear a slip underneath.
For cooler evenings, a cropped denim jacket or a light scarf adds a layer without hiding the shape. A lightweight cardigan also works over a shorter kaftan.
- Daytime and casual: cotton, linen or tie-dye, flat shoes.
- Evening and dressier: silk, chiffon or embroidered pieces, metallic accents.
- Sheer fabric: slip dress or matching swimsuit underneath.
Which body shape is best for a kaftan dress?
Kaftans are cut loose, so they are forgiving on most shapes. The choice is about where you want the eye to land.
- Want more waist definition: pick a tie waist, drawstring or side slits, or add a thin belt.
- Petite frame: a knee or midi length keeps proportions from getting swallowed.
- Tall frame: a full maxi shows off the line of the fabric.
- Fuller bust: a V-neck or open neckline avoids a boxy front.
As an architect trained in evidence-based design, I'd treat the neckline as the first thing the eye reads, so choose that detail first and let the rest of the garment stay simple.
Protecting your skin in a kaftan
A loose kaftan covers a lot of skin, but fabric is not automatically sun protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that a UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ offers excellent protection. Check the label if sun cover matters to you, and use sunscreen on exposed skin.
For your head and face, Anna L. Chien, MD, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says on the Skin Cancer Foundation's site: "A hat with a 3-inch brim protects the top of your scalp, ears and face." Our wide-brim hat ideas are a good match for a kaftan. For skin concerns, check with a dermatologist.
Accessories that suit a kaftan
The kaftan is a simple shape, so accessories carry the personality.
- Shoes: flat leather sandals, espadrilles or slides.
- Bags: a woven tote for sunscreen and a book, a beaded or metallic clutch for evening, a crossbody for hands-free mingling.
- Jewelry: drop earrings or small hoops, stacked bangles, and layered chains that sit inside a V-neck.
- Sunglasses and hat: oversized shades and a straw hat.
Keep makeup light to match: a tinted moisturizer, a coral or peach blush and a tinted lip balm are enough. More looks in this vein are in our guide to breezy kaftans for summer resort wear and poolside relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
What are some good dresses to wear at a beach resort?
Kaftans, lightweight maxi dresses and loose cotton or linen shirt dresses all work. Choose breathable fabric and a relaxed cut that goes from the pool to dinner with a change of shoes.
Which body shape is best for a kaftan dress?
Most shapes work because the cut is loose. A tie waist or side slits add definition, and a V-neck keeps the front from looking boxy.
What swimsuits pair best with kaftans?
Solid or simply patterned swimsuits suit bold or detailed kaftans. Printed swimsuits look best under a plain kaftan.
How do I keep cool in a kaftan?
Pick cotton or linen, a shorter hem or open sleeves, and a wide neckline so air can move.
Filed under Occasionwear
