Black Kaftan for Women: Plus Size Black Caftan Dresses and How to Style Them
Every wardrobe needs one dress you can reach for without thinking. For many women in sizes 1X–3X, that dress is a black kaftan. A black kaftan for women works at a holiday party, a dinner out, a funeral, a cruise or a quiet day at home, and it looks different every time you change the shoes and jewellery. Here's how to choose a plus size black kaftan, and how to style it.
Why a black caftan dress belongs in your wardrobe
- It goes everywhere. Like the little black dress, a black caftan suits almost any occasion.
- It's easy to wear. A kaftan for women has no waistband and falls loosely from the shoulders, so it skims rather than clings.
- It fits. Most Gypsie Blu kaftans are made as one plus size garment that fits 1X–3X, with a 52-inch maxi length.
- It pairs with anything. Gold, silver, bright colours and animal prints all work against black.
Solid black or a black print?
A solid black kaftan is the most formal and the easiest to restyle. A black print, like a floral or tribal pattern on a black base, gives you the same slimming dark colour with more personality, and hides small marks better.
Our favourite plus size black kaftans
Black satin kaftan: the everyday classic
The black satin kaftan dress is our best-selling kaftan. It's silky satin with a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length. Wear it for lounging at home, or add heels and jewellery for an evening out. See more in our satin kaftans for women.
Black floral satin kaftan: for evenings and events
The black amber floral satin kaftan has a floral print on black satin, a V-neck and 3/4 kimono sleeves. It's a strong choice for a wedding, a holiday party or a special dinner.
Black embroidered satin kaftan: dressy detail
The black embroidered satin kaftan has an embroidered trim down the centre, a V-neck and kimono sleeves. Browse all embroidered kaftans for more styles.
Black floral polyester kaftan: easy care
The black rose floral kaftan has a black and white rose print, a V-neck and 3/4 kimono sleeves. Polyester is machine washable, so it's a practical pick for travel and every day.
Black and white tribal kaftan: a graphic look
The black and white tribal border kaftan has a bold border print, a V-neck and 3/4 kimono sleeves. It works for the beach as well as the city.
Black dashiki kaftan: colour on black
The black dashiki tribal kaftan has a blue and gold medallion border on black, a V-neck and kimono sleeves. It's a great choice for celebrations where you want colour without leaving black behind.
Black short kaftan: with jeans or leggings
Prefer something shorter? The black damask tunic is a 36-inch short kaftan, also called a short caftan or plus size tunic top, made to wear with leggings or jeans.
How to style a black kaftan
- Holiday party: satin or embroidered black kaftan, statement earrings, metallic heels and a small clutch. More ideas in our holiday party kaftan guide.
- Dinner out: belt it at the waist and add a long necklace and block heels.
- Cool weather: layer a denim jacket or long cardigan and wear ankle boots.
- Vacation and cruise: a black print over your swimsuit by day, then the same kaftan with gold sandals for dinner.
- At home: soft satin and bare feet. A black kaftan is the dressiest loungewear you'll own. See our guide to caftan lounge dresses.
Caring for a black kaftan
To keep black deep and dark, wash it inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry. Always check the care details on the product page for your kaftan. Our satin kaftan guide covers satin care in more detail.
Black kaftan FAQs
Is a black kaftan flattering for plus size women?
Yes. Black creates one long, unbroken line, and the loose kaftan cut skims the body. A V-neck lengthens the neckline even more.
What size black kaftan should I buy?
One size fits 1X–3X for most of our kaftans. Check the product page for that style's measurements.
Can I wear a black caftan to a wedding?
For an evening or formal wedding, a black satin or embroidered caftan with jewellery is elegant. For a daytime wedding, choose a black print with colour in it.
What's the difference between a kaftan and a caftan?
Nothing: they are two spellings of the same garment. Read kaftan vs caftan for the full story.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock kaftans arrive in 6–11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12–18 business days, with free US shipping. Need it by a certain date? Contact us before you order.
Shop black kaftans
Find your black kaftan in our plus size kaftan dresses, satin kaftans and best sellers.
