Plus Size Satin Kaftan for Women: How to Wear, Style and Care

A satin kaftan for women is the easiest way to look dressed up while feeling relaxed. The fabric has a soft sheen and a fluid drape, so a simple kaftan for women looks polished at a resort dinner, a holiday party or a quiet night in. This guide covers what a Gypsie Blu plus size satin caftan is made of, how it fits, how to wear it for different occasions, and how to care for it.

What is a satin kaftan?

A kaftan (also spelled caftan) is a long, loose robe-style dress that has been worn for centuries across the Middle East and North Africa, by men and women alike. A satin kaftan dress keeps that easy, flowing shape and makes it in satin, a weave with a smooth, glossy face and a duller back. The shine catches the light, which is why satin reads as dressier than a cotton kaftan.

Satin is a weave, not a fibre. Every Gypsie Blu satin caftan for women is made in polyester satin (poly satin), not silk. Poly satin keeps its colour well, is easier to care for than silk and costs far less, while still giving you the sheen and drape that make satin feel special.

How our plus size satin kaftan dresses fit

• One size fits 1X-3X. Each plus size kaftan dress is made as one garment with a loose cut that skims the body instead of clinging, so there is no need to size up or down.
• 52-inch length on most styles, so each one is a true maxi kaftan dress that falls to the ankle or lower calf depending on your height.
• V-neck and 3/4 kimono sleeves on most styles. The wide sleeves give your arms room and keep the look airy.
• No waistband. You can sit, dance and enjoy a long dinner in comfort.

Satin caftan styles at Gypsie Blu

• Solid colours: black, white, emerald green, bordeaux purple, teal, yellow, orange, pink lemonade and more. Solids are the most versatile and the easiest to accessorise. A favourite is the black satin plus size kaftan dress; for summer, try the white satin kaftan with a tie waist.
• Prints: florals, animal and snake prints, abstracts and medallions. Animal prints feel bold and glamorous; florals feel softer and suit daytime events and garden parties. Try the black floral satin kaftan or the emerald green floral satin plus size caftan.
• Embroidered: the embroidered satin kaftan dress comes in 13 colours and is our dressiest style for weddings and holiday parties. See more in our embroidered kaftans.
• Ruffles: ruffled styles such as the magenta and teal ruffle satin kaftan add movement at the sleeves and hem.
• Button kaftans: these have a collared V-neck and rhinestone buttons all the way down the front that open to the bust. See the green satin button kaftan or every style in our button kaftans for women.

How to wear a satin kaftan

• Resort dinner: block heels or strappy sandals and gold jewellery. Browse our resort wear dresses for more vacation looks.
• Holiday party: choose a jewel tone such as emerald, bordeaux or royal blue and add statement earrings and a clutch.
• Wedding guest: an embroidered or deep solid satin kaftan with heels and one statement piece of jewellery. Avoid white unless the couple has asked for it.
• Beach to bar: wear it as a beach cover-up over your swimsuit by day with flat sandals and a wide-brimmed hat, then add earrings and a clutch for the evening.
• Brunch and errands: a printed satin caftan dress with flat sandals and a crossbody bag.
• At home: a satin kaftan doubles as elegant loungewear for slow mornings and weekends. For matching sets, see our sleep and lounge sets.

Want shape at the waist? Add a thin belt or choose a tie-waist style. Want to keep it flowing? Let the kaftan fall straight and keep accessories at the neck and wrists.

Choosing a colour

A black satin kaftan, emerald or bordeaux works for almost any evening event and is the easiest to repeat. A white satin kaftan or cream looks fresh for summer and resort trips. Bright solids like yellow satin, orange and pink lemonade are cheerful for daytime and vacations. If you want one kaftan that does everything, start with a solid colour you already wear often.

Wearing satin in cooler weather

Satin kaftans are not only for summer. On cool evenings, layer a long cardigan or a tailored jacket over the kaftan, or wear a fitted long-sleeve top and leggings underneath. Ankle boots work well with the 52-inch length.

Packing a satin kaftan for travel

A satin kaftan folds small and covers several occasions on one trip: a pool cover-up, a dinner dress and something comfortable for the flight home. Roll it rather than folding it to keep creases soft, and hang it in the bathroom while you shower to let the steam relax it.

Caring for satin

Always follow the care label on each product page. As a general rule:

• Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle in cold water with a mild detergent.
• Do not use bleach and do not wring the fabric.
• Hang to dry or lay flat so it keeps its shape and sheen.
• If needed, iron on a low setting with a cloth between the iron and the satin.
• Store away from direct sunlight to protect the colour.

Satin kaftan FAQs

Is a satin kaftan the same as a silk kaftan?

No. Satin is the weave and silk is a fibre. Our satin kaftans are polyester satin, which has a similar sheen to silk satin but is easier to wash and keeps its colour.

Is it kaftan or caftan?

Both spellings mean the same garment. Our kaftans and caftans for women use both.

What size should I order?

Most of our plus size kaftans for women are one size that fits 1X-3X. Check the size chart on the product page for the exact measurements of each style.

Can I wear a satin kaftan to a formal event?

Yes. Choose an embroidered kaftan or a deep solid colour such as black, emerald or bordeaux, and add heels and statement jewellery.

Can I wear a satin kaftan in winter?

Yes. Layer a long cardigan or jacket on top, and add leggings and ankle boots.

Can I wear a satin kaftan while pregnant?

Yes. The loose cut and lack of a waistband leave room for a growing bump.

How long does delivery take?

In-stock kaftans arrive in 6-11 business days. Made-to-order styles take 12-18 business days. Need it by a certain date? Contact us before you order.

Shop satin kaftans

See every colour and print in our satin kaftan collection, browse all plus size kaftans and caftans and kaftan dresses, or start with our best sellers.

Keep reading

• How to wear a kaftan or caftan
• Plus size kaftan styling guide
• Kaftan styling guide: 5 ways to wear one dress

Shop the styles in this guide

• Beige Leopard Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X
• Aqua Lotus-Outline Floral Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X 3/4 Sleeve
• Emerald Green Leopard Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X
• Tropical Brown Animal Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X 3/4 Sleeve
• Black Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X
• Multicolor Floral Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X 3/4 Sleeve V Neck
• Yellow Bordered Embroidered Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X V Neck
• Purple Bordered Embroidered Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X V Neck
• Black Chevron Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X
• Gray Geometric Satin Plus Size Kaftan Dress for Women 1X-3X