Kaftan Size Guide: What Size Kaftan Should I Buy?
Not sure what size kaftan to buy? Most Gypsie Blu plus size kaftans are made in one size that fits 1X-3X, which covers US women's sizes 16W to 26W. This kaftan size guide explains what "one size" really means, gives you our size chart in inches, shows how to measure yourself, and explains how long a kaftan should be. It covers every kind of kaftan for women we sell, from maxi kaftans to short kaftans and tunics.
Kaftan size chart (inches)
These measurements come from the Gypsie Blu size chart. A plus size kaftan made to fit 1X-3X is cut for every row in this table.
| Plus size | US size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1X | 16W | 44½ | 37½ | 47½ |
| 1X | 18W | 46½ | 39½ | 49½ |
| 2X | 20W | 48½ | 41½ | 51½ |
| 2X | 22W | 50½ | 43½ | 53½ |
| 3X | 24W | 52½ | 45½ | 55½ |
| 3X | 26W | 54½ | 47½ | 57½ |
In short: if you usually wear a US 16W, 18W, 20W, 22W, 24W or 26W, a one-size 1X-3X kaftan is made for you.
What does "one size fits 1X-3X" mean?
A kaftan (also spelled caftan) is a loose dress with wide kimono sleeves and no fitted waist, so it doesn't need to be cut in many sizes like a fitted dress. Each Gypsie Blu one-size kaftan is made as one plus size garment that fits 1X, 2X and 3X. On a 1X it falls in soft, roomy folds; on a 3X it drapes closer to the body. Either way there are no zips or waistbands to squeeze, and it pulls on over your head.
Both of these are one size 1X-3X: our best-selling black satin kaftan and the sky blue paisley damask kaftan, each with a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length.
How to measure yourself
You only need a soft tape measure. Measure over light clothing and keep the tape level and snug, not tight.
- Bust: around the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your middle.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Length: from the top of your shoulder, next to your neck, down to where you want the hem to fall. Compare this with the length on the product page.
Then compare your numbers with the chart above. For a kaftan, the bust and hips matter most, because the waist is loose.
How long should a kaftan be?
Kaftan length is measured from the shoulder to the hem. Every product page lists it. These are the lengths we use:
- Maxi kaftan, 52 inches: most of our plus size kaftan dresses. On many women this falls around the ankle, so it works as a full-length maxi dress or a beach cover-up.
- Short kaftan or tunic, 36 inches: our plus size tunics are short kaftans that usually fall around the hip or upper thigh. Wear them with leggings or jeans.
The same red satin in two lengths: the red satin tunic (36 inches) and the red satin kaftan (52 inches). If you're petite, a 52-inch kaftan will be longer on you; if you're tall, it may land above the ankle. Measure your own shoulder-to-floor length if you're unsure. Read more in our tunic tops guide.
How should a kaftan fit?
- Shoulders and bust: relaxed, with no pulling across the chest.
- Sleeves: wide kimono sleeves should hang freely; most of ours are 3/4 length.
- Body: straight and loose from the bust down, so you can sit, walk and lift your arms easily.
- Waist: many of our satin kaftans have a drawstring, so you can gather the waist for more shape. Or add a thin belt. See how to wear a kaftan for styling ideas.
Sizing for button kaftans
Our button kaftans are also one size 1X-3X. They have buttons all the way down the front, but the buttons open only to the bust, so the kaftan pulls on over your head like the others. You don't need to size up for the buttons.
Example: the teal geometric button kaftan, with a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length.
Which Gypsie Blu styles come in sizes?
Not everything is one size. Some styles are cut in separate sizes, and the size options are listed on each product page:
- Many maxi dresses, midi dresses and tube dresses come in S-XL.
- Some co-ord sets come in S-3X, like the red and blue watercolor rayon co-ord set.
- Our plus size kaftans, satin kaftans, button kaftans and tunics are mostly one size 1X-3X.
Always check the size options and measurements on the product page before you order.
What if I'm between sizes, or outside 1X-3X?
- Between XL and 1X: a one-size kaftan will feel roomy and flowing, which many women like for loungewear and beach days.
- Above 3X (US 26W): compare your bust and hip measurements with the chart above. If you're unsure, contact us before you order and we'll help.
- Still not right? You have 30 days from delivery to request a return or exchange on unworn items with tags. Items marked Final Sale or Clearance can't be returned. See our refund policy.
Kaftan sizes by fabric
Fabric changes the feel, not the size. Satin kaftans drape smoothly and have a soft sheen; cotton kaftans feel soft and breathable; polyester prints are light and easy to wash. All are cut with the same relaxed one-size shape. Our silk vs satin kaftan guide explains the differences.
Kaftan size guide FAQs
What size kaftan should I buy?
If you wear US 16W to 26W (1X-3X), choose our one-size plus size kaftans. If you wear S-XL, look for styles sold in S-XL.
Is a one-size-fits-all kaftan really one size?
Ours are made to fit a range, 1X to 3X, not every body. Check the chart above against your bust and hip measurements.
What is a size 18 or 20 in a kaftan?
US 18W is a 1X and US 20W is a 2X. Both are covered by our one-size 1X-3X kaftans.
How long is a maxi kaftan?
Our maxi kaftans are 52 inches long, measured from the shoulder. Our tunics (short kaftans) are 36 inches.
Do kaftans run big?
A kaftan is meant to be loose, so it can look big on the hanger. That relaxed fit is what makes it comfortable.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock styles arrive in 6-11 business days and made-to-order styles in 12-18 business days, with free US shipping.
Keep reading
- The ultimate guide to plus size caftans
- Where to buy kaftans online
- Affordable plus size kaftans under $30
- How to wear a kaftan
- Plus size maxi dresses with sleeves
