Kimono Dress vs Kaftan: What's the Difference? A Plus Size Guide
Shopping for a loose, flowing dress, you'll see two words again and again: kimono and kaftan. Some stores even call the same dress a "kimono kaftan" or a "kaftan kimono". So what's the difference between a kimono dress and a kaftan, and which one suits you best if you wear sizes 1X–3X? Here's a simple guide.
What is a kimono?
The kimono is the traditional garment of Japan. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum, kimono are simple, straight-seamed garments, worn wrapped left side over right and held closed with a sash called an obi. A traditional kimono opens fully down the front, like a robe.
What is a kimono dress?
In everyday fashion, a "kimono dress" usually means something different: a dress with kimono sleeves. Kimono sleeves are wide and cut in one piece with the body of the dress, so there's no tight armhole seam. That gives you room to move your arms and a relaxed, draped look.
What is a kaftan?
A kaftan (also spelled caftan) is a long, loose garment that falls from the shoulders without a waistband. It has been worn for centuries in many cultures, and today a kaftan for women usually means a flowing maxi dress that you pull on over your head. Read kaftan vs caftan for why there are two spellings.
Kimono vs kaftan: the main differences
| Traditional kimono | Kaftan | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting dressed | Wraps closed and ties with a sash | Pulls on over the head |
| Front | Opens fully down the front | Closed, usually with a V-neck or round neck |
| Fit | Shaped by wrapping and the sash | Loose from the shoulders, no waistband |
| Sleeves | Wide, straight sleeves | Often wide kimono sleeves |
| Best for | Ceremonies, or as a robe or open layer | All-day wear, holidays, beach, lounging |
So what is a Gypsie Blu kimono dress?
Our kimono dresses for women are kaftans with wide kimono sleeves. They pull on over the head, so there's nothing to wrap closed, and most are made as one plus size garment that fits 1X–3X with a 52-inch maxi length. You get the easy fit of a plus size kaftan with the drape of kimono sleeves.
Why a kimono-sleeve kaftan suits plus size women
- Room for your arms: no tight armholes, and the wide sleeve covers the upper arm.
- No waistband: the dress skims the body instead of cutting in.
- Nothing to keep closed: unlike a wrap kimono, a pull-on kaftan stays in place all day.
- Easy to style: wear it loose, or add a belt for shape.
Plus size kimono dresses to try
- Blue satin kimono-style kaftan: silky satin, V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a drawstring style.
- Black satin kaftan: our best seller, with 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length.
- Blue abstract floral kaftan: a bold blue and white print with banded wide sleeves.
- Turquoise gold paisley kaftan: round neck and kimono sleeves.
- Teal embroidered satin kaftan: embroidery and lace details for weddings and parties.
See every style in our kimono dress collection and our satin kaftans.
How to style a kimono-sleeve kaftan
- Beach and pool: pull it on over your swimsuit with flat sandals and a sun hat.
- Dinner or a party: choose satin, add statement earrings and heels. Our black kaftan guide has more evening ideas.
- Holidays: fall colours for Thanksgiving, jewel tones for Christmas. See our plus size Thanksgiving outfit ideas.
- At home: a soft kaftan is the comfiest house dress you'll own. Compare it with a muumuu in our muumuu vs kaftan guide.
Kimono vs kaftan FAQs
Is a kimono the same as a kaftan?
No. A traditional kimono wraps closed and is tied with a sash, while a kaftan is a loose dress you pull on over your head. A "kimono dress" in modern fashion is usually a dress with wide kimono sleeves.
Does a Gypsie Blu kimono dress open at the front?
No. Our kimono dresses are kaftans with kimono sleeves, and they pull on over the head.
What are kimono sleeves?
Wide sleeves cut in one piece with the body of the dress, with no tight armhole seam.
What size kimono dress should I buy?
One size fits 1X–3X for most of our kaftans. Check the product page for that style's measurements.
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.
