The Ultimate Guide to Plus Size Caftans and Kaftans for Women

If you wear sizes 1X-3X, you already know how hard it is to find a dress that fits your shoulders, bust and hips at the same time. A plus size kaftan solves that. It falls loosely from the shoulders, has no waistband, and at Gypsie Blu one size fits 1X-3X for most styles. This guide covers how plus size caftans fit, how to choose the right fabric and neckline, what to wear for every occasion, and our favourite plus size caftans for women.

What is a plus size caftan?

A caftan (also spelled kaftan, and the two words mean the same thing) is a long, loose dress that you pull on over your head. A plus size caftan is cut with extra room through the bust, tummy and hips, so it skims your body instead of clinging. Read kaftan vs caftan for why there are two spellings, and browse all kaftans and caftans for women.

Are kaftans flattering for plus size women?

Yes. A kaftan creates one long, flowing line from shoulder to hem, which is why so many curvy women choose it over fitted dresses. Here is what makes a plus size kaftan dress flattering:

• No waistband: nothing cuts in or rides up, so you stay comfortable sitting, walking or dancing.
• A V-neck on most styles: it draws the eye up and lengthens the neckline.
• Wide kimono sleeves: they cover the upper arm and give you room to move.
• Shape when you want it: add a belt, or choose a style with a drawstring.

How Gypsie Blu plus size kaftans fit

• One size fits 1X-3X for most of our kaftans. Each one is made as one plus size garment with a loose cut, so you don't have to choose between sizes.
• 52-inch length on most styles, a full maxi length. Our short kaftans (also called tunics) are shorter, around 36 inches on many styles.
• 3/4 kimono sleeves on most styles.
• Check the product page for each style's exact measurements before you order.

How to choose a plus size caftan

Fabric

• Polyester: many of our plus size kaftans are polyester. It is light, packs flat and can be hand or machine washed, which makes it ideal for travel and every day.
• Satin: a satin kaftan has a soft shine for dinners, weddings and holidays. See our plus size satin kaftan guide.
• Cotton: a cotton kaftan is a comfortable choice for warm days at home or in town.

Neckline and buttons

A V-neck is the most flattering for most women. A round neck gives more coverage. A button kaftan has a collared V-neck and buttons all the way down the front that open only to the bust, so it still pulls on over your head.

Length

Choose a maxi kaftan for dinners, events and full coverage, or a short kaftan or short caftan to wear with leggings or jeans. Read our guide to plus size tunic tops and short kaftans.

Print or solid

Prints hide small marks and creases, which helps when you travel. Solid colours, especially black, are the easiest to dress up again and again. See our black kaftan guide.

Plus size caftans for every occasion

Everyday and lounging

A soft polyester or cotton caftan is the comfiest house dress you'll own. If you love a looser, house-dress shape, see our muumuu style kaftans and our muumuu vs kaftan guide.

Beach and vacation

Pull a printed kaftan on over your swimsuit, then add sandals and a hat for lunch. Browse our beach cover-ups and resort wear dresses, and read how to wear a kaftan or caftan for more ideas.

Boho style

Love a bohemian look? Choose a paisley, tribal or floral print, then add a woven bag, wooden bangles and flat sandals. A boho plus size caftan works for festivals, brunch and lazy weekends.

Elegant and evening

For weddings, parties and special dinners, choose an elegant plus size caftan in satin or with embroidery. Add statement earrings, heels and a clutch. Browse our embroidered kaftans and satin kaftans.

Holidays

Fall colours for Thanksgiving, black or jewel tones for Christmas. See our plus size Thanksgiving outfit ideas and our holiday party kaftan guide.

Our favourite plus size caftans for women

Each one is made as one plus size garment that fits 1X-3X, with free US shipping.

• Black satin kaftan dress: our best seller, with a V-neck, 3/4 kimono sleeves and a 52-inch length.
• Teal embroidered satin kaftan: embroidery and lace details for weddings and parties.
• Black rose floral kaftan: an easy-care polyester print with a V-neck.
• Turquoise gold paisley kaftan: a round neck and kimono sleeves.
• Dusty rose floral cotton kaftan: cotton, with a V-neck with collar and kimono sleeves.
• Bottle green striped button kaftan: buttons down the front that open to the bust.
• Multicolor scalloped petal tunic: a short kaftan to wear with leggings or jeans.

See every style in our plus size kaftan dresses and our best sellers.

How to style a plus size caftan

• Add a belt: a thin belt at the waist gives shape for photos and dinners.
• Layer it: a denim jacket or long cardigan works for cooler days and air-conditioned rooms.
• Choose your shoes: flat sandals for the beach, block heels or wedges for evenings, ankle boots in fall.
• Jewellery: bold earrings or bangles look great with a solid caftan; keep it simple with a busy print.

For more looks from one dress, see our kaftan styling guide.

Caring for your caftan

Most of our kaftans can be hand washed or machine washed and hung to dry. Always check the care details on the product page for your style.

Plus size caftan FAQs

What size kaftan should I buy?

One size fits 1X-3X for most of our kaftans. Check the product page for that style's measurements.

Are kaftans good for plus size women?

Yes. The loose cut, no waistband and wide sleeves make a kaftan one of the most comfortable and flattering dresses for curvy women.

Can I wear a caftan to a wedding or an evening event?

Yes. Choose satin or an embroidered caftan and add jewellery and heels.

Are kaftans suitable for older women?

Kaftans suit women of every age. The easy fit, sleeves and full length are why so many women choose them for every day and for special occasions.

What's the difference between a kaftan and a caftan?

Nothing: they are two spellings of the same garment.

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.

Keep reading

• How to wear a kaftan or caftan
• Kimono dress vs kaftan: what's the difference?
• Black kaftan for women
• Cotton kaftan guide

Shop the styles in this guide

• Floral Cubist Abstract Polyester Plus Size Kaftan for Women 1X-3X
• Black Paisley Floral Polyester Plus Size Kaftan for Women 1X-3X
• Green Tropical Palm Polyester Plus Size Kaftan for Women 1X-3X
• Orange Paisley Floral Polyester Plus Size Kaftan for Women 1X-3X
• Beige Leopard Chain Polyester Plus Size Kaftan for Women 1X-3X