The caftan may have its roots in the ancient lands of the Fertile Crescent, but the multitasking garment is still relevant today. Doing triple duty as a beach coverup, a party dress, and everything in between, the caftan is a perfect travel partner.
The caftan serves so many functions it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of clothing—not too dressy for the beach nor too casual for a night out on the town. Which makes sense given the simple garment has its roots in ancient Mesopotamian and evolved to be worn by the swanky sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Covering the skin of all your extremities, it’s ideal for sunny days and conservative countries. Integral to its charm and versatility is how the caftan covers everything but somehow still manages to be sexy. It’s also apropos for those somewhere-in-between casual and dressy moments like sightseeing and lunch. In a pinch, the loungy look can even work for bed or a red-eye flight. All hail the caftan! Here are a few of our favorites.