Moroccan kaftan- an elegant yet comfortable dress

Mention morocco and images of ‘souks’ redolent with spices and full of moroccan rugs, moroccan clothing and moroccan lanterns will fill your mind. Visitors to marrakech are left stunned by the display of so much beauty and richness of moroccan craftsmanship and its difficult to tear oneself away from the exotic ‘souks’ or bazaars of morocco.

Moroccan craftsmanship is a crucial part of its society and it reflects the rich history and culture of morocco. Nowhere is it more apparent than in the richly embroidered moroccan kaftan which has made a name for itself in the world of fashion. The moroccan kaftan is the traditional dress of the women in that country but with an international dimension as it has been adapted by top end designers across the fashion world.

Moroccans take pride in their traditional hand dressmaking and the kaftan is one of the most potent symbols of this exquisite craftsmanship. Moroccan craftsmen have worked hard to preserve the national identity of the moroccan kaftan while at the same time contributing to its development and adaptation as a more modern garment. Their creative skills and knowledge have made the kaftan one of the most sought-after garments not only in the east but also in the west where it has taken the form of many new and interesting designs.

The kaftan has a history which goes back to the ottoman empire when these full-sleeved, long cloaks made of either cotton or silk were worn by men. The ottoman sultans particularly favored these kaftans and the hierarchical culture of the ottoman empire was evident in the types of kaftans which could be worn by whom and when.

The color, pattern, amounts and types of ribbons and buttons which could be used to adorn the kaftan were dictated by hierarchy and obviously the higher the hierarchy, the more opulent and decorative was the kaftan. The moroccan kaftan however is worn by women and its versatility is evident by the fact that it can easily be worn as a formal evening dress or as casual attire for informal occasions. These are primarily designed for comfort and ease of wear.

Moroccan brides prefer to wear the moroccan kaftan which has rich, intricate embroidery and while the bridal garment is mainly in white, jewel colors like emerald or fuschia are also becoming increasingly popular. The kaftan remains long-sleeved and full-length but can be very richly embroidered and is usually made of silk for special occasions. Prices can range from modest to very high depending upon the fabric used and the amount of work done on the kaftan. 

With all things moroccan being fashionable right now, be it tea glasses moroccan, moroccan tables or moroccan fiurnitures, the time is ripe for you to invest in a beautiful moroccan kaftan which can be as simple or as richly embroidered as you want. Sitting amidst your moroccan décor in your moroccan kaftan and partaking of the sublime moroccan tagine, who can blame you for feeling transported to exotic morocco?