Often spelled with a K in the West and a C in the Middle East and North Africa region where they originated, the kaftan has a rich history. Now adapted and worn worldwide from French Guiana to the United States, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and elsewhere, kaftans remain highly popular.
This means that a kaftan collection is a must-have for sellers wanting to fill their closets with the latest styles. Read on to discover why this apparel is so fashionable and why you should stock up on a selection of designer kaftans, kurta sets, and beach cover-ups for your store in 2024.
Table of Contents
Overview of the kaftan market
Distinguishing features of the kaftan
Choosing kaftan collections
Final suggestions
Overview of the kaftan market
Although narrowing down this niche section of the fashion industry is challenging, it is safe to say that kaftan sales form a part of the USD 91.25 billion fashion market as of 2023. Additionally, experts estimate that this sector will increase at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.09% to reach a value of USD 157.88 billion by 2032.
Consumer searches reinforce a strong interest in kaftans, as evidenced by Google Ads data, which recorded an average search rate of 368,000 times a month from June 2023 to July 2024. The highest figure during this period was 550,000 searches during April 2024.
Sellers can be further encouraged by other events in the kaftan market. For instance, Marrakech in Morocco hosts an annual Caftan Week, which it has been doing since 1996. Top designers like Rohit Bal and fashion houses like Payal Singhal may be seen promoting their fashion items there to sellers worldwide.
Between this annual fashion event and a 54% increase in sales on Net-a-Porter from March to May 2024 following Vogue popularizing designer kaftans worn by celebrities, it is truly a good time for sellers to capitalize on this momentum to build their own sales.
Distinguishing features of the kaftan
Depending on the country, the kaftan features a range of characteristics, including the following:
Fabric: Kaftan materials include polyester, breathable cotton, linen, silk, and wool.
Color: Kaftan colors range from white to black and pastels to bold colors.
Style: Lengths vary from long to short kaftans for men and women and two-piece kurta sets for men that feature calf-length tunics with matching trousers.
Designs: These may be simple, include subtle patterns and gold embroidery, or involve vibrant colors and bold prints.
Quality: Some of the highest-quality caftans come from the MENA region. The quality is superb, often distinguishable by luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Top designers elsewhere tend to modify the traditional kaftan design but always use high-quality fabrics to differentiate their brands. Elsewhere, quality is determined by available fabrics, price, dyes, culture, weather, and applications.
Application: Kaftans are worn casually or for formal events like weddings. In the West, they are also worn as midi dresses, beach cover-ups, or for special occasions.
Choosing kaftan collections
Designed for comfort, kaftan dresses are the perfect attire for relaxing, spending time at the pool, shopping, or enjoying a holiday in Costa Rica. Wherever and however your customers choose to wear this apparel, a selection of styles like those below is always welcome.
Formal kaftans
Formal kaftans take on many forms in this world of exotic apparel. Sellers can explore a range of long kaftans for formal wear featuring rich colors like blue, red, green, and many others decorated with gold embroidery for special occasions. Another dynamic in this versatile collection is the formal two-piece design, consisting of a long kaftan and embossed jacket for special events.
Popular dress kaftans are another style that appeals to customers, giving sellers a further angle from which to please their markets. Although these styles are typically made for Eastern cultures, they sell well in several countries.
Long informal kaftans
Slip into a long, informal kaftan with a floral print, and add a wide-brimmed hat to round off the outfit. For the perfect holiday dress, a long kaftan with a bold multicolored abstract print is convenient for traveling anywhere in the world. Other best-selling kaftans include ones made from breathable cotton featuring colorful embroidery designs, beachwear kaftans, and those designed for men; all offer comfort and fashion which is a core element of their universal appeal.
Short kaftans
Designed for comfort and style, short kaftans are appropriate for casual or formal wear. Examples include stunning red and gold tie-dye pieces, creative, off-beat pieces, and garments designed to be worn at special events. Your customers can pair this apparel with high heels or flats, depending on the occasion. For customers who travel, these pieces are just as convenient to pack for day or nighttime occasions.
Maxi dress kaftans
Stock up on the maxi dress kaftan with three-quarter sleeves in a viscose fiber with a serpentine print, or go for something revealing like a boho-style kaftan dress with an abstract navy and cream pattern. Fashion like this is perfect for hot days and balmy evenings, and sellers can identify the best collections by exploring the showroom and speaking to manufacturers. Plus, kaftans are timeless, making these collections a win-win strategy for sellers.
Kaftans for men and women
While kaftans are indigenous to the MENA region and are created for men and women, many countries have adopted and adapted this clothing, leading to unique styles. Discover everything in the showroom from the African kitenge kaftan to boubou kaftan dresses and ethnic kurta sets for men and women, which can be worn loose or clipped at the waist with a belt or scarf.
Final suggestions
Kaftans are multicultural, comfortable, and big sellers worldwide due to their versatility. Recent media coverage has further increased their popularity, translating into a significant rise in interest and sales.
We recommend that sellers enjoy this uptick in interest by stocking up on high-quality kaftans for all cultures and style preferences. Select a range of kaftans from the Alibaba.com showroom, place your orders, and promote these items to your customers, who are always in the market to boost their fashion options.
