Few pieces in a holiday wardrobe work as hard as a great kaftan. Effortlessly stylish, incredibly versatile and flattering on every figure, a kaftan dress transitions seamlessly from the beach to the bar, from breakfast to evening - and everything in between. If you're not yet a kaftan convert, this guide will change that.

Here's everything you need to know about how to style a kaftan for your next holiday, with expert picks from our kaftan collection at Beach Cafe UK.

The Kaftan as a Beach Cover Up

The most natural way to wear a kaftan is over a bikini or swimsuit as a beach cover up. This is what kaftans were designed for - lightweight enough to wear in the heat, easy to slip on and off over wet swimwear, and stylish enough to feel dressed even on the beach.

The classic formula: kaftan + bikini + flat sandals + straw hat. This combination works for virtually every beach destination and requires zero effort to put together.

Best kaftan styles for beach cover ups: Look for lighter fabrics like cotton gauze or cheesecloth that won't feel heavy when damp. V-neck styles from Pitusa and Seafolly are particularly good for beach wear - easy to pull over your head and flattering on arrival.

The Kaftan for Evening

One of the great joys of a well-chosen kaftan is how naturally it transitions to evening. A maxi kaftan dress with beautiful detailing - embroidery, rich prints, silk-like fabrics - requires nothing more than a change of shoes and some gold jewellery to become a proper evening outfit.

Juliet Dunn kaftans are particularly outstanding for evening wear. Her embroidered cotton kaftan dresses feature incredible artisanal detail - the kind of garment that prompts questions at dinner. Pair with flat leather sandals or simple wedges, gold drop earrings, and a small clutch for a complete evening look that required virtually no effort.

For a more relaxed evening feel, Sundress maxi kaftans in natural cotton with subtle embroidery strike a perfect balance between casual and elegant.

The Kaftan for Poolside Lounging

For days when you're spending most of your time at the pool and want something easy to pull on between dips, shorter kaftan styles are ideal. Mini and midi-length kaftans are less cumbersome than full-length styles when you're in and out of the water, and they're brilliant for covering sun-sensitive skin during the hottest part of the day.

Pitusa short kaftans are brilliant for this - incredibly lightweight, vibrantly printed and made from sustainable cotton that feels beautiful against the skin.

How to Choose the Right Kaftan for Your Body Shape

The beauty of the kaftan silhouette is that it genuinely flatters every figure - but a few style details can help you find the most flattering option for you:

• For a more defined waist: Choose a kaftan with a tie belt or opt for a style that can be belted. This creates a waist without sacrificing the kaftan's relaxed feel. Alternatively, look for styles with light gathering at the waist.
• For petite figures: Shorter kaftan lengths and vertical patterns elongate the silhouette. Avoid very voluminous styles that can overwhelm a smaller frame.
• For taller figures: Maxi kaftan dresses look stunning on taller figures - you can carry off the full-length look with flat sandals effortlessly.
• For fuller figures: V-necklines are elongating and flattering. Look for kaftans with a slight A-line shape rather than styles that are the same width from shoulder to hem.

What to Wear with a Kaftan - Accessories Guide

Kaftans are deliberately designed to be worn with minimal accessories - they do the heavy lifting themselves. Here's how to complete the look:

• Footwear: Flat leather sandals are the classic choice. Espadrilles work beautifully for a Mediterranean feel. Wedge heels if you want to dress up a shorter kaftan for evening.
• Bags: A woven or raffia beach bag during the day. A small leather or beaded clutch for evening. Browse our beach bag collection for the best holiday options.
• Hats: A wide-brim straw hat is the perfect companion to any kaftan. It's not just practical - it genuinely completes the look.
• Jewellery: Keep it simple and golden. Hoop earrings, a simple gold necklace or a stack of thin bangles. Let the kaftan speak for itself.
• Sarong: For shorter kaftan styles, a sarong or pareo tied around your waist adds length and a relaxed, layered feel.

Shop Kaftans at Beach Cafe UK

Discover our full collection of kaftans and beach cover ups from designers including Pitusa, Seafolly, Juliet Dunn and Sundress. Enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £100 and free UK and Europe returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear a kaftan to dinner?

Yes - a maxi kaftan dress with beautiful detailing is perfectly appropriate for dinner. Many kaftan designs, particularly from Juliet Dunn and Sundress, are specifically designed to transition from beach to evening. Swap flat sandals for wedges and add simple jewellery to elevate the look.

What shoes go with a kaftan?

Flat leather sandals are the classic kaftan pairing for daytime. Espadrilles work beautifully for a relaxed, Mediterranean feel. For evening, wedge heels or simple block-heel sandals complement a kaftan dress elegantly without competing with the print or detailing.

Is a kaftan the same as a beach cover up?

A kaftan is one of the most popular forms of beach cover up, but not all beach cover ups are kaftans. Kaftans specifically feature loose, flowing silhouettes with wide sleeves and a relaxed fit. Other types of beach cover up include sarongs, pareos, beach shirts and kimono-style wraps. Shop our full kaftan collection at Beach Cafe.

Are kaftans in fashion for 2026?

Absolutely. The kaftan has been a perennial resort wear favourite for decades and shows no sign of going anywhere. For 2026, embroidered cotton kaftans, bold printed maxi styles and lightweight gauze kaftan dresses are all strong trends.