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New York Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
My Mrs. Roper–Inspired Dress Is All I Ever Want to Wear
Long before Mrs. Roper became the poster child for the long, colorful caftan on Three's Company , there was my grandmother — all 4 feet 11 inches of her — clad throughout my childhood in psychedelic muumuus of her own making. She favored paisley prints, West African fabrics popularized by the Black Panther Party, and neon mod florals featuring a shade of fuchsia not found in nature. All this to say that I come by my love for the entire category of flowy, vibrant, loose-fitting dresses honestly, possibly even genetically. But the one I return to again and again — which also happens to be the very first thing I put into a gift guide when I started at Wirecutter — is the Silkandmore Cotton Caftan. I truly don't remember how I discovered the unremarkable and slightly hectic Etsy shop that is Sikandmore, but I suspect I was — surprise! — looking around for affordable caftans to use as swim coverups. I do, however, remember my first one. It was a navy blue striped number, over a decade ago, that first got me hooked on the gossamer lightness and beautiful simplicity of this particular caftan. The shop offers a bunch of different styles of caftan-like dresses: Some have empire waists and buttons, others are made of jersey knit, and there are also halter maxi dresses, nighties, robes, and maternity items. But I am loyal to the simple rectangle of lightweight Indian cotton folded lengthwise, sewn down the sides, and featuring a reinforced V-neck and a simple drawstring waist. That's it. This caftan comes in one size (when laid flat, it measures about 36 inches across, with 11-inch arm openings, and it fits my size-12 body well). And there are a few different lengths based on your height range. There are small slits at each side, and for an extra $5, you can add pockets. I haven't tried the one with pockets, but I've owned a knee-length version, and I prefer the long ones, for more dramatic swishing and sashaying. Because they are more or less made to order and shipped from India, these caftans can take up to three weeks to arrive. This regular cotton version has been in rotation for at least three years. Samantha Schoech/NYT Wirecutter Although I first intended to use it as a beach cover-up (and still use it for that), my Silkandmore Caftan's main job is being a house dress. As long as the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, this caftan is what I want to be wearing (preferably without a bra, but you do you) while I'm working, lounging, and going about my business at home. I have also worn it out of the house with a cute pair of platform sandals and a long string of turquoise beads. (But do be aware that the lighter-colored versions can be quite diaphanous.) And on many occasions, I've also worn my caftan as a nightgown. By my count, I've bought five of these caftans in the past 10 years, and there are two still in circulation. I am not careful with them — I treat them with the delicacy of a beloved pair of sweats. But I do hang them to dry to avoid shrinking them and subjecting them to unnecessary wear and tear. Still, the cotton is so lightweight that it does tend to rip after some years. The side seams also weaken and creep upward, turning modest slits into hip-high ones (though anyone with basic sewing skills could repair this in minutes). The organic cotton version seemed especially delicate and prone to tearing. But this rip only happened after two years of heavy wear. Samantha Schoech/NYT Wirecutter If I reserved one of these caftans to wear only as a dress outside the house, or used them only while I was at the beach or the pool, I could avoid loving them to death in this way. But that's not the life I want to lead. The life I want to lead has me clad in the thinnest, flowiest cotton, with a cut that barely grazes the body. And although I'm not quite as fond of hallucinatory prints as my grandmother was, I like to think she'd recognize me now as a kindred spirit. As would Mrs. Roper. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Catherine Kast.
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
10 ultrachic kaftans you'll want to live in this summer
Kaftans have been in fashion forever, from the oldest civilizations to Mrs. Roper on "Three's Company." The first kaftans (also caftans) can be traced back to Mesopotamia, when these long, flowing dresses signified wealth and status. While the kaftan is largely associated with Middle Eastern cultures, various iterations of the garment can be found in Asian, Anglo-Saxon, and African cultures. Once reserved for royalty, kaftans are worn widely by both women and men who appreciate this garment's versatility and comfort — especially when temperatures outside are soaring. Stay cool this summer (literally and figuratively) with these 10 stylish kaftan dresses you'll want to wear all season. Eddoyee loose beach kaftan dress Eddoyee loose beach kaftan dress – Photo courtesy of Amazon Eddoyee makes effortless, one-size-fits-all kaftans from breathable fabric that helps keep you cool regardless of the temperature. Wear it solo to lounge about the house, or as a swimsuit cover-up for the beach or pool. Buy on Amazon: Eddoyee loose beach kaftan dress Smudge Life plus-size kaftan Smudge Life plus-size kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon The draped fit of this plus-size kaftan is flattering on a wide range of body types, and we love the elegance of the longer sleeves. Smudge Life offers several different prints that range from casual to dressy, depending on the occasion. Buy on Amazon: Smudge Life plus-size kaftan Jacansi cotton linen kaftan Jacansi cotton linen kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon We love the elegant silhouette of this kaftan, made from a blend of cotton and linen for ultimate breathability. The boho chic design includes pockets for practical, everyday wear. Buy on Amazon: Jacansi cotton linen kaftan Palma Paradise caftan by Echo Palma Paradise caftan by Echo – Photo courtesy of Nordstrom This cute little number is 65% cotton and 35% cupro, giving it a lightweight, silky feel. Wear it poolside or pair it with sexy sandals for an evening out on the town. Buy at Nordstrom: Palma Paradise caftan by Echo Fielding Rodriguez capri kaftan Capri kaftan – Photo courtesy of Fielding Rodriguez Fielding Rodriguez specializes in capturing the spirit of Marrakech culture, and this capri kaftan is no exception. The side slits allow more freedom of movement. Buy at Fielding Rodriguez: Fielding Rodriguez capri kaftan Chouyatou button-down kaftan Chouyatou button-down kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon With the single-breasted, button-up closure of this ankle-length kaftan, this comfortable cover-up suddenly feels office ready. The contrast stripe print is striking, no matter the color palette you choose. Buy on Amazon: Chouyatou button-down kaftan Verdusa boat neck kaftan Verdusa boat neck kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon The jewel tones of this kaftan are as flattering as the boat neck, which instantly elevates this kaftan from basic resort wear to evening appropriate. Style it with a chunky necklace to make a real statement. Buy on Amazon: Verdusa boat neck kaftan Coofandy men's V-neck linen kaftan Coofandy men's V-neck linen kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon Men can reap the breezy benefits of a summer kaftan as well. This kaftan for men from Coofandy is made of linen for a classic look and relaxed comfort. Buy on Amazon: Coofandy men's V-neck linen kaftan Ekouaer women's swimsuit cover-up kaftan Ekouaer women's swimsuit coverup kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon This ¾ sleeve kaftan that hits at thigh length is shorter than most, making it ideal for hot climates. Wear it as a bathing suit cover-up, as an oversized shirt with leggings, or alone as a casual dress. The collar gives this kaftan dress a bit of structure and formality. Buy on Amazon: Ekouaer women's swimsuit cover-up kaftan RanRui women's plus-size kaftan RanRui women's plus-size kaftan – Photo courtesy of Amazon
