From Kurdish weddings to royal red carpet walks, caftans have graced the history of fashion for centuries. Typically used as a coat or overdress, most caftans of early history were full length with long sleeves. Fabric selections included wool, cashmere, silk or cotton.

The caftan was introduced to western culture in the late 1800s when Alix of Hesse wore a traditional Russian during a coronation ceremony. Decades later, in the 1950s, designers like Christian Dior and Balenciaga brought the silhouette to the forefront of mainstream fashion through an interpretation of the caftans of old.

Today, the caftan goes from day to night, beach time to dinner time, and everything in between. When do you wear your caftan? Shop new summer styles (and other relaxed loungers) at ShopNational.com!