How to Care for a Kaftan
To care for a kaftan, check the fabric first. Hand-wash or use a cold gentle cycle in a mesh bag, skip the dryer, and hang or lay flat to dry. Steam prints instead of ironing them. Cared for well, a good kaftan lasts for years and keeps earning compliments.
As seen in D Magazine, NBC 5 DFW, WFAA Good Morning Texas, the Tamron Hall Show, and Netflix. 8,400+ women in 40+ countries. Designed for sizes 0 to 24. Ships from Dallas in 48 hours. Worn by Beyonce, Lupita Nyong'o, and Gabrielle Union.
How do you care for a kaftan?
Caring for a kaftan comes down to three habits: wash gently, dry without heat, and store with a little room. A kaftan is a piece you reach for again and again, at the pool, at dinner, at a wedding, so a few careful minutes protect the drape, the color, and the compliments it earns. The routine changes slightly by fabric, but the gentle rules below work for almost every kaftan you own.
Does the fabric change how you wash a kaftan?
Yes, and it is the first thing to check. Look at the care label inside the side seam before you do anything.
| Fabric | Wash | Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Silk | Hand-wash cool, gentle detergent | Lay flat, away from sun |
| Cotton | Cold gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag | Hang or lay flat |
| Viscose and light blends | Hand-wash or cold delicate cycle | Lay flat to keep shape |
When in doubt, treat the piece as delicate. Gentle never hurts a kaftan; hot and rough does.
How do you wash a kaftan, step by step?
- Turn the kaftan inside out to protect the print.
- Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or use a cold delicate machine cycle inside a mesh laundry bag.
- Do not wring or twist. Press the water out gently between your hands.
- Skip the dryer. Heat is what fades prints and shortens a garment's life.
- Hang on a padded hanger or lay flat to dry, away from direct sun.
How do you get wrinkles out of a kaftan without an iron?
Steam, don't iron. A handheld steamer relaxes wrinkles without pressing shine or heat marks into the print. If you only have an iron, use the lowest setting, turn the kaftan inside out, and place a cloth between the iron and the fabric. On vacation, hang the kaftan in the bathroom while you shower and let the steam do the work.
How do you store a kaftan so the prints stay vivid?
Hang structured kaftans on padded hangers so the shoulders keep their shape. Fold heavier pieces with acid-free tissue to prevent hard creases. Keep everything out of direct light, which fades color over time, and give pieces a little breathing room so the prints do not crush against each other. Good storage is quiet insurance on a piece you love.
How often should you wash a kaftan?
Less than you think. Kaftans are usually worn over swimwear or for a few hours at an event, so they rarely need a full wash after one wear. Air the piece out, spot-clean small marks, and do a full gentle wash only when it actually needs it. Over-washing is one of the fastest ways to tire out any garment.
How do you travel with a kaftan?
Kaftans are one of the easiest things to pack, which is part of why women reach for them trip after trip. Fold along the seams, roll loosely, and pack near the top of the case. Their drape hides travel wrinkles better than structured clothing, so you can go from suitcase to dinner with barely a touch-up. For the full method, see how to pack a kaftan without wrinkles.
How do you care for your Sai Sankoh kaftan?
A Sai Sankoh kaftan is made to be worn for years, not one season. Treat it gently and it keeps its drape and its color, so it keeps getting you noticed long after the trip is over. โI got stopped by at least 20 people commenting how stunning the outfit was,โ says Anne M., a verified customer. Care for the piece and it keeps giving you that moment.
As seen in D Magazine, NBC 5 DFW, WFAA Good Morning Texas, the Tamron Hall Show, and Netflix. 8,400+ women in 40+ countries. Designed for sizes 0 to 24. Ships from Dallas in 48 hours. Worn by Beyonce, Lupita Nyong'o, and Gabrielle Union.
Frequently asked questions
Can you machine wash a kaftan?
Often yes, on a cold gentle cycle inside a mesh bag - but always check the care label first. Silk and delicate blends are safer hand-washed.
How do you get wrinkles out of a kaftan without an iron?
Use a steamer, or hang it in a steamy bathroom. If you must iron, use low heat, turn it inside out, and use a cloth barrier.
How do you wash a silk kaftan?
Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, press out the water without wringing, and lay flat or hang to dry away from sun.
Do kaftans shrink?
Natural fibers can shrink with heat. Cold water and air-drying prevent it. Never machine-dry a quality kaftan.
How do you store a kaftan long term?
Clean it first, then hang on a padded hanger or fold with acid-free tissue, out of direct light.
Can you steam a kaftan?
Yes, steaming is the best way to remove wrinkles without harming the print.
How often should you wash a kaftan?
Only when it needs it. Air out and spot-clean between wears; a full gentle wash is rarely needed after a single wear.
Can you dry clean a kaftan?
You can, especially for delicate silk, but gentle hand-washing at home is usually enough and kinder over time.
A piece worth caring for is worth adding to.
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