Kaftans for the beach and resort

For many Australians, a kaftan is a beach bag essential. Slipped on over swimwear, it gives cover for the walk to the café, some shade for your shoulders and a quick way to look put-together after a swim. The best beach kaftans are light, comfortable, quick to dry and easy to wash.

This guide is general information written in our own words. We don't recommend particular shops, labels or products, and we never quote prices: they vary widely, so compare for yourself.

Fabric

Lightweight cotton voile and gauze are breathable and soft, and they feel cool against the skin. Rayon (viscose) drapes beautifully and feels silky, but can be more delicate when wet. Polyester and nylon blends often dry faster and resist wrinkles, which is handy for travel, but may feel warmer in humid weather. Linen is cool and breathable, and softens with washing.

Length and shape

Knee to mid-calf lengths are practical for walking on sand and climbing in and out of the car. Maxi lengths look elegant at a resort or beach club but can drag in wet sand. Wide, open sleeves and butterfly cuts let the breeze in. A keyhole or V neckline slips on over swimwear easily.

Sheer or opaque

Sheer kaftans are airy and decorative, and show your swimsuit underneath. Opaque kaftans give more coverage, which is useful for walking into shops or cafés, and generally block more sun. Many people keep one of each.

Sun protection

A kaftan can help cover skin, but how much protection it gives depends on the fabric. ARPANSA tests sun protective clothing and explains that the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of a fabric shows how much ultraviolet radiation it blocks. It notes that under the Australian/New Zealand standard, UPF 50+ is rated as excellent protection. Sheer and loosely woven fabrics typically let more UV through. If sun protection matters, look for a garment labelled with a UPF rating under the Australian/New Zealand standard, and keep using shade, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Our sun protection guide has more detail.

Salt, chlorine and sunscreen

Salt water, pool chlorine and sunscreen can all affect fabrics over time. Some sunscreens can leave marks or discolour fabric. Rinse your kaftan in fresh water after a beach day, then wash it according to the care label. Dry in the shade to reduce fading.

Colour and print

Bright prints and deep colours are popular at the beach, and prints hide sand and creases. Very pale fabrics can become see-through when wet, so test before you swim in them.

Caring for beach kaftans

The care label is your guide. ACCC Product Safety explains that clothing sold in Australia must carry care instructions under a mandatory standard, using English words, international care symbols, or both. Follow those instructions. If the kaftan has tassels or pom-poms, a mesh laundry bag helps stop them tangling.

Packing for the beach

A kaftan rolls up small and weighs little, which makes it ideal for a beach bag. Add a wet bag or zip bag for the swimsuit and a light kaftan for the trip home.

Etiquette

Some resorts, restaurants and clubs have dress codes asking guests to cover swimwear. A kaftan usually meets these requirements, but check if you're unsure.

Kaftans for children at the beach

Children's kaftans and cover-ups are handy for quick changes after a swim. Choose closely woven fabrics with good coverage, and pair them with a hat, shade and sunscreen. Avoid long trailing hems for active little ones, which can trip them on sand and steps.

From beach to lunch

A kaftan that works at the beach and at a casual café saves packing space. Choose one that is opaque enough to wear without a swimsuit, add a belt and sandals, and swap a straw hat for sunglasses. A small cross-body bag keeps hands free.

Choosing colours that hide sand and water marks

Mid-tone prints hide sand, water spots and sunscreen marks better than solid pale colours or very dark plain fabrics. Patterned fabrics also hide creases from being stuffed into a beach bag.

Use the kaftan finder

Our free kaftan finder suggests fabric, length, neckline and care based on the occasion, your climate and how much care you're happy to give a garment. It also flags when to look for a UPF rating if you'll be in strong sun. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere. Use it as a starting point before you shop, and always check the product's own details and care label.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including ACCC Product Safety and the Federal Register of Legislation for care labelling, ARPANSA for sun protective clothing, the ACCC for consumer rights, Scamwatch for online shopping safety, and museum and encyclopaedia sources for history. We list them at the end of each page. Styling and care tips are general and written in our own words. Rules change, so check the sources before relying on any detail.

A good kaftan in one sentence

A good kaftan suits where you'll wear it, is made from a fabric that matches your climate and care routine, hangs well at your height, and makes you feel comfortable and like yourself. Everything else in this guide supports those few goals.

Questions to ask before you buy

Before buying any kaftan, ask yourself: where will I wear it, how often, what will I wear with it, how will I wash it, and does it fit my height and shape? Answering honestly helps avoid kaftans that sit unworn in the wardrobe. It also makes it easier to compare options and to spend wisely, whatever your budget.

Understanding care symbols

The five basic care symbols are a washtub for washing, a triangle for bleaching, a square for drying, an iron for ironing and a circle for professional care such as dry cleaning. Dots usually show temperature or heat, lines under a symbol suggest a gentler process, and a cross means "don't". ACCC Product Safety explains that Australian care labels may use English words, these symbols, or both. Learning them takes a few minutes and protects your favourite pieces.

Comfort in Australian summers

Much of Australia has long, hot summers, and humidity in the north can be high. Loose garments let air move around the body, which many people find more comfortable in the heat than fitted clothes. Breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and rayon tend to feel cooler than heavy synthetics. In hot, humid places, quick-drying fabrics and loose weaves help. Wherever you are, sun protection still matters when you're outdoors.

Buying gifts

Kaftans make popular gifts because many styles fit a range of sizes. Even so, check the length and width measurements, choose a fabric that suits the recipient's climate and lifestyle, and keep the receipt. Remember that change-of-mind returns depend on the store's policy, so check it before you buy.

Keeping your kaftans organised

Store kaftans where you can see them, so you remember to wear them. Lightweight pieces hang well on slim or padded hangers; heavy, beaded pieces are better folded. Group them by occasion, such as beach, day and evening, so getting dressed is quick. At the end of summer, wash and store them properly so they're ready for next season.

Supporting makers

Many kaftans are made by small designers and artisans using traditional techniques such as block printing, embroidery and hand weaving. If you value these skills, look for sellers who explain who made a garment, where and how. Clear descriptions are a good sign of a seller who cares about their products.

A note on accessibility

Kaftans can be a comfortable choice for people with limited mobility, sensory sensitivities or medical devices, because they are loose and easy to put on. Front-opening styles, soft necklines, and fabrics without scratchy trims can make dressing easier. Check measurements carefully if you use a wheelchair, as long hems can catch in wheels.

Key points

• Choose light, quick-drying, breathable fabrics for the beach.
• Knee to mid-calf lengths are practical on sand.
• Sheer fabrics give little sun protection; look for a UPF rating if it matters.
• Rinse out salt, chlorine and sunscreen and dry in the shade.