The Caftan: A Must-Have for Every Mom

What is a caftan?

Caftans, which can also be spelled with a “K” (Kaftan) are popular casual dresses traditionally worn in southeast Asian cultures. While not considered as typical maternity wear in the United States, we think it’s the perfect piece for any mom. Read more to find out why!

Why I love caftans

Caftans are a clothing staple in my family. My parents used to take my sister and I to visit our extended family in Malaysia and I can always picture my grandmother, aunts, mom and sister wearing caftans from the local markets. They were flowy, loose-fitting dresses that kept me cool when it was so hot outside and made me feel comfortable no matter how stuffed I was from eating roti and mangoes. My mom would always buy extra caftans for my sister and I to take back home because they were so hard to find. I still love wearing caftans because they help me feel connected to my family (especially my grandmother) and they’re my most comfortable clothes when I’m not feeling my best. 

I loved wearing caftans during my pregnancy.

When I was pregnant, I wanted to wear something that wouldn’t stick to me, wouldn’t make me overheat, and made me comfortable no matter how many curly fries I had just eaten. Naturally, I lived in my caftans. I could wear the same garment at both 3 months and 9 months pregnant. After delivery, I was expecting to continue wearing caftans during my postpartum phase, but breastfeeding was nearly impossible while wearing one. This is where the design for Smartbaby’s Nursing Caftan was born.

What is a nursing caftan?

The Nursing Caftan is an upgraded caftan design with the added versatility of a nursing garment. It’s a Smartbaby original! Zippers are hidden under the arms on each side, allowing access to breastfeed or pump. The caftan is made of a solid color with fabric that has excellent drape, so you get a flattering silhouette every time!

We also make The Comfort Caftan. It’s like our nursing caftan but we removed the side zippers and added pockets for storing things like a phone or emergency snacks for toddlers.

What material do we use in our caftans?

Typical caftans are made with rayon, silk or cotton, with bright, colorful prints. The Nursing Caftan and The Comfort Caftan are made of an elite fabric called Tencel Siro, manufactured in the US. Tencel is a more sustainable choice compared to cotton or rayon because it’s biodegradable, antibacterial, and extremely soft and flowy. Tencel Siro is a breathable, durable, fabric that instantly upgrades a typical caftan to one that can be used in both a hot, humid climate as well as cooler seasons.

Who can wear a caftan?

The beauty of a caftan is how effortless it is. This simple silhouette is made of flowy fabric in a way that fits many different body shapes and sizes. This is the perfect feature for life during a pregnancy, where a changing body is inevitable. Even after delivery, a caftan will drape you in comfort in those early postpartum days and continue to be a staple as you become a seasoned mama. We also love how size-friendly a caftan is for anyone going through fertility treatments or are on medications that may cause their size to fluctuate. The fertility journey can be so tough on the body, it’s important to make yourself a little more comfortable however you can. 

Caftans make great gifts!

Caftans are a super unique maternity, fertility, or casual comfort garment everyone should consider for their wardrobe. They make the best gifts for baby showers, seasoned moms, and women at any age because you don’t have to know their size!