Floral Printed Short Kaftan with Dori at Waist
Gentle hand-wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid soaking. Iron on medium heat while slightly damp.
Description
Colour blooms where comfort meets occasion, and this short kaftan carries that ease with quiet intention. Rendered in smooth polyester that drapes without demanding attention, the kaftan is printed with a floral vocabulary drawn from the long tradition of block-inspired surface pattern found across Indian textile regions. The dori tie at the waist allows a gentle shaping, letting the silhouette breathe or cinch as the moment calls for it. Available in four distinct colour stories, from the coastal calm of Blue and Olive to the festive warmth of Red and Orange, each pairing is considered rather than coincidental. The free size construction reflects a generous philosophy of dressing, one that prioritises ease over restriction. Made to order, each piece is prepared with care after you choose, reducing waste and honouring the quiet ethic of considered making. Wear it over narrow trousers or slim-cut palazzos for a relaxed afternoon gathering, or layer a long printed dupatta over one shoulder to carry it into an evening setting. Strappy flats in tan or gold complete the picture without interruption.
Complete your look
Hand-picked pieces that sing gently with this one.
Behind this piece
The kaftan carries centuries of cross-cultural memory. From the Levant through Persia into the royal courts of Mughal India, this silhouette was always a garment of ease and intention. The floral printed short kaftan reinterprets that legacy for the contemporary wardrobe. Its adjustable dori at the waist borrows from the angrakha's sensibility of a shaped, tied form rather than a rigid one. The four colourways, Blue and Olive, Pink and Green, Purple and Red, Red and Orange, each echo the bold palette traditions of Indian printed textiles, rendered here in fluid polyester for modern wear.
How to style
For a coastal evening or a rooftop gathering, wear the Blue and Olive kaftan over straight palazzo trousers in ivory and finish with oxidised silver jhumkas and flat Kolhapuri chappals. The Pink and Green colourway pairs beautifully with wide-leg white linen trousers and minimal gold hoops for a brunch or festive lunch. Purple and Red is made for a statement: layer it over a fitted churidar, add ceramic bead earrings and strappy block heels. The dori at the waist can be tied front, back, or at the side to entirely change the silhouette.
Fabric & care
Polyester holds colour exceptionally well and resists shrinkage, but it deserves gentle handling to maintain its drape. Hand wash in cool water using a mild liquid detergent, or machine wash on a delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Avoid hot water, which can distort the fabric's weave. Do not wring or twist; press out excess water gently and hang to dry in shade, away from direct sunlight. Steam-press on a low setting if creasing occurs. Store folded or on a padded hanger in a breathable cloth bag to preserve its shape across seasons.
More from ethnic dresses
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts.
From the Journal
Stories about the craft, the loom, and the wearing of a piece like this one.
