Updated September 8, 2023
The kaftan, also spelled caftan has been around for thousands of years. Kaftans are known to be loose fitting tunics that are collarless. They may be tops, maxi, or shorter dresses. Boubou dresses (also known as bubu) originate from west Africa. They are made from diverse textiles using one piece of fabric, that is folded in half in making the garment. Both come in many varieties such as cover ups or house robes, and as casual or formal wear. In this post, you will find this variety with kaftans and boubou dresses from black owned brands.
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- Afrocentric Bloom (advertisement) has diverse bubu dresses and kaftans made of silk or cotton.
- Alkebulan Lifestyle (advertisement) offers a variety of kaftans. These include chiffon Moroccan beaded kaftans, and African tribal kaftans.
- Basik Simplicity (advertisement) has a selection of boho kaftans in several prints.
- Eveth’s Fashion (advertisement) has a diverse selection of kaftans that include midi and maxi dresses, solids, and diverse prints.
- Faustaze Clothier (advertisement) offers kaftan and boubou dresses. These include silk boubou dresses and a plus sized cotton kaftan.
- Hope For Flowers at Saks Fifth Avenue (advertisement) offered an embroidered cotton lawn caftan.
- Lili’s Creations (advertisement) has short and long kaftans in several Ankara prints.
- Modern Africa (advertisement) has a large and diverse selections of kaftans in several textiles.
- Necklaces By Amma (advertisement) offers a selection of boubou dresses made with diverse textiles.
- Priceless Culture (advertisement) has a selection of plus size kaftans in a variety of African prints. These include tops and dresses.
- True Truth Clothing (advertisement) has a selection of kaftans in several prints.
- Cee Cee’s Closet offers caftan dresses in diverse African style prints.
- Dresscode Boutique has a kimono that is kaftan like.
- Eliza Christoph offers silk kaftan dresses in a variety of African prints.
- Linda’s Things has kaftans that include silk maxi dresses, and one size fits all African print kaftans.
- Pink Sky Boutique has kaftans that include dresses and tops.
- Tracy Nicole offers ZEN solid color caftans in desert green and black.
- Ray Darten has a selection of 100% cotton, African print kaftans.
- Sai Sankoh has a large selection of culturally inspired kaftans in rich color patterns.
In reviewing these kaftans, I hope you find one or more that work for you.
Happy shopping!
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You can learn more about kaftans and boubou dresses from the following sources.
- Fincher, Tayana. 13 October, 2020. “West African Boubou.” West African Boubou – The Fashion and Race Database™
- “Kaftan.” 9 March, 2022. kaftan | Fashion History Timeline (fitnyc.edu)
- “Kaftan.” Kaftan – Wikipedia
- Rabine, Leslie W. “Boubou.” Boubou | LoveToKnow
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