When Moroccan traditional dress is mentioned, the caftan comes to mind first. It is a long robe worn by women at weddings, holidays, and parties, and occasionally by men on religious and formal occasions. In recent decades, it has become a fashion trend showcased at fashion weeks and designed by creators who blend tradition with modernity. But behind the elegance lies a labor-intensive process shared among tailors, embroiderers, and master craftsmen.<\/p>\n
The caftan traces its origins to ancient Eastern attire that spread throughout the Islamic world; it reached Morocco via al-Andalus and the Levant and was influenced by Ottoman and Andalusian styles, eventually acquiring its own distinct Moroccan identity through its detailing and embroidery. For a time, it remained the attire of the upper classes and the families of ancient cities, then gradually became widespread. Accounts of how it arrived vary, so do not rely on a single story told to you by a vendor.<\/p>\n
There are many different names and variations in the markets, so ask the tailor what each name refers to before placing your order.<\/p>\n
Luxury caftans are made of silk, satin, velvet, brocade, tulle, and lace, and the quality of the fabrics varies greatly in price. As for the embellishments, they are the heart of the caftan:<\/p>\n
These historic cities each bear their own distinctive hallmarks: Fez is known for its embroidery and the School of Teachers; Rabat and Sal\u00e9 for the Andalusian architectural style associated with them; Tetouan and Chefchaouen for their Andalusian and Northern influences; and Marrakesh for its more vibrant colors. These generalizations, however, remain approximate.<\/p>\n
The making of a caftan involves collaboration between the tailor (the master craftsman), who cuts and sews the fabric; the embroiderer, who works on the fabric with a needle; and the makers of the safifa and the akad. A well-crafted piece can take weeks or even months to complete in some cases. Some master tailors possess a long tradition of expertise passed down from father to son. In major cities, there are workshops and markets dedicated to kaftan supplies, where fabrics, sififa, and buttons are sold by the meter.<\/p>\n
Store it hanging in a breathable cloth bag, and avoid plastic, which traps moisture. Do not wash it at home; instead, take it to a dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics. If it is embroidered with metallic thread, avoid friction and moisture. Inspect it before long-term storage and fluff it out from time to time.<\/p>\n
Fashion shows now feature caftans with new cuts, bold colors, and lightweight fabrics, which are popular among young people, while classic designs for major occasions remain in vogue. Moroccan designers showcase their work at fashion shows both within Morocco and abroad. Handcrafting remains the core element of value in this art form, even when machines are used for certain embellishments.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re invited to a Moroccan wedding and want to wear a caftan, choose a modest, understated style, and avoid pure white, as it\u2019s usually reserved for the bride\u2014every occasion has its own customs. Appropriate guest attire is always acceptable, even if it\u2019s not a caftan.<\/p>\n
First, head to the fabric market in the city you\u2019re visiting to see the different types of silk, velvet, and tulle, and ask about the prices per meter. Then ask a local to direct you to a shop selling \u201csafifa\u201d and \u201caqad\u201d\u2014a small shop filled with threads and braided ribbons in countless colors. After that, visit a tailor\u2019s workshop where you\u2019re allowed to watch, and observe how the fabrics are secured to the frame and how the floral patterns and lines are embroidered. The tour usually ends with an embroidery instructor who explains the different types of stitches\u2014an experience that will change the way you view the caftan as a whole.<\/p>\n
And if you visit a museum of fashion or traditional arts, be sure to look at antique examples of caftans; they\u2019ll give you a reference point for distinguishing between authentic and imitation pieces. Some cities host seasonal fashion shows featuring local designers, so find out when the next one is scheduled if it coincides with your trip.<\/p>\n
The caftan is a garment that tells the story of a city, a family, and craftsmanship. If you decide to buy a caftan, take your time, get to know the person who sews it, and make sure you\u2019re paying for genuine craftsmanship\u2014not just a name. A well-made piece will stay with you for years and capture the memory of Morocco in every stitch.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The caftan is a long robe that showcases the craftsmanship of artisans through embroidery and beading. We\u2019ll explore its history, different styles, how it\u2019s made, and how to buy a caftan in Morocco.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2849,"template":"","class_list":["post-1960","tim_guide","type-tim_guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tim_guide\/1960","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tim_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tim_guide"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thatismorocco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}