You didn't come here for the Wiki definition although I provided it below. Maybe it's the kind of thing you have to try to believe just how good they are. I even call our caftan's, Mrs. Ropers" and they are one of the best things I've ever designed.
But EACH time I wear our caftan out in public someone, a man or woman compliments me. I've worn them to weddings, business meetings and about 1/2 of my Zoom meetings.
All the caftans are made from some sort of silk - Italian silk for the Fall/Winter and silk voile for the Spring/Summer. They are elegant and a classic shape from multiple cultures that have been around for hundreds of years. And don't think because the caftan is voluminous that it will make you look bigger. There's something about the hang that will enhance your femininity.
Let's delve into the definitions and origins of these fascinating garments.
Understanding the Muumuu
Ok according to Wikipedia a mumu is - "The muumuu or muʻumuʻu (Hawaiian pronunciation: [ˈmuʔuˈmuʔu]) is a loose dress of Hawaiian origin[1] that hangs from the shoulder and is like a cross between a shirt and a robe. Like the aloha shirt, muumuu exports are often brilliantly colored with floral patterns of generic Polynesian motifs. Muumuus for local Hawaiian residents are more subdued in tone. Muumuus are no longer as widely worn at work as the aloha shirt, but continue to be the preferred formal dress for weddings and festivals such as the Merrie Monarch hula competition.
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A traditional Muumuu dress.
"Moo-moo" redirects here. The muumuu or muʻumuʻu (Hawaiian pronunciation: [ˈmuʔuˈmuʔu]) is a loose dress of Hawaiian origin.[1] It is related to the Mother Hubbard dress, introduced by Christian missionaries in Polynesia to "civilize" those whom they considered "half-naked savages".[2] Within the category of fashion known as aloha wear, the muumuu, like the aloha shirt, are often brilliantly colored with floral patterns of Polynesian motifs.
The word muʻumuʻu means "cut off" in Hawaiian.[3] The dress, which was originally used as an undergarment or chemise for the holokū, lacked a yoke[4][3] and may have featured short sleeves or no sleeves at all.[5].
The muumuu was made of lightweight solid white cotton fabric and, in addition to being an undergarment, served Hawaiian women as a housedress, nightgown, and swimsuit.[5]
Holokū was the original name for the Mother Hubbard dress introduced by Protestant missionaries to Hawaii in the 1820s.[6][7] In contrast to the muumuu, the holokū featured long sleeves and a floor-length unfitted dress falling from a high-necked yoke which was worn by the aliʻi as well as the common people.
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Key Differences Between Muumuu and Holokū:
- Muumuu: Lacked a yoke, might have short or no sleeves, made of lightweight cotton.
- Holokū: Long sleeves, floor-length, high-necked yoke, worn by both royalty and commoners.
Exploring the Kaftan
And a caftan, "A kaftan or caftan (; Persian: خفتان khaftān) is a variant of the robe or tunic, and has been worn in a number of cultures around the world for thousands of years and is of Asiatic origin. In Russian usage, kaftan instead refers to a style of men's long suit with tight sleeves.
Used by many West and Southwest Asian ethnic groups, the kaftan is ancient Mesopotamian (modern day Iraq) in origin. It may be made of wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton, and may be worn with a sash.
Popular during the time of the Ottoman Empire, detailed and elaborately designed garments were given to ambassadors and other important guests at the Topkapi Palace. Variations of the kaftan were inherited by cultures throughout Asia and were worn by individuals in Russia (North Asia, Eastern Europe and formerly Central Asia), Southwest Asia and Northern Africa [1] Styles, uses, and names for the kaftan vary from culture to culture. The kaftan is often worn as a coat or as an overdress, usually having long sleeves and reaching to the ankles. In regions with a warm climate, it is worn as a light-weight, loose-fitting garment.
An example of an Ottoman Kaftan.
Cultural Significance and Modern Appeal
These garments, with their rich histories and diverse cultural influences, continue to captivate and inspire fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Their comfort, elegance, and versatility make them timeless additions to any wardrobe.
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