How to Measure for a Kaftan

To measure for a kaftan, take your chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and the length you want from shoulder to hem. A kaftan is cut loose, so these numbers set the overall width and drop rather than a close fit.

The steps below suit tailors taking client measurements and stores building a chart. If you sell kaftans online, those same numbers can drive an AI size recommendation based on your own sizes.

What do you need to measure a kaftan?

Use a soft tape and wear light, thin clothing. Stand relaxed with your arms by your sides and your feet together.

Measure over the same kind of layer you will wear under the kaftan. If you plan to wear it over a shirt, keep the shirt on. Record the unit you use and keep it the same throughout.

What are the core kaftan measurements?

Take these in order.

1. Chest. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, level at the back.
2. Chest width of the garment. Divide the chest by two if you want a flat width for a pattern or chart column. Flat width is one side of the finished garment, laid down.
3. Shoulder. Measure across the back from one shoulder edge to the other.
4. Sleeve. Measure from the shoulder edge to the wrist, or to where you want the cuff.
5. Length. Measure from the top of the shoulder beside the neck down to the hem you want.

Add hips if the kaftan is closer fitting below the waist.

How do you choose the right kaftan length?

Kaftans come in several lengths: hip, knee, calf and full length. Decide the point first, then measure the body down to it.

Mark your chosen point in a mirror. Hold the tape from the shoulder over the chest and straight down to that spot. Keep the tape vertical. If the wearer is between two lengths, go longer, since a hem can be shortened but not lengthened.

For men's styles, check the fit notes in how a kaftan should fit, which covers shoulder seams and drop.

How much ease does a kaftan need?

Ease is extra room added to your body measurement. Kaftans use a lot of it, so the finished chest is much larger than the body. That makes them forgiving, but it also means a size chart based only on body chest can mislead shoppers.

The table below is an example chart, so check your brand's own pattern before using it.

Kaftan type	Fit	Measure most carefully
Straight, side-seam	Relaxed	Shoulder, length
Wide-sleeve	Very loose	Sleeve drop, length
Tapered or belted	Closer at waist	Chest, waist, hips
Men's kaftan set	Roomy with trousers	Chest, shoulder, sleeve

How do stores set up a kaftan size chart?

Pick one measurement as the main sorting column, usually chest. Give each size a minimum and maximum, then list finished length and sleeve beside it. Keep ranges meeting so there are no gaps.

State on the page whether the chart shows body size or garment size. Shoppers mix these up often, and the mix-up leads to returns. The guide on how to measure for an abaya applies the same idea to another loose garment.

In ZeDaq.ai, you add your own chart in the Dashboard or the Shopify app, one chart per garment type. The scan then recommends your store's own labels and sizes up to the largest relevant measurement. If you run a kaftan-focused brand, see virtual try-on for kaftan brands.

Worked example: turning body numbers into a kaftan size

Say a client wants a knee-length kaftan and you have their chest, shoulder and length. The steps are the same whatever the numbers.

1. Look at your chart's chest column and find the size whose range includes the client's chest.
2. Check that size's shoulder. If the chart shoulder is narrower than the client's, move up one size.
3. Read the finished length for that size. If it is shorter than the knee point on this client, ask for a custom length.
4. Confirm the sleeve ends where the client wants.

Always choose the larger size when two fit, because a loose kaftan still hangs well while a tight one does not.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Using flat garment width as body chest. Label each column clearly.
• Ignoring shoulder. A loose kaftan can still sit badly if the shoulder seam is off.
• Measuring length in shoes you will not wear. Keep footwear consistent.
• Forgetting the sleeve opening. A wide sleeve needs clearance for the hand and wrist.

FAQs

What size kaftan should I get?

Match your chest, shoulder and preferred length against the brand's chart. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one for a looser drape.

Do I measure body or garment for a kaftan?

Take your body measurements first. Then compare them with the brand's chart, noting whether it lists body or finished garment sizes.

How long should a kaftan be?

It depends on style and taste. Hip and knee lengths suit casual wear, while ankle and floor lengths suit formal wear.

Can a tailor alter a kaftan?

Often yes. Hems and sleeves can usually be shortened, but extra width and length are limited by how much fabric the seam allows.