How to Find Your Kaftan Size

To find your kaftan size, measure a well-fitting top or dress you already own from underarm to underarm, then compare that number with the underarm-to-underarm measurement in our size guide. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one: the belt will adjust the fit at the waist.

Below you will find the full guide, how to take the measurement properly and what to do about length.

Our size guide at a glance

These are measurements of the kaftan itself, not of the body. Each line shows the underarm-to-underarm width, the bust measurement of the garment and the equivalent French/EU size.

• XS: underarm to underarm 46–49 cm · bust 92–98 cm · FR/EU 32–34
• S: underarm to underarm 50–54 cm · bust 100–108 cm · FR/EU 34–36
• M: underarm to underarm 54–57.5 cm · bust 108–115 cm · FR/EU 36–38
• L: underarm to underarm 57.5–59.5 cm · bust 115–119 cm · FR/EU 38–40
• XL: underarm to underarm 59.5–63 cm · bust 119–126 cm · FR/EU 40–44
• 2XL: underarm to underarm 63–67.5 cm · bust 126–135 cm · FR/EU 44–48
• 3XL: underarm to underarm 70–72.5 cm · bust 140–145 cm · FR/EU 48–52

The underarm-to-underarm measurement is the main reference. The bust figure helps you confirm it, and the FR/EU size is a guide only, as sizing varies between brands. You can always check the latest version on our size guide page.

Why we measure the garment, not the body

A Moroccan kaftan is not cut like a fitted dress. It is designed with ease so that it falls gracefully and lets you move, sit and celebrate comfortably for hours. Measuring the garment gives you a direct comparison: if a piece you already love measures 55 cm across, you know how a kaftan of that width will feel on you.

How to measure underarm to underarm

Choose a top, blouse or dress that fits you well across the chest, ideally in a woven fabric that does not stretch much. Then:

• Lay the garment flat on a table, front facing up, and smooth out any creases.
• Close any buttons or zips so the front lies naturally.
• Find the point where each sleeve seam meets the body, just below the armhole.
• Measure straight across from one underarm point to the other with a flexible tape measure.
• Note the result in centimetres and compare it with the guide above.

If the garment you measure is very stretchy, add a little to your result, as kaftan fabrics such as crepe, velvet and drap de soie have little or no stretch.

If you are between two sizes

Choose the larger size. A kaftan that is slightly generous can be shaped with its belt, but one that is tight across the chest or arms cannot be eased. The hips are designed with extra room, so you do not need to size up for them.

How the belt adjusts the fit

Most of our kaftans and takchitas come with a matching belt. Worn at the natural waist, it gathers the fabric, defines your silhouette and takes up any extra width. This is why underarm-to-underarm matters more than the waist: the belt does the fine-tuning there.

Length: tell us in your order notes

Length depends on your height and on the shoes you plan to wear. Length adjustments are complimentary on request: simply add your preferred length in the order notes at checkout. To get it right:

• Measure from the top of your shoulder, next to the neck, down to the floor.
• Do it while wearing the shoes you will wear on the day, or add their heel height.
• Tell us whether you want the hem to touch the floor or sit just above it.

Many of our pieces are one-of-a-kind, so it is worth getting this detail right before your piece leaves the atelier.

A few practical tips

• Takchitas and lebsas: the overlayer (dfina) sits on top of the underdress, so check the underarm measurement of the outer piece.
• Layering underneath: if you plan to wear a long-sleeved top under your kaftan, take that into account and lean towards the larger size.
• Heavier fabrics: velvet has more body, so a little extra ease feels more comfortable.

Still unsure? Ask us

If your measurements fall on the edge of a size, or you want advice on a specific piece, contact our team with your underarm-to-underarm measurement and your height, and we will help you choose. Once you know your size, explore the kaftan collection or our takchitas and lebsas and add your length to the order notes.