Cotton muslin
Lightweight and flowing, it gives the kaftan its characteristic drape without weighing down the silhouette. It is the go-to fabric for the cape on three-piece outfits, the abaya.
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In summary
The men's kaftan is a three-piece formal outfit featuring an embroidered tunic that falls to the ankles. It is worn with matching pants and an abaya draped over the shoulders, made of muslin or velvet.
History of the Moroccan Kaftan
The kaftan is, first and foremost, a royal garment. Worn by sultans and dignitaries as early as the Merinid period, it reached its final form under the Saadians and then spread to the leading families of Fez, Tetouan, and Rabat. Each of these cities then developed its own style of tailoring and embroidery, and it is this exquisite craftsmanship by Moroccan artisans that gave the garment the form we recognize today.
Kaftan (men's) and kaftan (women's)
There is a big difference between this and the women's kaftan. The men's kaftan features a more understated color palette and materials, with the focus on the trim. The kaftan Women's, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025, plays with color and rich fabrics and is worn with a mdamma that accentuates the waist.
This confusion explains why the word «kaftan» mostly refers to women's designs in European search engines. This page is dedicated to the men's version.
When should a man wear a kaftan?
The men's kaftan is, first and foremost, the groom's outfit. During the Moroccan wedding, it appears at the entrance of the bride and groom, usually in off-white or ivory, complemented by a selham To go with it, a red tarbouche and white babouche slippers shoes.
It is also worn during the Khotba (proposal in wedding) and the Hlel, when the groom's family expects a more formal outfit than the jabador.
For guests, the kaftan look is still an option, though rare. The rule is simple: don't wear off-white unless you're the groom.
Finally, it dresses up grand receptions, official religious ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
What sets the kaftan apart from other outfits?
The men’s kaftan features a tunic that reaches the ankles; it is the most elaborately embroidered and the most formal. The jabador tunic stops at the knee or higher, making it a more versatile outfit. The kaftan is a three-piece outfit, while the jabador consists of two or three pieces, depending on the style. The gandoura is a single-piece garment worn on its own. The djellaba has a hood and is always worn over another outfit.
Visit Moroccan fashion guide detail these distinctions room by room.
What fabric should I use for a men's kaftan?
The fabric depends on the ceremony and the season. All our fabrics are purchased in Morocco, from suppliers we have been working with for several years.
Velvet
The ultimate winter fabric, highly requested. Rich depth of color and embroidery that stands out clearly. Midnight blue and burgundy in velvet are surefire choices.
Saudi
The most refined. Transparent and often in pastel colors, it is worn over the kaftan and adds a touch of elegance to spring and summer ceremonies.
Gabardine
This is the fabric Jabador.com uses for its tunics and trousers, with a weight of 190g/m2, which is the best available on the market.
Embroidery: What Makes a kaftan Valuable
On a men's kaftan, the embroidery isn't just an added embellishment—it gives the garment its structure. The sfifa is the trim that edges the tunic and the openings. The oak trees are the braided buttons that run along the sfifa, sewn one by one.
Our caftans products are made in Morocco by local artisans and shipped from France: delivery in 2 to 3 days; returns accepted within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a kaftan and a men's jabador?
This is the length of the tunic. The kaftan tunic reaches down to the ankles, while the jabador ends at the knee or higher.
What is the difference between a men's kaftan and a women's kaftan?
The men's kaftan collection features understated colors and fabrics, with a focus on trim details. The women's kaftan collection plays with color and rich fabrics and is worn with a mdamma that accentuates the waist.
What color of men's kaftan should a Moroccan man with a wedding size wear?
The groom wears off-white or ivory. Guests choose more discreet tones. Off-white is avoided when you are not the groom.
What are sfifa and the Aakads?
The sfifa is the trim that borders the tunic. The aakads are braided buttons sewn on one by one.
How can you tell if a kaftan is high-quality?
The quality of the fabric, the evenness of the aakads, the density and sharpness of the sfifa, and the durability of the seams on the reverse side. It is this craftsmanship that accounts for the price difference between two models with identical cuts.
How do I choose the right size for men's kaftan?
The fit is straight. Please note, our sizes do not always correspond to UK or EU sizes, always check the measurements and tunic length in the size guide before ordering.