Kaftans Are the Comfy Cover-Up Trending for Summer 2025

Instagram has convinced me I’m the only person not on vacation right now. My entire feed is blue water, sunny beaches, tiny swimsuits, and, thanks to Oprah, Gayle King, and Kris Jenner, breezy, resort-ready cover-ups.

The three women took a page out of Martha Stewart’s summer style book, matching in flowing kaftans from Skims’s Roberto Cavalli collaboration. Their dresses were lightweight, airy, and oh-so comfortable—a.k.a. perfect for vacation—yet really luxe looking. The versatile style is one you could realistically spend an entire vacation in, and I imagine they did.

Kaftans are the genius, rich lady-approved summer dress I’ve been sleeping on, but that changes today. Below, shop the breezy cover-ups I’m eyeing, from just $20.

8 Kaftans for Summer

Yanziliu Batwing Kaftan

To get the luxe-look for less, grab Yanziliu’s $20 batwing kaftan. It’s got a sexy V-neck, oversized and flowy fit, and side slits for easy movement. And while it’s available in 36 colors, this brown and white striped version is a great lookalike for King’s coverup.

Banana Republic Long Kaftan

Banana Republic’s leaf-print kaftan is perfect for any tropical getaway. The cover-up is slightly sheer and has an adjustable tie just under the bust, which can help create shape. Best of all, though, is that it’s on double-discount right now.

Free People Groovy Baby Maxi Kaftan

Free People’s Groovy Baby paisley print kaftan is a favorite among shoppers who call it “effortless” and “versatile.” While many kaftans have revealing slits at the leg, this one doesn’t. That extra bit of coverage allows you to get way more wear out of this dress (though you still might want a slip underneath), with shoppers saying they’ve worn it “out to dinner, on vacation, to the beach, [and] at home to lounge in.”

Farm Rio Delicate Tapestry Maxi Cover-Up Kaftan

My favorite cover-up is this one from Farm Rio. I love the bright blues, tropical print, relaxed fit, and those beaded rope tassels. But, most importantly, this feels like something I could wear well beyond the pool or beach. It’s not overly revealing or sheer and isn’t quite as oversized as other options on this list; the look is just a bit more polished, making it easy to dress up for a summer dinner.

Moss Rose V-Neck Kaftan

Moss Rose’s all-black kaftan might be the most versatile on this list, and it’s all thanks to the style’s simplicity. While you’ll most often find the summer dress in bold colors and tropical prints, opting for something a little more pared-back (namely, less resort-inspired) allows you to wear it beyond vacation.

Niki Lund Augustina Sheer Kaftan

I saw Dakota Johnson in a sheer, lacey cover-up, and now I want a sheer, lacy cover-up (her impact). This one from Niki Lund, which is just under $100, is at the top of my list. It’s a little sexy and a little ethereal—a combination I love. 

Ollari Striped Cotton Kaftan

Ollari’s 100-percent cotton kaftan is light and breathable, and that airiness is enhanced with the style’s leg slits, oversized fit, and deep V-neck. But what really makes this dress stand out among the others is that collar. The polished detail helps elevate the otherwise relaxed style.

Natori Palm Kaftan

I’m a sucker for citron; the bold color can instantly put me in a good mood (obviously, I’m all for dopamine dressing). But I also think this option from Natori works great as a summer dress, not just a coverup. This doesn’t have leg slits, it’s not sheer, and the adjustable waist helps create some shape. Albeit, the neckline is low, but I’m not opposed to a deep V-neck or makeshift tailoring with a safety pin.