Kaftans by Namastay - Handcrafted Ease for Modern Days
The kaftan is one of the world’s oldest garments yet it feels made for today’s pace. A single panel of fabric is cut to fall away from the body and invite movement, allowing you to dress once and stay comfortable from breakfast meeting to late flight. Cultures across North Africa, West Asia and the Indian subcontinent have each placed their own stamp on this silhouette and at Namastay we add ours through fine Kashmiri embroidery, the craft that gives our signature Kashmiri kaftan its name, along with conscious cotton and sizing that respects every body shape.
The work begins in Srinagar, where artisans train for years to guide an aari needle through cloth as smoothly as ink on paper. Their floral sprays and paisleys travel to our studio where patterns are checked for consistency, seams are reinforced and labels are signed by the maker. When you place an order the piece leaves our shelves within 48 hours, reaching you ready to slip on and go. A purchase that feels effortless for you also keeps 1000+ craft workers in dignified employment and helps a heritage art stay alive in its place of origin.
Why you will keep reaching for a Namastay Kaftan
Human hands living art: Every motif is stitched by an individual artisan. Slight variations prove no machine was involved and give your garment quiet individuality.
Breathable fabrics with purpose: Pure and crushed cotton draw heat away in warm weather and layer smoothly under outerwear when evenings cool. Roll the cloth for travel then shake it out; wrinkles relax within minutes.
Inclusive flow: Choose a free-size drape that moves easily from XS to 3XL or select a graded size when you want a defined shoulder. Each pattern is drafted by women who understand curves and everyday practicality.
Fast dispatch fair trade: Orders leave the studio within two days. Each sale funds steady wages, safe workplaces and training for the next generation of embroidery artists.
Choosing your kaftan
For warm-weather errands reach for a cotton kaftan. The airy weave and soft stripes keep you cool on blazing hot summer days while hiding the odd splash of coffee. Slip on white trainers and you are out the door.
Evening plans invite a party wear kaftan. Metallic thread, bead tipped ties and discreet side slits catch candlelight without stealing the show. Finish with block heels and a small clutch.
Short kaftans skim the thigh and double as breezy tops; half-tuck one into relaxed denim on casual Fridays. A long kaftan brushes the ankle, giving maxi drama with zero fuss. Add a slim belt when you want shape.
Colour sets the tone. Black travels well and shrugs off creases. White reflects the sun on beach days and makes embroidery glow. Red brightens grey mornings and photographs beautifully at dusk.
When winter arrives simply layer. Drape a black or richly worked Kashmiri kaftan over a fine turtleneck, add tights and tall boots, then wrap a wool scarf at the neck. The fabric still flows, the craft still shines and you stay warm without losing the ease that makes the style special.
Fit care and longevity
Let the cloth skim rather than cling. If you sit between two structured sizes choose the larger to keep the effortless line. To belt without bunching position the strap just above the natural waist and let the fabric fall beneath.
Turn your kaftan inside out, hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle in cold water, dry flat away from direct sun and steam lightly. Follow these steps and the vivid threads will stay bright season after season.
Slip into a Namastay kaftan and experience how thoughtful craft turns simple fabric into an all day companion. From desk to dinner and from beach stroll to red eye flight it adapts without asking you to trade comfort for style or ethics for aesthetics.
Explore our full Kashmiri edit — embroidered kurta sets in cotton and velvet, everyday kurtas, winter-warm wool phirans and easy coord sets — each piece finished with the same aari hand-work that makes every Namastay kaftan special.
Shop by Kurtas:
Chikankari Kurta | Kashmiri Kurta | Summer Kurtas | Short Kurta | White Kurta | Short Kurta