Moroccan Caftan History

Moroccan Caftan History

Moroccan Caftan History: Moroccan caftan is an emblematic garment of Moroccan culture and fashion that has spanned the centuries. It has been worn by women as a type of outer garment and has remained a popular choice since the Middle Ages. The caftan is known for its unique shape and bright colors, as well as for its comfort and practicality. With respect to the occasion, it can be dressed up or down.

Traditional Moroccan caftan

The origins of the caftan go back thousands of years, worn by the Berbers, the ancestors of Moroccans, they were made from raw wool or cotton, with embroidery or embossed motifs. Caftans were also often adorned with pearls and precious stones, adding a touch of luxury and refinement.

Over the centuries, the caftan has undergone a series of transformations. It has been influenced by the cultures and styles of different regions and civilizations that have passed through Morocco. Arabs, Persians, Turks and Spaniards have all left their mark on the Moroccan caftan, adding elements of their own culture and style.

Today, the Moroccan caftan is still a popular choice for Moroccan women, who wear it for ceremonies and parties. It has also become an element of international fashion, with Western designers adopting it into their collections. Modern caftans can be made from different types of fabric, such as silk, satin and chiffon, and can be adorned with elaborate embroidery, pearls and precious stones.

The Moroccan caftan is also a symbol of the country’s culture and history. It is often associated with traditional ceremonies and important events in Moroccan life. It is also a symbol of femininity and elegance, with styles and cuts that enhance the feminine silhouette.

Modern Moroccan caftan

A modern Moroccan caftan is a modern version of the traditional Moroccan caftan, which is a long, flowing garment worn by both men and women. The modern version usually features updated patterns and fabrics, while incorporating traditional elements such as embroidery and beading. It is often worn for special occasions such as weddings or festivals.

The traditional Moroccan caftan is usually made from silk or other luxurious fabrics and is adorned with intricate embroidery, beading and other embellishments. The modern version, however, can also include a mix of other materials such as cotton, muslin and velvet.

They come in a variety of styles and designs, from the simple and elegant to the elaborate and ornate.

Some modern caftans also feature more contemporary design elements such as bright colors, bold prints and asymmetrical hems.

They are usually worn with a belt, called a “hzam”.

Moroccan Caftan History

a belt around the waist, and a pair of traditional Moroccan shoes called “babouches”.

Modern Moroccan caftans have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique aesthetics and intricate patterns. Moroccan caftans are very versatile and can be worn both casually and formally. They’re perfect for an evening out, a special occasion, or even to spice up an ordinary day look. The fabrics used to make Moroccan caftans range from luxurious silks to lightweight cottons, so there’s something for everyone.

Moroccan caftans are versatile, timeless pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Intricate details and patterns make Moroccan caftans an essential part of any wardrobe. Whether you opt for a traditional caftan or a more modern look, Moroccan caftans are sure to enhance any outfit and make you look and feel your best.

Moroccan caftan wedding

The Moroccan caftan is a traditional Moroccan wedding dress. It is an ornate, embroidered dress worn by the bride on her wedding day. The kaftan is usually made of fine fabrics and intricate patterns, and can be customized to suit the bride’s style and preferences.

As part of the wedding, the bride wears the kaftan in the company of family and friends. The Moroccan caftan is a symbol of unity, as it is traditionally handed down from generation to generation, with each bride adding her own personal touch.

The caftan is believed to bring good luck to the bride and groom on their wedding day. Wearing a caftan is a beautiful way of honoring Morocco‘s cultural heritage and sharing the joy and happiness of the wedding with everyone present.

Moroccan Caftan Online

Moroccan caftans have long been a fashion staple in Morocco, and are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and Europe. caftans offer a unique style, both modern and timeless, perfect for many occasions.

With the rise of online shopping, finding the perfect Moroccan caftan is now easier than ever.

Buying Moroccan caftans online gives customers access to a much wider selection than is available in local stores.

with options ranging from traditional to contemporary designs.

What’s more, many online retailers offer customized caftan sizing and personalized customer service to ensure buyer satisfaction.

Whatever your style or budget, there’s sure to be a Moroccan caftan to suit your needs!

The different types and styles

Moroccan caftans are available in a wide variety of models and styles.

Each city in the kingdom has historically developed its own caftans and embroidered motifs.

And cuts varied from the short, generous Tetouan to the long, straight Fez. However, there are no longer any physical borders separating the many “capitals” of Moroccan caftans.

The caftan al-Natha, originally from the city of Fez, is a silk, velvet or brocade caftan adorned with a variety of beautiful gold-thread ornaments (chai stars).

Moroccan Jews wear the caftan, a large livery, for special occasions in the northern cities of the country. The influence of the Spanish Renaissance can be seen in this attire.

Moroccan Caftan History

In fact, it arrived in Morocco towards the end of the 15th century with the entry of Morisco Jews expelled from Spain.

The caftan is a three-piece suit made of velvet, silk and gold, and generally consists of a huge skirt called the Zeltita, whose cut varies according to location, a vest called the Ktef and a tunic also called the corselet or combat jacket.

On the other hand, muslin sleeves are separate from the caftan and are made separately.

The most precious and richly embroidered element of the costume is the cuirass. It is embroidered with gold thread and made of velvet, silk, leather or cotton. Embroidery designs vary from city to city.

How do I choose a caftan size?

You can’t apply the rule of thumb of “one size fits all” to this outfit because, in caftans.

you have to choose the right size just like any other outfit.

Another thing to consider is that the Moroccan Caftan should fall loosely over the body.

so you shouldn’t opt for a tight-fitting garment.

How much does a Moroccan caftan cost?

Moroccan Caftan History; Moroccan clothing prices: Very simple caftans can be bought for 50-100dh (less if you find a good sale!) Shirts for 100dh,

Fancy takshita dresses can run from 1,500 to 15,000 dh!

Moroccan culture and customs

Like every other country, Morocco is special, with its own culture. It’s also a place where differences are accepted. We’ll tell you about its own authentic characteristics, but also about the reality where Morocco has become a country where you’ll find an embrace of other cultures and traditions, and even a practice in some …

In conclusion

Moroccan Caftan History: The Moroccan caftan is an emblematic garment of Moroccan culture and fashion that has spanned the centuries.

Known for its unique shape, bright colors and comfort. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, with elaborate embroidery, beading and luxurious fabrics.

Leer more about Living in Morocco for 13 years, studying and working: I loved it!

Morocco is a country that makes you want to set off on an adventure, travel, discover or even expatriate? It’s also a great place to live. I myself have lived there for 13 years. arrived when I was in high school, accompanying my parents who had decided to retire to Marrakech. returned to France 13 years later, with my husband and children.

Why choose to live in Morocco and Marrakech?

Every departure is a new opportunity to discover a new culture, a new country and a sometimes unknown destination.

Following a trip to Marrakech in December 2001, my parents literally fell under the spell of the ochre city and its people. We lived in a village in Picardy, less than 100 kilometers from Paris, and had never moved before that day.

The project quickly matured. They put our house up for sale, along with everything else they owned, to embark on this new adventure 3500 kilometers from their native region. To this day, I still don’t know the exact reasons for their departure. With my dad now retired, they wanted to enjoy the best years of their lives away from the “metro-bus-dodo”. He fell in love with Morocco at first sight, and Marrakech in particular. In fact, he still lives there. Over the years, he has become a true Marrakchi!

Before their big departure, we stayed in Marrakech several times to prepare the ground and get used to our new life under the palm trees. They left in March 2005 to invest in an apartment before our arrival in August. They were a little reluctant before we left, as I was still in high school and was due to start my final year in September 2005. Personally, I didn’t want to leave my life and my friends behind, but in the end my love for Morocco was stronger than anything!

Moroccan Caftan History

For others, the decision to move to Morocco is also motivated by the cost of living, which is apparently lower than in France – I’ll come back to that later – and the sunnier climate. At the gateway to the desert, right in the center of Morocco, Marrakech enjoys an extremely sunny climate, whatever the season. Even in winter, you’ll rarely find daytime temperatures below 20°.

Another advantage of settling in Yves Saint-Laurent’s adopted home: easy access. Marrakech airport is linked by direct flights to several major French cities. Several airlines operate these flights, including Air France and Royal Air Maroc, as well as low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Easyjet. So it’s not uncommon to find direct flights for under €200. Travel time is still manageable: just over 3 hours from Paris.

Finally, for families with children to send to school, the presence of a French school and lycée is reassuring. From kindergarten to the BAC final year, children can continue to attend French schools. I’ll come back to this subject later.

What are the formalities for expatriates?

Unlike other countries in the world, where expatriation is a complex business, Morocco imposes few formalities on French nationals, especially retirees.

The only prerequisite for obtaining a residence card is to have a foreign currency bank account in Morocco, enabling you to make transfers from your bank in France to Morocco. To qualify for residency, my dad needed to have his retirement pension paid into Morocco, so that he could support the family.

As soon as we arrived, we went to the prefecture in the arrondissement where we lived to apply for a residence permit. This is issued for one year, renewable for several years. After a few years, you get your card for 10 years.

You also need to register with the French Consulate in Marrakech to obtain a consular card. Registration entitles you to vote in French elections and to access all local services.

Studying in Morocco

Schooling in Morocco is a huge issue for all parents! A lot of tension surrounds it, because it’s very expensive from kindergarten onwards. When I arrived in Marrakech in 2005, I was in terminale ES. I went on to study at the Lycée Français Victor Hugo in Marrakech. The teaching there was of a high standard, and the pupils had a level worthy of the best lycées in France. The teachers were seconded from France, which is no longer the case today. Since then, prices have risen by around 40%, if not more. Every year, tuition fees go up! A real headache for all parents.

For my higher education, I opted for a BTS Diététique through the CNED (Centre National d’Education à Distance) so that my diploma would be recognized in France. I didn’t really find out about access to faculties or private schools in Marrakech, which I now regret, because in retrospect I could have done a law degree to become a lawyer, but fate decided otherwise.

The standard of students in Moroccan faculties is very high, as places are limited and only the best of the best are accepted! As a general rule, Moroccan students do better in science and foreign languages than their French counterparts. In recent years, they have also excelled in computer programming and development.

Working in Morocco

When I started my career in Morocco, the job market was dynamic, particularly in the field of communications and the web. By chance, I found a position in one of the city’s first “Made In Marrakech” communications agencies. It was an interesting experience that enabled me to discover and learn a profession I’m still passionate about today.

The only disadvantage of working in Morocco if you’re not a “real” expatriate (a worker sent abroad by your company) is the salary on offer. Local salaries are quite low, while the cost of living has risen sharply over the last ten years.

For a low-skilled position, expect to pay between 2,500 and 3,000 MAD (200 to 250 euros) per month. For more specific positions, salaries vary between 6,000 and 8,000 MAD on average (550 to 750 euros). You can live comfortably on your salary in the big cities, but you won’t be splurging every day.

Working weeks are 44 hours and social security coverage is virtually non-existent. To work in Morocco, you need to adopt a Moroccan lifestyle and not make comparisons with France, as this is pointless.

The best: expatriate status or setting up your own business

To ensure a more comfortable income, the best thing to do is to try and get hired by a French institution based in Morocco, with expatriate status, or to set up your own business. In fact, many French people set up their own business when they arrive in Morocco, so that they can develop their activity as they see fit.

Personally, I set up a SARL in 2013 to be self-employed, but above all to declare the income paid by the agencies I worked with. I also tried out the auto-entrepreneur status, which was brand new in 2016-2017. Business charges are lower than in France, which means you have a much wider field of action. To make life easier, use the services of an accountant.

If you’ve got the soul of an entrepreneur, a little money to spare and a good idea, go for it!

Budget for living in Morocco

My family and I have found countless advantages to living in Morocco. When we arrived in 2005, the Marrakech craze was just beginning. Property prices were still very low and our standard of living very comfortable.

Real estate and accommodation

For example, on Marrakech’s best avenue, Avenue Mohamed VI, a luxury apartment sold for 10,000 MAD per square metre (around 800 euros). Prices have risen sharply since then.

I lived in rented accommodation with my husband for a long time, and rents for large apartments in very pleasant neighborhoods just a stone’s throw from the city center were under 250 euros (something you’ll never find in France). Rental conditions are very flexible. You visit, you sign and you move in. Landlords or estate agents only ask for your identity card, one month’s rent and one month’s deposit – and that’s it!

But don’t get your hopes up. If you were hoping to buy a luxury riad with a few tens of thousands of euros, think again. You won’t find one for less than €300,000, and some of the finest are worth well over €1 million.

Daily life

Basic necessities (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, etc.) are inexpensive. However, forget about your favorite chocolate spread and all those little breakfast treats, as these products are imported and heavily taxed, making them 25% more expensive than in France.

There are many small cafés and restaurants where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner for just a few euros. In Morocco, people eat out a lot, and sit down almost every day at a café to share a convivial moment with family or friends. If you decide to go to a more upscale restaurant, prices are the same as in France.

Equipping your home

Equipping your home is easy. Numerous national and international brands, particularly Turkish, offer household appliances at attractive prices. (Moroccan Caftan History)