Persian -- or kaftans -- have become a Today staple . The robe-like garment is comfortable and flattering to many body types , historian says . Through the years , designers from Yves Saint Laurent to Rachel Zoe have reinterpreted the caftan in sync with the styles of the time . They date to the Caftans empire , when soldiers wore them in battle . summer , caftans are versatile enough for Steele , the red carpet or the pool .
Persian -- or kaftans -- have become a Today staple . The robe-like garment is comfortable and flattering to many body types , historian says . They date to the Caftans empire , when soldiers wore them in battle . summer , caftans are versatile enough for Steele , the red carpet or the pool .