Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, youve likely ditched your bra and embraced wearing leggings for their stretchy waistbands. But consider this: Why bother with a waistband?

Wouldnt you be more comfortable in a roomy sack with just the barest suggestion of structure? Something flowy and forgiving that drapes around your body in a way thats elegant and also mysterious? (Like, whats she hiding under there? A dozen donuts? Maybe.)

Of course you would. Thats why you need a caftan, or its Hawaiian cousin, the muumuu. You need a caftan like you need air or coffee or pictures of puppies and kittens snuggling . In other words, a caftan is a primal need.

Technically, according to Vogue , a caftan (or kaftan) is a narrow cut, long robe with full sleeves, either with a deep open neck or fully open to the floor, with origins in ancient Mesopotamia. The muumuu comes from Hawaii, and the word means cut off a reference to the original garments yoke-less neckline. But any version of these loose-fitting garments suits us now.

Some of Hollywoods most beloved icons have made the caftan/muumuu look legendary. On Transparent, Jeffrey Tambors transgender character Maura loved a caftan . On Golden Girls, Bea Arthurs Dorothy Zbornak rocked them with impunity. And Liz Taylor , in her day, was the reigning Caftan Queen .

You dont need any more convincing, so here are 11 caftans and muumuus and a few billowy dresses that were too irresistible to leave out for you to slip into and swan about the house.

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