Frequently Asked Questions

This kind of harks back to my time in industry with all its associated jargon: FAQ's used to figure quite highly in almost everything we did. However, it's not all bad news, they can actually be very useful!

I suspect this is a blog that is going to be added to as we go along, for now, I have listed frequently asked questions as I can remember them - I hope they are helpful!

Q: How long will I have to wait to receive my purchase?
A: We aim to send them out first class post on the day we get the order so all being well, you should receive your parcel within two days of placing the order (Post Office permitting!) Where we get orders through over a weekend or bank holiday, they are sent off on the Monday or Tuesday. If we go away for a few days' break, (doesn't happen often!) on our return, we immediately email customers with orders in the system and explain that we have been away and that the items will be sent out first class post that day. We are working on an automated 'out of office' message which would be good - especially if we are able to get away more frequently.

Q: How big are the kaftans?
A: This is an interesting one as theoretically, they are all one size. That said, some styles are bigger than others. Let's start with the mens' ones:-
Both chaps in the pictures are over 6' tall. The bearded wonder is my husband and partner in this venture and he is no longer the lightweight he once was. They are therefore what I would describe as being quite generous but bear in mind, the beauty of a kaftan is that it is loose and flowing so really these would be suitable for quite a variety of shapes and sizes.

As for the ladies...........the most generous of all is the polyester range with the sleeves that come just about to the elbow: this is number 8. This measures 34" across. The short sleeved polyester one, kaftan number 9 measures 28" across.

The tie-dye kaftans are also quite generous measuring almost 29" and kafan number 1 is a good 30" across. The other kaftan styles are around 24" across. I am sorry for the metric minded, but I am definitely a feet and inches kind of girl.

Q: Do the trousers on the tie-dye trouser suits have elasticated waists?
A: The short answer is no though the other style trouser suits do have elasticated waists.
The tie-dye trouser is actually a single piece of material, cleverly cut with four ties. You tie around your waist at the front, pull the fabric through between your legs and then tie again at the back. The result is loose, flowing trousers........lovely!

Q; How do I wash them?
A: The cotton ones should be rinsed through by hand in warm, soapy water, rinsed in warm water then hung out to dry. We do not recommend tumble drying. They are then ironed as cotton though where there is braided trim, (as opposed to the lacework panels on some), you do need to take care and probably the easiest thing to do is iron inside out.
The polyester ones just need a rinse through in warm soapy water, warm rinse then hang up. No ironing! It helps with the polyester kaftans if you add a fabric conditioner to the last rinse; some people are put off by polyester because of the risk of static, but adding fabric conditioner prevents this. We do always put a little note in with our kaftans and suits advising on washing instructions which we hope is helpful.

You will notice that we have added a picture to the blog - one of several group shots we took when taking the photographs for the site. (Whilst I would love to say we shot on location in Tunisia, sadly, the budgets didn't stretch to that!) To introduce myself and to give you an indication of sizes when you look at these kaftans, I am the one with the short, spiky dark hair wearing a black kaftan in this shot. I am a fairly standard UK size 16 (having kissed goodbye to the size 10/12 of my youth some time ago!)

I hope this information is useful and that you will return to our site to keep up with our blogs and make further purchases! We are great believers in the personal touch and hope it is something that our customers will also appreciate.

Bye for now!
Rosanna

Welcome!

http://www.kaftanchic.com/ has been let loose upon the unsuspecting world for just over three months now and in that period of time we have encountered some lovely people all over the world who share our love of kaftans and tie-dye. Having enjoyed some very pleasant interaction with our customers we thought it would be a nice idea to launch a blog to keep in touch, flag up any news or special offers.

We launched the website with a fashion show held locally in Devon where we are based and the ladies modelling the kaftans, sundresses and trouser suits on the website itself, gamely modelled for the local crowd. It was quite authentic with upbeat african music to help us try and capture the mood of sunny Tunisia where our authentic kaftans come from. Several of our customers have passed comment on how much fun the website looks and I can say that we did have enormous fun putting it together; we were very lucky to have some game gals to call on with a couple of husbands being roped in for good measure!

We are gradually building our Client base and the best way to grow is by word of mouth so if you are a happy customer, please recommend us to your friends and family. In addition to advertising and promoting ourselves locally, we have advertised in 'The Oldie' magasine which has extended our Client base across the UK and overseas.

It is a pity that summer in the UK has been so dismal this year but there is still the chance of an Indian Summer in September and October (says she optimistically!) and of course, lots of people head abroad for winter sunshine so there is still scope to purchase a kaftan, tie-dye sundress or trouser suit as a Christmas present or for yourself if you are heading for the hotspots or off on a winter cruise. (Lucky you!)

We also feel that kaftans make a great alternative to a dressing gown either when you just want to chill out at home or for people in hospital or nursing homes so it definitely isn't seen as just a summer purchase.

We do hope that if you have come across us before, you will continue to catch up; I am thinking we might add some quirky bits to the blog in future and maybe some cartoons as well so - to coin the phrase - 'watch this space!'