Kaftans and Ponchos

they don't have anything in common except that both are worn as overdress - means wear over a dress. Poncho is a single large sheet with an opening in the center where the head enters & with opening on the both sides for the arms.The original poncho has a hood to cover the head but nowadays,it has been deliberately altered for fashion purposes.mainly used by south Americans due to cold weather kaftan is a variant of a robe or tunic,usually like a buttoned coat.Usually worn by royalties in Persia Kaftans are longer than Ponchos....

Kaftan is a Persian word which literally means a overcoat or dress with full sleeves which generally reach till the knee and is made of wool, silk, cashmere etc. It can be worn with a sash also.It is a variant of robe or tunic and is synonymous with Islamic cultures mostly. A poncho, is more like a garment to keep your body warm or to keep it covered.These were used initially by native Americans but now are an integral part of South American culture. There are traditional ponchos and Aeron Fletcher ponchos.

i have a poncho, it doesn't have sleeves, it has a hole for the head and that's it, they are very popular here right now, i wear mine over a vest or shirt and they look great with jeans, a kaftan is long and can be worn with other clothes or just for lounging around the house, very comfortable