The Best Robes of 2021

Bathrobes make for the best comfort accessory: they’re cozy, hug your body the way a blanket doesn’t, and you can take them with you as you travel. If you’re wondering what you should look for when buying a robe, or simply what brand is the best, we’ve got you covered.

Our Top Picks for the Best Robes

What to Consider

Looking at robes can be overwhelming simply because of sheer number. We’ll help you pick out the most important factors to look for in a robe, helping you narrow down the bathrobe most compatible to your needs.

Material

What a robe is made of is primarily what determines the feel.

Related: What to wear for a great night’s sleep

Fabric

Cotton: Cotton robes are the most common and the cheapest. This material absorbs moisture the best, so they are often paired with water. Cotton is easy to care for because it is machine washable, however, it does shrink just as easily in the dryer, but it will keep you warm.

Silk: Silk robes look the most luxurious and sexy. The material is hypoallergenic and is great on skin (we also talk about why silk pillowcases are awesome here). Silk isn’t made to keep you warm, however, so it is best for lounging by the fireplace or in the bed. It also isn’t usually machine washable.

Fleece: Fleece is the most insulating material robes can be made of, so fleece robes are perfect for the winter.

Polyester/Microfiber: Polyester is a manmade material that has strong, durable fibers. Most of the time polyester is blended with cotton to make microfiber or blended with fleece to make microfleece. These blends make care easier and keep them from shrinking.

Weave

Terry: Terry cloth weaves make robes thicker and more plush. Terry cloth robes are usually made of cotton, so they are soft and warm, most resembling a blanket.

Waffle: Robes with a waffle weave are lightweight and absorbent. This type of weave is usually made of cotton or microfiber fabric.

Flannel: Flannel weave makes material soft and insulating even though it is thin. Flannel can be made of cotton, wool, or polyester.

Satin: As you might have guessed, satin weave is used on silk fabric. Like silk, satin isn’t absorbent and isn’t easily laundered.

Velour: Velour weave is plush like terry cloth, but thicker. This weave is made with cotton or polyester. Velour weave is usually used with velvet, so it feels rather luxurious.

Use

Another factor that you should consider in your robe purchase is what you want to use it for.

Lounging: When you think of robes, you probably picture sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee while reading the morning paper (at least I do). If this sounds like what you want in a robe, consider something lightweight like terry cloth or satin. If you’re the type of house lounger that likes the perpetual feel of a blanket, consider velour.

Travel: If you want at-home comfort while on the road, again I suggest lightweight because they are easily packed and won’t add too much weight to your luggage.

Post-shower: Now some people love using robes as towels. If this sounds like you, pick a moisture-wicking fabric and weave: cotton terry cloth, waffle, or velour robes work best.

Temperature: When picking a robe, think about the climate you live in or temperature you like to keep your house. For warmer climates/temperatures, choose silk, stain, or microfiber. For cooler climates/temperatures, choose fleece, flannel, or velour.

Versatile: Sometimes you don’t have a purpose for wanting a robe, you just want one—and that’s okay! Or maybe you want it for all of these uses. If this sounds like you, the most all-purpose weaves are waffle and terry cloth.

Size and Length

When choosing a robe, think about how you want it to fit you. Robes range from a length of mid-thigh to ankle. If you want a tight fit, pick a size smaller than you normally would; if you want a looser fit, pick a size bigger.

Design

The way a robe is cut is another thing you might want to consider when shopping.

Kimono: Kimono robes are the most popular style because they are loose-fitting and comfortable. Modeled after the traditional Japanese garment, kimono styles are usually long with loose sleeves, and belts to tie them shut. Kimono style robes are easy to throw over other clothes such as pajamas or swim suits.

Hooded: Hooded robes are exactly what they sound like: robes with hoods. People who prefer hooded robes usually live in colder climates or keep their house cold.

Shawl: Shawl-collared robes have a deep V and an open front. Shawl collars are usually plush and soft, adding to the comfort.

Hybrid: You don’t have to sacrifice one of these qualities for another. Many robes combine these designs, so you can have both a hooded robe with a shawl collar or a kimono with a hood.

Extra Features

Closing: Belts aren’t the only way to close your robe. Robes come with zippers, buttons, and snaps. If you prefer a belt design but want to stay modest, some robes have inner ties as well for extra protection.

Pockets: Some robes have front or side pockets to hold things like reading glasses or a cellphone.

Cleaning: All of the robes on our list are machine washable, but not all robes are—especially silk and satin ones. Make sure you check the washing instructions before you purchase.

Summary

Picking the best robe can be a long process, but once you know what to look for, it’s a breeze! If you want to stay home and comfy, silk, velour, and flannel are your best friends. When you travel and jet set, terry cloth and waffle weaves have your back. Which type of robe do you prefer?