If the very word ‘Robe’ fills your mind with the image of a tired terry-toweled threadbare look you really need to read this guide now!
Robes have come a long way from the simple terry-toweled look and are a necessary part of your wardrobe.
Luxury Spa robes also make perfect gifts. They are luxurious yet practical, traditional yet contemporary, fashionable yet comfortable. A robe gift set can make a lovely presentation and can be ideal for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day and let’s not forget pampering yourself.
With the advances in material science and manufacturing process, there are more choices and selection of robes than ever before. But with so many different robes to choose from in the marketplace, deciding on the right robe can be difficult. The following guide is to help you distinguish among the many types and styles of robes.
Fabric is the most important feature of a robe. The fabric defines the touch and feel, absorbency, and the overall weight of the robe. Fabric types can range widely from traditional cotton and classic satin to warm cashmere and plush microfibres. Here are the pros and cons of each type of robe:
Microfibre Robes
Microfibre is developed using a new technological manufacturing process which produces fibres that are 1/16 of the human hair size. Therefore microfibres are finer than silk, and more lightweight and breathable than other natural and synthetic fibres. Microfibre can be woven and brushed into a suede finished fabric for a luxurious, soft feel similar to that of satin and silk or it can be placed into a "splitting" process to create millions of micro-loops giving it fantastic water absorbency to enhance its soft and lightweight characteristics. A microfibre robe can be excellent for lounging around and is ideal for use throughout the year.
• Pros: Good water absorption, ultra-light weight, soft feel.
• Cons: Luxury microfibre robes can be more costly than traditional terry robes
Luxury Spa Robes
The combination of brushed microfibre as the outer shell and cotton terry as the inner lining creates a robe that is the best of both worlds. The silky exterior gives the dual layer microfibre robe a sleek look and a suede feel while the long loop terry interior gives the robe the necessary water absorption ability and softness to the touch.
• Pros: Clean and sleek look. Good water absorption. Light weight.
• Cons: Can be expensive.
Cotton Waffle Robes
Waffle weaved cotton is denoted by its distinct squared or diamond checker pattern. The 100% cotton characteristic naturally makes the material absorbent. But with the 100% cotton, shrinkage can be an issue. Pre-shrunk treatments to these robes should be a must.
• Pros: Inexpensive.
• Cons: Not nearly as soft as other robes. Shrinkage potential.
Cotton Terry Robes
Turkish and Egyptian cotton have been around for decades and are commonly used in towels and classic bathrobes. They have good water absorption ability especially if the fabric density/weight is high. Therefore, high-end cotton terry robes are good for use out of the shower but unfortunately tend to be thick and heavy especially when they’ve absorbed with water. Again, due to the 100% cotton characteristic of the fabric, cotton terry robes are subject to shrinkage problems. Pre-shrunk treatments are highly recommended.
• Pros: Good water absorption. Commonly found in typical spas and hotel rooms.
• Cons: Cotton terry robes can be heavy and bulky. The robes are prone to shrinkage if not pre-shrank.
Cotton Velour Robes
Velour feels similar to velvet, in that it is a pile fabric. Soft and thick, velour can be a good fabric for robes. Just be sure the velour robe you choose has a high cotton content no lower than 80% cotton.
• Pros: Soft to the touch. Warm and insulating.
• Cons: Bulky and heavy. More expensive than other cotton robes.
Satin and Silk Robes
All silk and satin robes are known to have a smooth feel. They are great as lounge wear and are ideal for the summer. Silk or satin robes do not have good water absorbency compared to cotton or looped microfibre robes. But unlike cotton robes, they are extremely light weight and fluid for movements.
• Pros: Silky feel. Light weight.
• Cons: Not ideal for spa use due to high maintenance and low water absorption ability.
Cashmere Robes
These robes are very expensive due to the cost of the cashmere fabric. There are many varieties of cashmere and shoppers should be aware of the quality you are getting before buying. The specialty animal hair fibres of cashmere are collected during molting seasons when the animals naturally shed their hairs. Cashmere robes are mostly used as lounge wear especially ideal for winter seasons. They have super insulating properties and are lightweight. Unfortunately, cashmere robes do not have water absorption abilities.
• Pros: Warm and soft. Light weight.
• Cons: Very expensive for high quality cashmere. Lack of water absorbency. Must be dry cleaned.
Chenille Robes
Chenille robes are becoming popular in the last few years especially ones made with micro-chenille. These micro-chenille robes are made with 100% polyester and therefore are excellent for insulation.
• Pros: Warm and soft. Light weight.
• Cons: Very expensive. Quality of chenille can very drastically. Lower water absorption ability than cotton robes.
Other important issues to consider when purchasing a robe are the construction and size of the robe. Even if the fabric is the same, not all robes are constructed equally. Features such as shawl collars, cuffs, and pleated side pockets add extra cost to the robe but enhance the look and functionality of the robe.
A quick word of warning: avoid the one-size fits all robe. It really fits no one and is only offered because it’s easier for manufacturers to sell instead of having to offer different sizes.
Always go for a robe your size and you will enjoy it more!
© Designer Lingerie.org.uk 2008
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Robe t266 From Lingerie Confidential , applique, confidential, embellished, front, gowns, gstring, lingerie, net, robe/shirt, robes, sheer, t266, tie, venice... £11.74 | Fabulous Darling Lace Boyshort by Lisa's Folly, Exclusive to BeCheeky From Be Cheeky , becheekycom, bow, boyshort, bra, canada, care, cheeky, dainty, droplet, effect, figure, fit, flatters, floral, folly, hand, hips, hugs, instructions, jewel, lace, lingerie, lisa's, night, passion, perfectly, red, rise, robe, satin, sexy, soft, tone,... £14.00 | White waffle robe From Debenhams , cotton, debenhams, lightweight, lingerie, nightwear, robe, waffle... £15.00 |
Soft Touch Robe Robe From La Senza , collar, cosy, embroidery, front, gift, gorgeous, la, lemon, lingerie, luxuriously, neck, pockets, robe, senza, shawl, sleeve, soft, styling, tie, warm, winter, womens... £18.00 | Kiss and Tell Ultra Soft Robe Robe From La Senza , boots, cosy, embroidered, heart, hood, kiss, la, lingerie, luxuriously, nightwear, pink, print, reverse, robe, senza, short, silver, slipper, slogan, soft, warm, white, womens... £18.00 | Shirley of Hollywood Risqué 6046 From Lingerie Confidential , &, 6046, confidential, lace, lingerie, risqué, risque, robe, sheer, string, trim... £19.33 |
Plain Hooded Long Robe Robe From La Senza , blue, cosy, front, gorgeous, hood, hooded, la, lingerie, luxuriously, oversized, pockets, robe, senza, soft, styling, tie, trim, velour, waist, warm, winter, womens... £20.00 | White soft touch robe From La Senza , cosy, front, gift, gorgeous, la, lingerie, luxuriously, neck, pockets, robe, senza, shawl, soft, styling, tie, warm, white, winter, womens... £20.00 | Shawl Robe Chocolate Robe From La Senza , chocolate, cosy, front, gorgeous, la, lingerie, luxuriously, neck, pockets, robe, senza, shawl, soft, styling, tie, trim, velour, waist, warm, winter, womens... £20.00 |
Official snowbunny robe From La Senza , adding, blue, bunny, coco, cold, cuffs, cute, fastening, fun, glamour, glitz, hood, la, lingerie, lola, motif, official, print, reverse, robe, senza, shawl, short, silver, snow, snowball, snuggle, spot, tie, white, winter, womens... £20.00 | Dreamgirl Shanghai Sweetie Robe From Uplifted Lingerie , appliqué, belt, camisoles, chiffon, chinoiserie, closure, front, hem, lingerie, neckband, ribbon, robe, satin, tassel, thong, trimmed, uplifted... £20.99 | Dreamgirl Cupcake Chic Robe From Uplifted Lingerie , belt, bow, camisoles, charmeuse, lingerie, neckline, robe, satin, trimmed, uplifted... £20.99 |
1 SHX1544 From Lingerie Confidential , 1/2x, 3/4x, 50%, beautiful, confidential, lace, lingerie, plum, robe, sensual, shx1544, soft, spoil, white, x9219... £23.00 | Retro Satin Camisole & Short SET by Sielei From Be Cheeky , brown, camisole, care, cheeky, chocolate, complemented, concealed, edging, effect, fabric, fitted, glamorous, golden, italy, lace, lingerie, luxurious, nightwear, perfectly, retro, rich, robe, satin, seductive, set, sheen, short, side, sielei, soft, spl... £24.00 | 1 SHX1083 From Lingerie Confidential , 50%, chiffon, confidential, gown, illustrated, lingerie, pic, robe, x1083... £24.47 |
Black Sleepwear Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £24.99 | Pink Sleepwear Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £24.99 | Purple Sleepwear Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £24.99 |
Red Sleepwear Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £24.99 | White Sleepwear Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £24.99 | Chenille Short robe From La Senza , chocolate, cosy, fleecy, front, gift, hood, la, lingerie, pockets, robe, senza, short, snuggly, soft, styling, tie, warm, winter, womens... £25.00 |
Chenille Short robe From La Senza , blue, cosy, fleecy, front, gift, hood, la, lingerie, pockets, robe, senza, short, snuggly, soft, styling, tie, warm, winter, womens... £25.00 | Chenille Short robe From La Senza , cosy, fleecy, front, gift, hood, la, lingerie, pink, pockets, robe, senza, short, snuggly, soft, styling, tie, warm, winter, womens... £25.00 | Shirley of Hollywood Risqué 6116 From Lingerie Confidential , &, 6116, closure, confidential, feather, lingerie, marabou, net, pom, poms, ribbon, risqué, risque, robe, set, sheer, string, tie... £26.38 |
Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, charmeuse, comfortable, gift, hanger, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear... £27.99 | Snakeskin Trim Satin Robe by Sielei From Be Cheeky , body, brazilian, brief, care, cheeky, corset, fabric, fits, flattering, handwash, impress, italy, lingerie, nightwear, push, robe, satin, sensuous, side, sielei, skims, slinky, smooth, snakeskin, that's, trim, truly, wearing, wild... £28.00 | Shirley of Hollywood 30101 From Lingerie Confidential , 30101, belt, confidential, deep, fluffy, gowns, hollywood, inner, lingerie, luxurious, outside, pile, plush, pockets, robe, robes, shirley, side, soft, tie, ties, touch... £28.63 |
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Dreamgirl lingerie 4295 Satin corset From Lingerie Confidential , 4295, chiffon, confidential, corset, corsets, dreamgirl, fastening, fringe, hem, hidden, invisible, laceup, lingerie, plain, robe, satin, side, sleeves, stockings, support, thong, underwire, zip... £29.97 | Black Lace Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, comfortable, detailing, hanger, lace, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear, thong... £29.99 | Reversible Purple Robe From Samantha Lingerie , hanger, lilac, lingerie, nightwear, padded, purple, reversible, robe, samantha, side... £29.99 |
Fuchsia Lace Babydoll & Robe From Samantha Lingerie , babydoll, beautiful, belt, comfortable, detailing, hanger, lace, lingerie, nightwear, padded, robe, samantha, sleepwear, thong... £29.99 | Retro Satin Robe by Sielei From Be Cheeky , beautifully, brown, camisole, care, cheeky, chocolate, designers, edging, experience, fabric, golden, gorgeous, italian, italy, lace, lingerie, luxury, nightwear, retro, rich, robe, satin, sensual, set, short, sielei, silky, true, truly, wash, wear... £30.00 | SH30016S From Lingerie Confidential , 30018, 50%, adjustable, burnout, chiffon, colors, confidential, gown, gstring, lingerie, open, robe, sexy, sh30016s, side, silk, slits, straps, vibrant... £31.32 |
Shirley of Hollywood X20115 From Lingerie Confidential , adjustable, babydoll, bow, charmeuse, confidential, coordinates, embellished, flirtatious, front, gstring, irresistible, lingerie, net, number, plus, robe, sequin, straps, tied, venice, x20115, x20123... £31.71 | Sequin Sheer Black Robe From Samantha Lingerie , beautifully, black, cvomplete, embellished, front, gstring, lingerie, nightwear, pearl, robe, samantha, sequin, sheer, tie, trim, trimmed, venice... £32.99 | Sequin Sheer Blue Robe From Samantha Lingerie , beautifully, blue, cvomplete, embellished, front, gstring, lingerie, nightwear, pearl, robe, samantha, sequin, sheer, tie, trim, trimmed, venice... £32.99 |
Sequin Sheer White Robe From Samantha Lingerie , beautifully, cvomplete, embellished, front, gstring, lingerie, nightwear, pearl, robe, samantha, sequin, sheer, tie, trim, trimmed, venice, white... £32.99 | Sequin Sheer Red Robe From Samantha Lingerie , beautifully, cvomplete, embellished, front, gstring, lingerie, nightwear, pearl, red, robe, samantha, sequin, sheer, tie, trim, trimmed, venice... £32.99 | Sequin Sheer Pink Robe From Samantha Lingerie , beautifully, cvomplete, embellished, front, gstring, lingerie, nightwear, pearl, pink, robe, samantha, sequin, sheer, tie, trim, trimmed, venice... £32.99 |
Shirley of Hollywood X1544 From Lingerie Confidential , beautiful, confidential, hollywood, lace, lingerie, plus, robe, sensual, shirley, soft, spoil, x1544... £33.12 | Shirley of Hollywood X2497 From Lingerie Confidential , 15, bust, confidential, coordinates, denier, exciting, front, lace, lingerie, number, open, opening, plus, robe, sellers, sexy, stretch, super, teddy, x1544, x2497... £33.69 | Dreamgirl Veronique corset From Uplifted Lingerie , camisoles, chiffon, corset, fringe, hem, hidden, invisible, laceup, lingerie, robe, satin, side, sleeves, stockings, support, thong, underwire, uplifted, zipper... £34.19 |
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Fabulous Passion Lace Robe by Lisa's Folly, Exclusive to BeCheeky From Be Cheeky , beautifully, becheekycom, bedroom, bra, camisole, canada, care, cheeky, christmas, delicate, drape, folly, gorgeous, hand, instructions, it's, lace, left, lingerie, lisa's, nightwear, red, robe, set, soft, treat, wardrobe, warm, wash, water, wear,... £45.00 | Shirley of Hollywood X29007 From Lingerie Confidential , 219, adjustable, bodice, bustier, cascading, charmeuse, chiffon, closure, confidential, coordinates, eye, floral, foam, garters, glamorous, gloves, gstring, hook, lingerie, mesh, number, padded, plus, removable, rhinestones, robe, satin, sheer, shirred,... £45.80 | Shirley of Hollywood X20116 From Lingerie Confidential , 5500, adjustable, applique, cascading, charmeuse, confidential, coordinates, embellished, glamorous, gown, lingerie, marabou, net, number, plus, pumps, robe, sequin, sheer, straps, tiered, train, trimmed, venice, x20116, x20123... £49.15 |
Short Silk, Chiffon Edge Robe by Silk Cocoon From Be Cheeky , beautiful, body, cheeky, chemise, cocoon, edged, fabric, georgette, handwash, kneelength, lingerie, luxurious, pampered, pockets, practical, robe, rosecoloured, silk, sleeves, slip, soft, spoilt, uk, utterly, waisttie... £52.50 | Shirley of Hollywood X9378 From Lingerie Confidential , adjustable, beautiful, boning, chiffon, chinese, closure, confidential, coordinates, corset, garters, gstring, hook, jacquard, lace, lingerie, number, plus, removable, robe, sheer, side, silky, slimming, stockings, strapless, x1083, x6618, x9378... £54.57 | Shirley of Hollywood X20322 From Lingerie Confidential , adjustable, baby, confidential, cups, doll, front, gstring, lace, lingerie, net, pegnoir, plus, robe, set, sexy, soft, straps, stretch, supple, ties, x20322... £55.45 |
Shirley of Hollywood X3587 From Lingerie Confidential , compliment, confidential, gorgeous, gown, lace, lingerie, number, plus, robe, tricot, x3585, x3587... £55.85 | Shirley of Hollywood X3489 From Lingerie Confidential , 15, adjustable, adorable, confidential, denier, gown, lace, lingerie, lown, luxurious, peignoir, piece, plus, robe, set, sheer, straps, tricot, underwired, x3489... £57.78 | Shirley of Hollywood X9393 From Lingerie Confidential , basque, body, boning, bustier, chiffon, cinching, confidential, controlling, coordinates, cups, eye, flowered, front, garters, gstring, hook, jacquard, laceup, lightly, lingerie, longline, number, padded, plus, removable, robe, satin, side, stockings, t... £65.18 |
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Jane Woolrich 1984P Satin Jacket From Lingerie Confidential , 1984p, chiffon, confidential, designer, front, jane, lingerie, robe, tie, woolrich... £156.60 | Jane Woolrich 1072P Satin Nightdress From Lingerie Confidential , 1072p, 1081, achieve, allowed, applique, attaching, chiffon, complex, compromise, confidential, cross, deep, designer, expression, fabric, finest, garment, garments, going, jane, lace, leavers, lingerie, method, nightdress, panel, poly, pure, robe, sati... £171.77 | Jane Woolrich 1081P Satin Robe From Lingerie Confidential , 1081p, confidential, designer, jane, lingerie, measure, robe, satin, woolrich... £200.64 |
Jane Woolrich 1984S Robe From Lingerie Confidential , 1984s, 1997s, chiffon, confidential, designer, front, jane, lingerie, nightdress, robe, tie, woolrich... £234.89 | Jane Woolrich 73710 Nightdress From Lingerie Confidential , 7385, 73710, appliqued, bias, body, chiffon, confidential, cowel, cut, designer, front, godéts, jane, lace, lingerie, nightdress, robe, shoulder, single, woolrich... £239.79 | Jane Woolrich 1982S Silk Robe From Lingerie Confidential , 1976, 1982s, achieve, allowed, applique, attaching, bridal, centre, chiffon, coat, complex, compromise, confidential, designer, expression, fabric, fastening, finest, front, garment, garments, honeymoon, jane, lace, leavers, lingerie, measure, method, m... £244.68 |
Jane Woolrich 1977S Nightdress From Lingerie Confidential , 1977s, achieve, allowed, applique, attaching, bridal, chiffon, complex, compromise, confidential, designer, expression, fabric, finest, front, garment, garments, honeymoon, jane, lace, leavers, lingerie, measure, method, money, nightdress, pure, robe, r... £244.68 | Diane Rubach Diki Mimi Robe From Lingerie Confidential , collection, confidential, design, designer, diane, diki, fine, flower, leaf, lingerie, lovely, measure, mimi, net, robe, rubach, shining, truely... £258.38 | Jane Woolrich 7385 Robe From Lingerie Confidential , 7385, 73710, beautiful, bustle, chiffon, confidential, cotton, designer, french, jane, lace, leavers, lingerie, matches, nightdress, robe, satin, skirt, trimmed, woolrich... £337.66 |