Robes

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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