Originally termed dressing gowns, bathrobes were full length gowns used to conceal intimate apparel. They were used as temporary covers to preserve modesty. Modern bathrobes have become a fashion accessory reflecting comfort and style.

Today’s bathrobes bring a spa quality to the home using plusher fabrics and softer materials. Cotton remains the top fabric for robes due to its “green” quality (natural fibers) and absorbency. Cotton fibers are not chemically treated in comparison to its synthetic counterparts (e.g. microfiber). Velour fabric is another common bestseller for its luxurious and soft feel.

Men and women are hanging up cliché garbs (flannel prints and lacy designs) and are opting for clean lines and comfort. Men’s bathrobes are designed to have a thick, coat-like feature with the ability to accommodate broad necklines. Inspired by men’s dinner jackets, shawl collars allow for a comfy addition to a once bland robe. Women’s bathrobes offer a sleeker style with knee length robes for a more modeled figure. Style still dominates women’s luxury robes. Silk and natori fabrics are used to create a lighter weight robe. Classic lightweight robes like the kimono are elegant coverings that showcase rich patterns and design. Although these robes are more for style than function (do not absorb water), they are used to demonstrate class and sophistication.

With the growing trend of using bathrobes as loungewear, more robes are now equipped with features to accommodate daily tasks. Hooded collars for example are sewn into necklines to provide shelter for wet hair. More robes are also now equipped with deep pockets to store trinkets in an external setting. Robes can now be purchased with coordinating pajamas and slippers.