Not all robes are created equal, and factors like material and fit will greatly affect the overall quality of your robe experience. For example, robes with fabrics that offer that irresistible plushness may not be the most absorbent. Longer robes will no doubt keep you extra toasty during the winter, but come summer may be too warm. We took into account all these factors and more when choosing the best robes for women. Our top choice is the Aegean Cotton Bath Robe from The Citizenry, which is made of a Turkish cotton-linen blend fabric that manages to be absorbent and breathable. Plus, it will get softer and stronger with each wash. Read on to learn more about how to choose a great robe, and see what other robes we chose for every type of person. If you’re looking for something ultra versatile, this bath robe from The Citizenry stands out for its unique combination of organic Turkish cotton and linen. Both of these natural fabrics are known for their breathability, durability, and softness, making them a perfect combo for a bath robe. The interior is made from Turkish terry cotton, which will absorb the excess water on your body after bathing, while the linen exterior adds extra style and breathability. This is a great option for people who want a breathable robe but not a lightweight feel (like silk or 100 percent linen). The Aegean Cotton Bath Robe is also Fair Trade certified and has OEKO-TEX and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) distinctions, so you can be sure it’s made with quality materials. The robe comes in light gray, black, and white, as well as three sizes. Product Details:
Material: Organic Turkish cotton and linenSizes: Small, medium, largeCare: Machine wash on delicate
Robes can be expensive, so if you want a simple bath robe that won’t cost an arm and a leg, this mid-length one is a great option. The Pinzon Unisex Terry Bathrobe is made of terry cloth, a classic cotton variation that is a bathroom staple due to its softness and absorbency. It also has a fuzzy texture that’s quick-drying and cozy, which is why you’ll see the material used in hotel and spa bath robes. This robe falls about mid-calf, has long arms, and is complete with a shawl collar that’ll keep your neck covered. It comes in three colors, including white, marine, and platinum, and is unisex, so be sure to keep that in mind as you select your size. Product Details:
Material: CottonSizes: S/M, M/L, L/XLCare: Machine wash
One of the biggest downsides of silk is that it’s difficult to clean, which is why so many people forgo buying it altogether, despite how famously soft the fabric is. This best-seller from Lunya, however, is miraculously machine washable without sacrificing quality. The silk is made with bluesign-approved dyes and is naturally thermoregulating, lightweight, and luxuriously smooth. It comes in five colors plus a range of limited edition hues, as well as four sizes. Product Details:
Material: SilkSizes: XS/S, M, L/XL, 1XCare: Hand wash or machine wash cold
This Brooklinen robe is the best option for people who want to use their robe to dry off after they bathe. This is due to two things: the Turkish cotton material and the waffle weave pattern. Natural fabrics like cotton absorb water better than synthetic fabrics like polyester, while the waffle weave helps accelerate absorbency thanks to its patterned texture and greater surface area. The Brooklinen Waffle Robe is OEKO-TEX certified, comes in four standard colors (as well as a rotating number of limited edition colors), and is available in a variety of sizes. Another perk of this robe is that Brooklinen allows returns or exchanges for 365 days, and has a year-long warranty. Product Details:
Material: Turkish cottonSizes: XS, S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash cold
A fleece robe is one of the warmest options you can find, and this option from Ugg stands out because it’s double-sided, so you’ll have the super soft feel of fleece both inside and out. Not only that, but the Marlow Robe also features long sleeves, a large collar that will keep your neck warm, and, depending on your height, will hit either mid-calf or close to your ankles. This robe is best for people who want something to keep them warm and cozy while hanging out in their home—since polyester is water-resistant, it’s not a good option post-bathing. It’s available in a range of rich colors, including uncommon options like dark purple and light pink. Product Details:
Material: PolyesterSizes: XS, S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash
If you’re searching for a cozy robe, you can’t do much better than this classic L.L. Bean bath robe. Not only will it keep you warm during the winter, but, thanks to its classic tartan pattern, it will also get you excited for the season. This robe isn’t just limited to wintertime, though—its lighter weight makes it a good option all year long whenever you need an extra layer. Plus, the flannel in this robe is soft, strong, and unlikely to pill, so you don’t have to worry about any scratchiness. This robe offers plenty of coverage, with long arms and a leg length that reaches your ankle (depending on your height). In addition to a sash, there is also an internal drawstring that helps keep your robe in place. There are four colors available, including classic plaid color combos like red and black. Product Details:
Material: Portuguese cotton flannelSizes: XS, S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash
One of the best fabrics to use for a lightweight robe is linen. Linen is a fine yet strong fabric that is famous for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, so it’s a great option for those who tend to run hot, those who want a robe specifically for the summer months, or those who simply want a lightweight robe to wear around the house. What stands out about this linen robe is that it’s pre-washed, meaning that it will feel soft right out of the box (linen tends to start out rough and become softer with time). The Parachute Linen Robe is made of European flax and is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Depending on your height, the robe will hit the mid- to lower-half of your leg. Keep in mind that linen tends to wrinkle, so you may have to iron it here and there to keep it smooth. Product Details:
Material: European flaxSizes: S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash
This Riley Home robe has a hood and other features that make it a great out-of-the-shower option. It’s made of combed cotton, boasts a waffle weave pattern, and is lined inside with fuzzy terry cloth—all properties that make for a pretty absorbent robe. So not only are you able to wear this robe while you dry off, but you can also lounge in it with the hood up to be extra cozy. The navy piping adds some extra style, making it feel like a robe you’d find in a luxurious hotel. Just take note that this is a shorter robe that’s supposed to fall closer to your knees, which may be a dealbreaker for some people. Product Details:
Material: Combed cottonSizes: S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash warm
This bestseller from Barefoot Dreams is the ideal plush robe. The fabric is made of the brand’s signature CozyChic fabric, a polyester microfiber that’s soft and heat-retaining for ultimate warmth. It comes in three neutral colors, including camel, graphite, and white, and should be washed with care to ensure it stays buttery soft. One downside is that it does stretch a bit with wear, and Barefoot Dreams uses its own sizing system that’s different from the norm, so be sure to consult the sizing guide before you buy. Product Details:
Material: Polyester microfiberSizes: 1, 2, 3Care: Machine wash cold
Monogrammed robes are a luxury that also make a great gift for yourself or someone special. This robe from Frontgate offers 15 different monogramming options, including one-letter and three-letter initials in a variety of fonts, with some featuring decorative borders around the letters. You are also able to choose between 18 different thread colors for your monogram, including neutral colors like black, white, and gray, and bolder colors like metallic rose, orchid purple, and deep red. The Frontgate Resort Plush Robe is terry cloth on the inside and features a fleece-like fabric on the outside. It’s available in four colors and comes in unisex sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. Product Details:
Material: Turkish terry cotton and poly blendSizes: XS, S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash
Short robes are a great option for people who get warm easily or those who are looking for a robe to lounge in, as opposed to one used to dry off after bathing. The sleeves fall right above the elbow while the length sits right above the knee or higher, depending on your height. There is also no collar. Each robe is white but is lined with pretty piping that comes in six colors, including white, light pink, and three shades of blue. The Weezie Short White Robe is made of high-quality long-staple cotton terry cloth. Plus, it’s OEKO-TEX certified and can be personalized with monogramming for an extra fee. Product Details:
Material: Terry cloth cottonSizes: XS, S, M, L, XLCare: Machine wash cold
How to Shop for a Bath Robe
Material
The most common types of fabrics used to make robes are cotton, flannel, linen, silk, and polyester. If you are looking to wear your robe after you take a shower or bath, avoid synthetic fabrics and instead opt for natural fabrics such as cotton (particularly terry cotton). Fleece and flannel are ideal if you simply want to wear your robe for lounging, particularly during the colder months, while linen and silk are best for lounging during warmer months.
Fit
Fit comes down to personal preferences and intended use. There are robes that stop at the knee, mid-leg, and some that go down to your feet, as well as robes that are short and stop mid-thigh. There are also robes that run short or long on your arms. Longer robes are better for people who want their robes to dry them off after bathing, mid-length robes are great for lounging, and shorter robes are best to wear while getting ready for the day.
Price
Some may be surprised to learn that robes can be pretty expensive, with many costing over $100. The reason that you’ll find some robes to be more expensive than others likely has to do with the fabric and/or the amount of material used to make the robe. Natural fabrics such as linen, silk, and premium cotton such as Turkish cotton or combed cotton are usually more pricey than synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Monogramming will also increase the price.
Questions You Might Ask
How often should I wash my robe?
This depends entirely on intended use. If you are using your robe directly after bathing, it’s best to wash it as regularly as you would towels. On the other hand, if you’re only using your robe in between changing clothes, or as a second blanket to keep cozy while lounging at home, it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often.
Which robe material is the softest?
There are multiple fabrics that will bring you that soothing softness you look for in a robe. If you want a lightweight robe that will keep you cool, go with silk for softness. Linen is also very soft, but oftentimes not right away—it gets softer with each wash. If you’re looking for a thicker robe, opt for fleece, Turkish cotton, or combed cotton, and if you want something fuzzy, go for a polyester.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. She spent hours researching all the components that make up the best robes, ultimately choosing the products in this list based on quality of the materials, fit type, and ease of care.
