Lounging around in your bathrobe can make for a great lazy morning or evening, whatever the weather. Owning a bathrobe can quickly turn into owning two or three so that you have one suitable for all occasions and seasons.
If you’re in the market for a brand-new bathrobe, then you may be wondering, “What are bathrobes made of?” as well as wondering which material and/or style are more suitable for your needs.
Luckily for you, we’ve outlined the most popular bathrobe types and materials and looked into their practicalities of use.
Common Bathrobe Materials
1. Cotton
Certainly, the most common material used when it comes to manufacturing textiles, cotton is a natural fiber that is fantastic for its water-absorbing abilities.
- Cotton Terry
This is a woven fabric using long loops of cotton to maximize water absorption, making them perfect for wearing straight out of the shower or bath. The vast majority of bath towels and bathrobes are made out of cotton terry.
A wide variety of thickness and thread count is available. Thicker, heavier thread counts are more suitable for winter months for keeping you warm after you have bathed.
On the other hand, thinner cotton terry will prove suitable in summer months by soaking up excess water but not making you feel too hot and also drying out more quickly. A bathrobe made of thinner cotton terry is also perfect for taking to the pool or beach.
- Cotton Waffle
A cheaper alternative to cotton terry is cotton waffle which you can spot easily from its signature pattern of diamonds or squares. These bathrobes are thinner but still have great absorbency. Do remember to check to see if the material has been pre-treated since if it hasn’t, the bathrobe will be more prone to shrinkage.
- Cotton Velour
More appropriate for cozy evenings or extra warmth in the cold mornings, cotton velour is a plush material that has a similar feel to that of velvet. They are super comfy and soft but not so appropriate for drying needs.
2. Microfiber
This is an extremely fine synthetic fiber which can be woven into different materials that mimic the look and feel of different natural fabrics. Fast-drying, lightweight, and soft to the touch, bathrobes made out of cellulose or polyester can also absorb water really well. Advancements in technology and production of microfiber fabrics mean that they can also offer great breathability, although arguably, not as good as their natural cotton counterparts.
Available in various weights and textures, microfiber bathrobes can be great for post-bathing and lounging around, depending on their finish. It is worth noting though that while microfiber is popular for its fast drying time, it is also extremely flammable.
3. Silk
Silk bathrobes are more suitable for covering up to protect your modesty, rather than to help you dry off or to keep you warm. People who own silk bathrobes tend to do so, as they prefer the look and feel of them.
Style-wise, a silk bathrobe is sexier and more elegant than its cotton counterpart. Having said that, depending on the coverage it offers and your comfort in wearing it, it can still be appropriately worn around the house in the mornings, even if you have house guests staying over. The feeling of silk on your bare skin is second-to-none, and if you can afford it, a silk bathrobe is a must-have for warm summer months.
4. Blends
The question “What are bathrobes made of?” doesn’t always have a straightforward answer. Many bathrobes will be made from a blend of different materials.
Sometimes this will be to make the bathrobe more price accessible to you (80% cotton instead of 100% for example). At times, blends will be offered to try and give you the best of both worlds of fabrics. For example, a wool and cotton blend will provide you with the best in warmth plus water absorbency, making it a superior bathrobe for warmth and post-bathing.
Bathrobe Styles
The vast majority of bathrobes will close at the front by wrapping first one side around your body, then the other, and then drawing a belt around your middle that you tie into a knot at your front or side. Having loops that hold the belt in place is a convenient feature to have, as that way, they are always kept together when not in use.
1. Shawl Collar
Most traditional bathrobes have a shawl-type collar that folds over itself. This style can leave the top of the chest area exposed but is still the most popular choice of bathrobe style.
2. Kimono
A kimono style bathrobe will not usually have a collar and is most seen on silk bathrobes or thinner cotton robes that are used more for modesty rather than warmth.
3. Hooded
Hooded bathrobes are fantastic for keeping you warm and especially excellent if you have wet hair. Much of our body heat is lost through our heads and feet so teaming a hooded style bathrobe with some cozy slippers are great for keeping the heat in.
Bathrobe Perfection
As you can see, bathrobes aren’t really a “one size fits all” kind of garment. Looking at what are bathrobes made of really shows just how much choice there is. Hence, it’s important to think about what you want a bathrobe for before making a purchase.
We personally think having two or three bathrobes is best so that you can have one to keep you warm after bathing at night, another one for summer mornings at home, and maybe just one more to take to the beach!