The 16 Best Robes For Women of 2023 to Lounge In
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Ribbed Robe is the perfect everyday, year-round robe to throw on.
InStyle / Marcus Millan
Few things compare to wrapping yourself in a cozy robe after a warm shower or on a cold morning as soon as you hop out of bed. For us at InStyle, robes are as part of our everyday wardrobe as shoes. And despite our love of all things cozy, they're not limited to the aforementioned plush, fleece-lined options that keep you snug — they actually serve a functional purpose no matter their material. Silk ones are great for throwing on while you're doing hair and makeup while terry cloth and cotton ones can help you dry off post-shower. There are also different lengths available — are you seeking a short robe suitable for the summer? Or do you require more coverage since you live in a cold climate?
Most robes have a couple of main features (pockets, a belt, and a collar among them), but there are other factors to consider when buying one (such as absorbency, fit, and material). By and large, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Ribbed Robe won our Best Overall for its aesthetically-pleasing colorways, lightweight feel, and soft fabric. But for every other kind of robe you might want, we have those choices for you below, too.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Ribbed Robe
Best Overall
What We Love: This robe is lightweight yet warm, making it great for all seasons.
What We Don’t Love: There's no interior tie to keep the robe from coming open.
Known for their luxe blankets, this Barefoot Dreams robe is a solid representative of why the brand has a loyal following. Available in five neutral colors, the robe will keep you warm during cold weather, but it still manages to be lightweight enough to throw on during the spring (without the risk of overheating) — in part thanks to the mid-length perfect for wearing year-round. It comes with an extremely soft, comfortable texture (just like the blankets) that holds up in the wash without pilling or losing its fleece-like texture. Aside from texture, though, we appreciate the additional details that Barefoot Dreams added to make it more functional, like a center back channel that secures the removable belt to reduce the risk of it bunching at the sides or falling out. We only wish it had an interior tie to keep the robe additionally secure and more sizes to choose from.
Price at time of publish: $118
Size: S/M, L/XL | Color: 5 | Material: Nylon, rayon | Texture: Ribbed
Hello Mello Dyes The Limit Robe
Best Budget
What We Love: This comes with a matching tie dye carrying pouch — perfect for toting along with you while traveling.
What We Don’t Love: It only comes in two sizes.
We know not everyone loves a plush, ubersoft robe, so for anyone looking for something a bit less cumbersome, we love this tie-dye number from Hello Mello. All six whimsical colors are uniquely hand dyed, giving you a one-of-a-kind robe. Given the price, we were impressed with how many features this robe offers, too: front pockets (for your essentials like your phone and extra hair ties), a built-in belt (for when you need extra coverage), and, most importantly, a super-soft feel that'll make everything from your getting ready routine to your walk around the block cozier. However, we were perplexed by the sizing. With only two sizes, it seems to have more of a one-size-fits-all approach — the S/M fits sizes 4-10, while the L/XL works for sizes 12-16. We wish there was a bit more nuance in sizing, as we do with the Barefoot Dreams robe, too.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: S/M, L/XL | Color: 6 | Material: Polyester, spandex | Texture: Soft stretch
Four Seasons Spa Robe
Best Splurge
What We Love: This is unisex.
What We Don’t Love: This is a heavier robe, so it's not best for warmer climates.
Does it get more luxurious than the Four Seasons? Even if you can't travel to one of their properties, the Spa Robe brings all the same vibes to you. It has the signature Four Seasons piping and Kimono-style tailored fit that fits snugly to keep you covered without constricting. We love the microfiber terry lining that adds a layer of warmth — but be aware it might be too warm for the summer, so you might want a lighter robe — and the extra plush texture for maximum absorption. Plus, the embroidered Four Seasons tree logo is a nice way to feel vacation-level relaxation.
Price at time of publish: $249
Size: M-XXXL | Color: 1 | Material: Microsuede, microfibre terry | Texture: Plush
Universal Standard Rachele Lounge Robe Vapor
Best Plus-Size
What We Love: The brand offers various methods of finding your perfect size.
What We Don’t Love: If you're on the shorter side, the length might be a bit awkward.
Universal Standard's detailed sizing chart, Fit Finder, and option to chat with a fit expert means you'll never run the risk of buying the wrong size. It's a good thing, because once you receive your robe, you’ll want to wear it right away — and every day from that point. Aside from the fact that it features a buttery-soft pima cotton and French terry blend, it has a lightweight feel that still manages to be cozy. That could be, in part, due to the shawl collar, which ensures your neck doesn't miss out on any warmth, or the light stretching that makes this piece a breeze to throw on and wear throughout the day. Meant to be a mid-length robe, it hits just below your knees, but anyone on the shorter side might find the length to be a bit awkward because it will certainly dip lower than your knees.
Price at time of publish: $158
Size: 4XS-4XL | Color: 3 | Material: Pima cotton, modal, elastane | Texture: Fluffy
Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe
Best Turkish Cotton
What We Love: It feels like you’re being wrapped by a giant blanket.
What We Don’t Love: You have to wash it once in order to unlock maximum softness.
Putting this robe on feels like wrapping yourself in a giant blanket – which is why it’s one of senior commerce editor Chloe Anello’s favorite robes. The 100 percent Turkish cotton, with its strong, soft, and durable properties, does an excellent job of embracing your body into a warm hug. Turkish cotton is known to have some of the smoothest yarns and works double duty as an absorbent towel, so you can dry up while you lounge around post-shower. Anello did notice, however, that in order to unlock its maximum softness, you’re going to have to throw it in the washer once (maybe twice). But even straight out of the box, you’ll be impressed with how luscious the fabric feels, and with seven colors available, you can easily get matching his and her robes.
Price at time of publish: $89
Size: XS-XL | Color: 7 | Material: Turkish cotton | Texture: Plush
Coyuchi Unisex Cloud Loom Organic Robe
Best Organic Cotton
What We Love: The bucket pockets are sewn onto the front, which helps to reduce bulkiness.
What We Don’t Love: This runs a bit large, so size down if you're looking for a snug fit.
Say goodbye to the rough bathrobes of the past — Coyuchi's Unisex Cloud Loom Organic Robe is insanely soft despite having the same absorbency as a standard towel. This robe even got the stamp of approval from Anello, who has dubbed it the "best bathrobe out there" for its "super soft and absorbent" texture along with its plush feel and non-constricting fit. The robe is made out of 100 percent organic cotton woven in the Aegean region of Turkey and manages to fuse the functionality of a bathrobe with a sleek aesthetic. Because its unisex, though, you'll need to size down, unless you want a particularly fluffy robe.
Price at time of publish: $134
Size: XS/S-L/XL | Color: 3 | Material: Organic cotton | Texture: Plush
Read Full Review:This Fluffy Bathrobe Makes The Coziest Gift
Sobel At Home Spa Glow Waffle Jacquard Bath Robe Urbana
Best Long Waffle
What We Love: This is a classic style robe that comes with an affordable price.
What We Don’t Love: This is better suited for using after the spa (versus after a shower).
From their best-selling pillows to their luxurious sheets, Sobel Westex is a purveyor in textiles. I'm a fan of several of their offerings, but it's their jacquard bathrobe that really helps bring the hotel vibes to my home. It features plush lining, satin piping, and a classic waffle pattern for spa-quality self-care made easy. Though this only comes in one color (white, go figure), the classic design, comfortable fit, and durable structure are what make it a post-bath staple. It won't absorb droplets well, though, after a hot shower, so we recommend wearing this during an at-home spa day, bath, or for lounging around the house, rather than a towel.
Price at time of publish: $84
Size: S/M-L/XL | Color: 1 | Material: Cotton, polyester | Texture: Plush
Parachute Waffle Robe
Best Short Waffle
What We Love: Its lightweight nature makes it a great robe for the summer.
What We Don’t Love: The sleeves are a little long and need to be folded up.
Whether you need a summer robe or something that’s easy to pack on trips, this lightweight option is the piece for just that. The Turkish cotton allows it to still provide ample amounts of softness, but Parachute removed the bulk to give you a more airy version. The waffle texture makes it feel like a more luxurious version of a hotel robe, which gives you a spa-like experience in your everyday life. With the hem being slightly shorter than most robes (ending around your knees), you’ll find it easier to move around your home as well, without too much fabric holding you down. That being said, the sleeves are quite long, so you might want to roll them up for better mobility.
Price at time of publish: $129
Size: XS-3XL | Color: 4 | Material: Turkish cotton | Texture: Waffle
Lake Cozy Robe
Best Plush
What We Love: Unlike other robes, this one features a sewn-in belt, which means it'll never go missing.
What We Don’t Love: This doesn't have much stretch.
Great for throwing on during the dead of winter, Lake's Cozy Robe is true to its name. Its fleece-lined interior will keep you warm no matter what's going on outside, and the trim (which comes in six different colors) adds a sophisticated touch even if the day calls for just lounging around. Upon testing, this felt extremely soft to the touch and comfortable to wear. One thing to note: Though this runs true to size, it doesn't have much stretch — we recommend sizing up so as not to feel constricted.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size: XXS-XXL | Color: 6 | Material: Cotton | Texture: Cozy
Weezie French Terry Robe
Best Terry Cloth
What We Love: This has the option of personalizing — great for gifting (or for yourself).
What We Don’t Love: It'd be nice to see this offered in a shorter length.
We can't decide what we love more about Weezie's French Terry Robe: the scalloped edge that adds a little something special, the contrast piping that makes it feel more luxe or the fact that it's hypoallergenic (as with all things Weezie). The buttoned sleeves keep it from falling down (or getting into your avocado toast in the inevitable moment you wear it to breakfast in bed), and the option for personalizing makes it the perfect gift for a loved one who prioritizes lounging. Plus, its terry cloth material means it can be worn after a shower or bath. We only wish it came in a short length, too, especially for the petite folks among us.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size: XS-XXL | Color: 3 | Material: Cotton, polyester | Texture: Terry
JJWinks Manhattan Robe
Best Fleece
What We Love: This features a button closure instead of a belt — great if you're going for a minimalistic look.
What We Don’t Love: You won't want to wear this after a shower.
Los Angeles label JJWinks is all about designing sophisticated, comfortable loungewear that'll make you feel chic even if you plan on staying in. This means no belts or belt loops (just a button closure for more coverage), and a longer length that drapes beautifully. Great for those who work from home — or anyone who wants to feel a little more put together around the house, really — this robe features a tailored fit that'll never feel bulky. We also love that it's sustainably made with eco-friendly fabrics and shipped out in compostable poly bags. Just don't wear this after a shower — it's not absorbant (or meant to be, for that matter).
Price at time of publish: $295
Size: XS-XL | Color: 1 | Material: Modal, spandex | Texture: Plush
Flax Home The Long Robe
Best Long
What We Love: This comes with an interior tie to give you more coverage.
What We Don’t Love: This only comes in one size.
Think of The Long Robe as the smartphone of robes. Made of 100 percent French stonewashed linen, this long option from Flax Home will keep you cozy when you're cold and cool when you're hot. That's the benefit of linen — it's able to regulate temperature and maintain an airiness that's breathable yet comforting. But that's not the only thing it has going for it. Not only does this robe wash well without pilling or changing texture, it actually does the opposite and gets softer with each wash. It only comes in one size, though, so make sure to take a peek at the measurements before buying.
Price at time of publish: $118
Size: One Size | Color: 2 | Material: Linen | Texture: Lightweight
Soma Cool Nights Robe
Best Short
What We Love: Because this is made out of Cool Nights fabric, it's great for those who sweat heavily.
What We Don’t Love: This only comes in one color.
Picture this: It's summer, but you still crave the comfort of a robe. Cue Soma's Short Robe, a lightweight option that lets you breathe, won't stick to your body, and is as comfortable as bundling up in your favorite throw blanket (but without feeling too toasty). Though this only comes in one color, which is navy, the shorter length lends itself to breathability while the Cool Nights material ensures you won't wake up in a midnight sweat.
Price at time of publish: $51
Size: S/M-XXL | Color: 1 | Material: Rayon, spandex | Texture: Lightweight
Buddy Love Hadid Short Robe
Best Patterned
What We Love: This has a shorter length and airy sleeves.
What We Don’t Love: This doesn't have any stretch.
If patterned robes are your thing, we're sure you'll fall in love with one of the seven varieties Buddy Love offers (we're partial to the bright florals, red snakeskin, and colorful stripes). Though this robe is made of polyester and doesn't have much stretch to it, it still feels silky smooth, like satin, and comfortable enough to throw on during the warmer months. The wide kimono-style sleeves ensure the robe stays breathable, and the interior and exterior ties are great for more discretion. Plus, at less than $100, this robe is among the more affordable on our list.
Price at time of publish: $86
Size: S/M, M/L | Color: 7 | Material: Polyester | Texture: Satin-like
Lunya Washable Silk Long Robe
Best Long Silk
What We Love: It can be machine washed, which can’t be said for most silk garments.
What We Don’t Love: The belt is rather thin.
This gown-like robe luxuriously drapes down to the floor. With its cinched cuffs, leg slit, and straight cut, it’s not unlike a victorian nightgown. Slipping into mulberry silk after exposing your skin to the heat of the shower does not only feel good, but it does wonders for your skin as well. When your skin is at its softest, silk helps to lock in hydration, reduce skin irritation, and decrease the likelihood of developing wrinkles. Dr. Elaine Kung recommends silk for anyone with sensitive skin because it “does not absorb oil, dirt, mold, or allergens,” thereby keeping the skin clean even after multiple wears. Whenever you are ready to give it a good wash, the Lunya option actually allows you to machine wash this robe — something that’s very uncommon with silk garments. We only recommend removing the belt when you do so, as the rather thin fabric might get tied up in knots in the process.
Price at time of publish: $298
Size: XS-XL | Color: 4 | Material: Mulberry silk | Texture: Silky
Julianna Rae Moonlight Serenade Silk Short Robe
Best Short Silk
What We Love: The brand offers a camisole and nightgown in the same material, colorway, and style — in case matchy-matchy is your thing.
What We Don’t Love: Because this is silk, it can't be thrown in the wash.
What's equal parts lacey, sexy, and comfortable? This Julianna Rae robe, of course. The sleeves are played up with a classic lace pattern, and even though it's silk and streamlined, it features dual pockets to hold a few of your necessities. The thigh-grazing length is also great for warmer weather months, and because silk is a naturally thermo-regulating material, it'll always maintain your body's temperature. Unlike the Lunya robe, though, you can't throw this one into the wash.
Price at time of publish: $259
Size: S/M-XXL | Color: 3 | Material: Silk | Texture: Soft
What to Keep in Mind
Absorbency
For bathrobes, material plays a role in how absorbent it is. "My favorite material for a robe is a plush, 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton as it is incredibly soft, absorbent, and cozy but still very breathable," Karin Sun, founder of Crane & Canopy. "Similar to towels and bedding, natural textiles are the best choice as they last longer, better support skin health, and they only get softer with each wash," says Sun. That's not to say avoid polyester at all costs — just keep in mind that it, and other synthetic blends, usually tend to be less breathable (causing you to overheat) and are usually less absorbent, says Sun.
For Jaimmy Koroma, a Minnesota-based body confidence-focused fashion and lifestyle content creator, terry cloth and waffle materials are great for absorbing water. When it comes to waffle fabrics specifically, she says they "have just the right amount of absorbency without feeling like a towel."
Fit
Robes are traditionally designed to be somewhat oversized, so it's best to stick to your normal clothing size, says Hilda Batayneh, style expert and creative director at Reunited Clothing. It's also important to look at sizing charts — while some robes are sized as XS, S, M, L, XL, others are done as split sizing like XS/S, M/L, L/XL. "Either way, buy within your size range," says Batayneh. "The only time I would size up or down is if you are buying a robe specifically designated as men's/women's — in this case, if women are buying in men's sizing, then size down; if men are buying in women's sizing, size up."
Your Questions, Answered
How absorbent should a robe be?
Not all robes are meant to be absorbent, says Batayneh. "There are waffle robes, terry robes, sherpa robes, and cashmere robes, so check the content of the robe and it's intended function." If you're looking for a bathrobe to use post-shower, Batayneh says it may have absorbent properties but most won't be enough to replace a traditional towel. For most robes, "the intention is to be comfortable after a shower, not to dry you off," she says.
How should a robe fit?
"When it comes to robes, like all loungewear, comfort is the top priority," Sun tells InStyle. "Avoid anything too tight, and choose a roomy fit that's snug enough to feel secure when the waist tie is fastened while still providing adequate coverage." Also, Batayneh says that the overlap of the front shawl should happen naturally, and you shouldn't have to pull too hard to close it.
Koroma notes that your robe shouldn't be constantly creating friction with your skin — rather, it "should glide over your hips and feel like a blanket — not constricting," she says. Remember: Robes with an adjustable tie or belt will give you a more customized fit. Your height will also play a role in what length robe you choose, so keep this in mind while reading up on product specs if you're shopping online.
While Sun recommends sizing up if you're in between sizes, she warns against going too oversized. "If the shoulders slide off or the sleeves are too long, you’ll be adjusting it constantly," she says. Luckily, depending on the thickness of the material, most robe sleeves can be cuffed to fit your arm length, Sun notes.
Why Shop With Us
Michelle Rostamian has been a style writer for 12 years. For this story, she consulted experts in the field including Karin Sun, Jaimmy Koroma, and Hilda Batayneh and conducted thorough research to understand robe materials, various levels of absorbency, and best way to ensure a proper fit.
For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on InStyle.
