The Best Robes for Men, According to Menswear Experts
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In an era of loungewear preeminence, the bathrobe has taken a backseat. It’s puzzling, given their luxe nature and firmly established reputation as the epitome of comfort, but with the rise of athleisure, it’s become much easier to toss on sweats and call it a day. But wrapping oneself in plush fabric during the crisp, tranquil morning hours will never get old, and it’s going to take more than slimming joggers for the bathrobe to be dethroned.
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Robes are pragmatic opulence. As much as they’re for lounging they’re also for transitioning from the shower to a night out or day at the office. They’re for the in-between moments. They cocoon one’s freshness when jeans feel too harsh, but they’re imminent nonetheless.
Finding the right robe for one’s lifestyle involves a study of fabric, shape, fit, and pattern. The thick, plush robes of Ritz hotels feel like wearable blankets, but they’re bulky. Thin Turkish robes are lightweight and soft, but aren’t as warm. It’s a delicate balance, in need of expert guidance.
What the Experts Say
To help source this piece, SPY spoke with Founder and Stylist at Next Level Wardrobe, Cassandra Sethi, and menswear PR guru Micheal Corrigan about their recommendations, as well as Marc Desrosiers, VP Design at Taylor Stitch; Katie Elks, Design Director at Brooklinen; and Mike Belgue, Brand Director at Reigning Champ for buying guidance.
“I love to lounge in a robe all weekend during the colder months, so I gravitate towards plush, terry, and cotton robes that fit oversized and amp up the cozy factor,” says Elks. “I like an oversized robe so I can layer it over pajamas, and cotton fabrication helps keep you warm yet still feels breathable, unlike synthetic robes.”
Belgue also emphasized the importance of robes functioning like athletic wear, or sweats, rather than just loungewear. Terry cloth and fleece are better than cheaper, synthetic fabrics that’ll wear out with time and not withstand long-term wear.
Desrosiers agrees, stating that “hard-wearing, utilitarian fabrics” are key to a high-quality robe.
BEST OVERALL
Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe
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A comfortable robe sounds like a straightforward concept, but some brands are superlative at relaxation. Parachute, a premium maker of sheets and linens, is one of those. We love the Parachute Classic Trukish cotton robe because it doesn’t get too fancy with it, and lets the ultra-soft fabric speak for itself. Corrigan agrees, stating, “A true classic will never go out of style. These come in various neutral shades that feel both modern yet hassle-free.”
Parachute also executes really well on this. There aren’t a ton of fancy frills, but it looks great and feels even better thanks to that rich Turkish cotton construction, which makes it light enough for the summer and warm enough for the winter. Offered in a few timeless classics, this is something you’ll want to curl up in again and again for all kinds of lazy weekends.
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Offhours Homecoat
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Why It Stands Out: “Get yourself a coat that doubles as a robe, and you won’t be sorry,” says Corrigan.
Made For: Those who want an elevated Snuggie that can even replace the need for a blanket in some situations.
ROI: You’re basically getting a blanket or comforter as a robe, which provides maximum cozy levels. Sure, the price is a lot — but if you’re wearing it a lot, its cost-per-use will plummet quickly.
BEST LOOKING
Tekla Racing Green Stripes Hooded Bathrobe
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Why It Stands Out: “Who doesn’t love a racing stripe,” says Corrigan. “It immediately adds an instant touch of extra class to your relaxation. Win-win.”
Made For: Look, the appearance of something isn’t everything unless you’re a person who cares about getting a super stylish bathrobe. In that case, this Tekla option is absolutely for you. It’s so head-turning that you’ll never want to take it off.
ROI: Thanks to the 100% organic cotton that’s weaved into a toweled fabric, the robe is absorbent and durable. The long cotton fibers to give it a plush touch, and the dense weave is designed to last a long time.
BEST VALUE
L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe
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Why It Stands Out: Plaid screams comfort during the fall and winter. “The perfect pop of plaid to accompany your cozy,” says Corrigan. “Just know that you might never want to take it off; you’ve been warned.
Made For: More often than not, there can be a trade-off when it comes to getting something stylish, comfortable, and affordable. Luckily for you, that’s not the case with this robe from L.L. Bean, which manages to provide an elegant-looking take on a robe, bolstered by its warm flannel construction—all under $100. It’s perfect for curling up next to a fire, hopefully with a good book in hand.
ROI: Flannel is a heavy fabric that’s pretty long-lasting, and the plaid pattern is always in style, making this a robe you can wear for years and years without it feeling passé.
BEST UPGRADE
Matouk Kiran Robe
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Why It Stands Out: Matouk took the woven Turkish waffle fabric it uses for its bath towel and turned it into a robe. So you’re getting the same plush feeling you’d get from a towel, but cut to your body’s dimensions instead.
Made For: Someone who already has a luxe robe they love but needs an upgrade.
ROI: “So soft you might mistake it for your favorite towel, which was the exact inspiration behind the design,” says Corrigan. “Instant relaxation guaranteed.”
BEST MID-TIER
Taylor Stitch Apres Robe
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Why It Stands Out: “Love the way this robe combines embroidery with a woven fabric for a very unique fabric feel, something that will only further develop its own character with wear and age,” says Corrigan.
Made For: Those who want something that just looks classy, even when you’re focused on being cozy.
ROI: The 9-oz organic cotton is already very soft but gets extra durability thanks to the Japanese stitching pattern known as sashiko, which was “once used as a means of bolstering workwear.” In short, it’ll last a long, long time so that you can invest with ease.
BEST SUMMER ROBE
Hay Duo Robe
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Why It Stands Out: You don’t want to forgo being comfy just because the temperatures increased outside, do you? This Duo robe from Hay will help you make the most of the summer robe season, whether it’s wearing this poolside or on a warm morning with your coffee.
Made For: “When thinking about robes, you should have one for the warmer months and cooler months as you’ll need different fabrics for each season,” says Sethi. “This is my pick for the warmer months. It’s made of a lightweight cotton that’s breathable and will keep you cool.”
ROI: At $60, this also happens to be the cheapest robe on this list, making it easy to justify getting—even if you already have a robe.
BEST ROBE THAT FEELS LIKE A HOODIE
Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Hooded Robe
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Why It Stands Out: Sure, wearing sweatshirts is cool, but what if you had something that felt that way — but for your whole body? That’s where this robe from Reigning Champ comes into play.
Made For: ”It’s made of a midweight French terry, so [it’s] slightly heavier and best for the colder months,” says Sethi.
ROI: “It has big enough pockets to carry a phone, AirPods, or anything else you need and a secure tie around the waist,” she adds.
BEST UTILITY
OAS Beige Cowboy Robe
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Why It Stands Out: “This is a fun robe to hang out in,” states Sethi. “It has a Western influence with the chest pockets. The fit is generous, so comfortable for lounging all day.”
Made For: If you want pockets, well, this has you covered in spades. But it is also made from woven terry, which is great for drying you off post-shower and then staying warm in when hanging out at home.
ROI: Easily one of the most unique robes on this list, it’s worth it for that unique look and the sturdy terry construction.
BEST ARTISAN
El Cosmico Kimono Robe
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Why It Stands Out: Made by small batch artisans in India who are part of weaving and sewing co-ops, this Kimono-style robe from El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas, is just beautiful. Sethi agrees, saying, “It’s hard to find a product that is so carefully crafted nowadays, so this is a piece to enjoy for years to come.
Made For: “[This is] perfect for the person who wants to make a statement with their robe and support local artisans. This robe will bring some color to your life on the gloomy days…”
ROI: A one-of-a-kind robe that conjures up feelings of curling around a campfire in the West Texas desert — but from the comfort of your couch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bath Robes
How Do I Pick the Right Bath Robe?
This ultimately comes down to personal preference, but some things you should consider when buying a robe are price, functionality, material, style, and even whether or not you can go above and beyond and get some personalized embroidery on it.
What’s the Best Material for a Robe to Have if I Want to Wear it Right After a Shower?
This is an easy one. It’s terry cloth! That’s the same material that your towel is made out of, so it makes sense that it’s a great foundation for a robe. The denser material will keep you warm when you’re out of the bath, and the robe itself will last longer, thanks to the density of the fabric.
What’s the Difference Between a Bath Robe and a Regular Robe?
A bathrobe is typically worn before or after bath time, while a regular robe is typically made for lounging around and even includes pockets. Some robes also double as bath robes, however.
Can I Wear a Robe Outside?
Are you looking to get your Tony Soprano on? You can! I wouldn’t, like, wear it to the grocery store. But walking outside to let out the dogs or grab a morning paper in a robe is totally fine. Just make sure you’ve got some undies on in case the wind blows so you don’t have a Marilyn moment.
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