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Oct 14, 2024

20 Best Bathrobes for Women 2024 | The Strategist

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here. The Strategist’s carefully chosen and

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

Sure, a towel will do the trick, but there’s just something special about a bathrobe — it’s one of those simple pleasures I can’t imagine living without. Even if you’re not the type to wear a robe after a shower, you might want one for lounging around (or as an easy cover-up to make yourself “decent,” quick). And a bathrobe can make for an excellent gift as a little luxury someone might not buy themselves.

As the writer behind our loungewear and pajamas guides, lying about is part of what I do, and being on the bathrobe beat has involved testing them myself by taking lots of steaming showers. I considered the dry time for myself post-bath, and for the actual robes, once I’m done wearing them. I noted every detail, from pockets to collars to trim that might make you choose one over another. And I’ve washed them over and over to see how they hold up. I also collected recommendations from fellow Strategist staffers, spa owners, and loungewear designers to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Though I focused mostly on “traditional” terrycloth robes for drying off after a shower or bath, I’ve included a variety of robe styles in this guide, from a coatlike “blanket” robe that can be worn outside to a minimalist wrap.

Update September 17, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

Oftentimes, bathrobes will come in unisex sizing — with options listed as XS/S instead of the standard single lettering (XS, S, and so forth) — or just one size. I aimed to include recommendations that come in a wide range of sizes overall.

For most people, cotton is the fabric of choice when it comes to bathrobes. There are three well-known types: Egyptian (soft and plush), Turkish (fast-drying), and Supima (similar to Egyptian but not as sumptuous). The type of weave is also important: Terrycloth is practically synonymous with bathrobes because it’s soft, thick, and absorbent due to the way the threads are looped. You’ll also see waffle weaves, which have a textured, square pattern and tend to feel a little rougher.

And although cotton is the clear favorite among those I talked to, there are merits to other materials, so I included some robes that are made from airy linen and warming flannel, for different routines.

I also called out the GSM, or grams per square meter, which measures the weight of a material. GSM is to towels what thread count is to sheets. The higher the number, which can range anywhere from 300 to 900, the heavier the fabric. Though most towel-makers will list the GSM of their towels, a lot of bathrobe brands don’t. (The ones who do tend to boast that their bathrobes are based on their towels, as Brooklinen does.) For that reason, I focused on describing the feel of each bathrobe as much as possible, but I included the GSM when available, as a point of comparison.

What makes choosing a bathrobe simultaneously delightful and difficult is the variety of styles to pick from. For every classic shawl-collar white robe from Frette, there’s a striped, Ferris Bueller–esque one courtesy of Dusen Dusen. The specs of each pick — like whether it features pockets — are noted below.

Some robes are known for their luxury — those marketed as hotel-quality tend to be more expensive — while others are famous for their value, as you can definitely find something perfectly plush on a budget. Our panelists recommended a range of robes at different price points, and each is designated as $ (under $100), $$ (under $150), or $$$ ($150 and up) to make it easier for you to shop.

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Turkish cotton (380 GSM)| Design: Cuffed wide sleeves, side pockets | Price: $

Brooklinen’s Super-Plush bathrobe is my top recommendation for the best all-around bathrobe on the market. It’s everything I want a robe to be: comfortable, soft, and absorbent. Bragging about the robe has convinced at least two co-workers to get one for themselves, though it also makes a good gift, especially in limited-edition, seasonal colors like yellow and a striped green. The brand makes many of the Strategist’s favorite duvets, sheets, and towels, and the Super-Plush robe is another winner, inspired by the popular towels of the same name.

It’s a high-quality robe at a reasonably low price: A bargain at $99, it often goes on sale for up to 20 percent off. Though it doesn’t have the highest GSM on the list, at 380, I think it has a just-right thickness that’s coddling and not at all stifling. It’s exceptionally fluffy and absorbs water well: I can go straight from the shower to lotioning up and getting dressed without needing another towel. Even after almost four years of wearing and washing it, the robe barely shows any wear.

The only real drawback of the Super-Plush is that the robe only goes to a size XL, so if you need a larger size, you probably want to go for a similar style from Parachute, which I’ve featured below. I took my usual medium (a women’s size 6–8, according to Brooklinen’s size chart, which recommends sizing up if you want a more generous fit). It fits well, as I can tighten the waist tie as needed, and since I’m on the shorter side at about five-foot-two, it falls right above my ankles.

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Organic cotton | Design: Shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$$

At almost $200, Coyuchi’s Cloud Loom robe is an unquestionable splurge. But it feels wonderful wrapped around my body, and it’s one of the few bathrobes featured here that’s made from organic cotton — the same kind the brand uses in its best-selling bath towels, which are lauded for their absorbency and quick-drying power. Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson described the towels’ thickness as somewhere between a regular towel and a superthin Turkish peshtemal. In testing the robe, I found it to be a little lighter in weight than the Super-Plush, and a bit more breathable as a result. It’s still just as absorbent — when I put it on right after showering, I dried off quickly. I also found it was a bit looser than the Super-Plush when I tried my usual size, if you like a more relaxed fit.

Sizes: XS/S–XL/XXL | Material: Organic Turkish cotton (380 GSM) | Design: Ribbing, wide sleeves, side-seam pockets | Price: $$$

Brooklinen’s Organic Ribbed Robe dries faster than the Super-Plush (even with the same GSM of 380). It’s made from Turkish cotton, which is famous for being quick-drying compared to other cottons. Through two months of wearing it almost every day after my shower, I’ve found it to be ridiculously absorbent — I’m dry within minutes — yet it barely feels damp when I hang it back up. You almost wouldn’t be able to tell that I’d worn it, if not for a little wetness at the back of the collar whenever I washed my hair. Although it’s not as soft and fluffy as the Super-Plush, the ribbed texture on the Ribbed Robe is just as pleasing on the skin. Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio, who has also tried both the Super-Plush and the Ribbed Robe, adds that the latter might be better for people who run warm, especially because it has shorter, wider sleeves that allow for more airflow. Another notable difference is the sizing — the Ribbed Robe is a lot looser, with combination sizing (XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL) for a fit that’s not as close to the body.

Sizes: XS–3X | Material: Turkish cotton (450 GSM) | Design: Shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$

Parachute’s Classic Turkish Cotton Robe is made from a thicker terrycloth than most of the other robes I’ve tried — the Turkish cotton has a GSM of 450, tied for the highest on the list. I’d say it’s even a little plusher than the Super-Plush, for about $30 more. It’s great when you get out of the shower and don’t want to feel even a hint of cold; I feel swaddled while wearing it. Yoga teacher Kate Posch agrees that the robe surrounds you in a feel-good haze, while Dande and the Lion co-founder Heather Pearson calls it the warmest robe she’s ever tried. Another bonus is a larger range of sizes than the Super-Plush, going up to 3X. One drawback is that I’ve noticed it sometimes comes out of the wash with loose threads, particularly on the waist tie, so I’d say it’s best to wash it with other linens or garments that won’t snag on the fabric.

Sizes: S–XL | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Piping, shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$$

Luxury textiles label Frette was founded in the 19th century, and its high-end linens have been used at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Soho House. The company makes the kinds of classic plush robes that cost a pretty penny. But if you choose H by Frette, the brand’s diffusion line, you can get the same five-star-hotel feel for less. With luxe piping along the collar, waist tie, and sleeves and across the shoulders, this bathrobe is just as lush as you’d imagine, according to Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell, who received it as a gift, but it doesn’t make her overheat like some others. “I mean, it’s Frette — so it’s hard not to feel like a rich bitch when you’ve got it on,” she says.

Sizes: 1–7 (equivalent to 1X to 7X) | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Looped lining, wrap collar, side pockets, hooded | Price: $$$

Arts marketer and Strategist reader Jeanna Vella emailed me to recommend Peridot Robes after browsing an earlier edition of this guide. Peridot is a self-described “fat-femme-owned label” that makes a variety of bathrobe styles in seven sizes, all of which are exclusively designed for people who wear a size 14 to a size 40. The robes are an investment, all at the $200 mark. But according to Vella, who owns three of the four robes the brand makes — the House Kush, Dolly, and Holiday — they feel worth it and high-end. “You can really tell they’ve put in the effort to get them just right,” she says, noting that the robes drape excellently along her curves. Vella reports that the brand’s sizing is fairly generous, and that she was able to size down to get the right fit: “I know a lot of us plus-size people are used to clothes running smaller than the size chart, but that’s not the case with Peridot.” Since the label’s stock is limited at the moment, I’ve featured the Hoodie Robe here, which has all sizes available (and you can sign up for back-in-stock notifications for the brand’s other styles). It’s made from a cotton-terry blend with an absorbent, towel-like lining.

Sizes: XS–3X | Material: Cotton terry (450 GSM) | Design: Contrasting-stripe colorway, shawl collar, patch front pockets | Price: $$

You’ve likely seen Dusen Dusen’s robe, which resembles an old-fashioned carnival tent, on the influencer set. It’s just fun, if you’re looking for something more bold. (Ever since I bought mine, I’ve seen bathrobe brands compete to get more colorful — Pleasing’s wavy version is a recent example.) I feel a little bit more cheerful whenever I reach for mine, and I like that rolling up the sleeves reveals a contrasting stripe pattern that matches the waist-tie rather than the rest of the body of the robe. The colorways are appealingly unexpected, pairing orange and green, or pink with blue. The robe feels just as thick and highly absorbent as Dusen Dusen’s bath towels (it’s made with 100 percent cotton terry, which has the same 450 GSM as the Parachute robe above) and doesn’t get too heavy when wet.

Sizes: S–XL | Material: Cotton terry (organic) | Design: Jaguar print (also available in a navy version), shawl collar, patch front pockets | Price: $$$

Those who find Dusen Dusen’s stripes to be a bit much might like the elegant, jaguar-emblazoned Towel Robe from Desmond & Dempsey instead. The pattern reminds me of what you would see on a high-end set of silk pajamas, but rendered on plush and absorbent cotton terry. (The brand often features felines as a motif of its leisurewear line.) The detailing on the jaguars — from the curling tails to the pointed fangs — makes it unique. I found that D&D’s robe is a bit warmer than Dusen Dusen’s, and I felt embraced while wearing it, but not smothered. In testing the robe since October, it has lasted well through multiple washes.

Sizes: One size (no size chart listed) | Material: Polyester | Design: Embroidered Soho House logo, hood | Price: $$

Soho Home’s House Robe is made by Frette at a lower price point. It’s made from a recycled polyester that’ll feel softer than a robe made from cotton terry, though with a similar shaggy look. This robe is the same one Soho House uses in its bedrooms and Cowshed spas — it even has the embroidered company logo. Leah Yari, co-founder of nail-polish brand Côte, first came across it at the Soho Farmhouse hotel in the U.K. “After a long day of travel, wrapping up in this fluffy cloud was my antidote to drizzly weather and jet lag,” Yari says. She describes it as “wonderfully snug.” (You can get it monogrammed for an additional $35, as well.)

Sizes: S/M–2XL/3XL | Material: Micro cotton | Design: Piping, front pockets, shawl collar | Price: $$

Hill House Home’s claim to fame is the brand’s well-known Nap Dress. Its Hotel Robe has that same Petit Trianon–ness, and it comes in a handful of colors and patterns, including classic white with unique rainbow piping and florals reminiscent of 17th-century French textiles. The robe is also one of few on this list that you can get monogrammed, with a choice of six styles and 13 thread colors, for an additional $15. It’s a little luxury, but one that makes the robe feel accessibly extravagant. It’s made of a trademarked material called micro cotton, an even smoother texture than the Super-Plush. It’s spongy, soft, and light. Note that stock sometimes fluctuates, so don’t dillydally.

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Piping (customizable), front pockets | Price: $$$

Matouk has been mentioned repeatedly when we’ve asked around about luxe linens. And while the Cairo Robe is the most expensive bathrobe on this list, it’s a worthwhile investment quality-wise. Greer Simpkins, designer of lingerie label Hello Beautiful, says that while most of her robes are secondhand, the Cairo was worth the splurge for the craftsmanship. It’s manufactured in Fall River, Massachusetts, and the long-staple cotton terry is made in Portugal. (“Long-staple” refers to the length of the fibers, with longer meaning stronger.) The fabric feels “truly lavish,” she says, which also helps justify the price tag. You can choose between several colors of piping, and the robe can be monogrammed for an extra $21 — there are 20 different monogram styles and more than three dozen thread colors, as well as the option to have your monogram on the front or back of the robe.

Size: One size (that fits up to a size 16, according to the brand) | Material: Cotton | Design: Striped design, front pockets | Price: $$

If a classic bathrobe is a tad subdued for your taste, take a cue from Charlotte Palermino, co-founder of Nice Paper, who favors this colorful Bathen robe. “The stripes make me feel like I’m about to walk out onto my private veranda somewhere on the Riviera — not stress-listening to the news while I do my skin-care routine,” she says. The cotton is fast-drying — another draw for Palermino. “Most bathrobes are too heavy or feel like damp housecoats when I’m done with them,” she says. Instead of the traditional terry cloth, Bathen’s robe is made from a cotton that isn’t looped, feeling lighter by comparison. It’s soft but never feels flimsy; I’d describe the robe as airy and billowy, draping right along my curves. I’ll put it on while getting ready, when I’m not entirely dry but not dripping wet either. It’s best washed in cold water on a delicate cycle and hung to dry to prevent wrinkles. And a fun fact: Singer Rita Ora wore this robe on her wedding day.

Another bright robe that earned high praise is Block Shop’s Sidewinder Robe, which publicist Linlee Allen-Homs introduced me to. “I might not resemble David Hockney’s Beverly Hills Housewife,” she says, “but when I’m wearing this robe, standing in my 90210 garden, morning coffee in hand, I surely feel like one.” (It comes in petite plus sizes as well, which is a rarity.)

Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Material: Pima cotton, modal, elastane | Design: Attached belt, interior tie, draped collar | Price: $$$

For an even airier robe, try Lunya’s. Athena Hewett, founder of skin-care line Monastery, points out that the robe’s blend of pima cotton (known for its smooth feel) and modal adds to its softness. But there’s some structure to it too. Instead of a more typical shawl collar, this robe has a draped collar with a magnetic closure near the left shoulder. It comes with a belt to give it a cinched waist and has interior and exterior ties; once you put it on, you can rest assured it will stay in place, Hewett explains. She adds that it’s “sexy without being revealing.” It’s also a favorite of brand consultant Lexi Tawes, who previously told the Strategist that it’s “like wearing your favorite T-shirt” and its cell-phone-size pockets are a big draw. It’s definitely a robe for post-post shower when you’re choosing what to wear, for example, as it isn’t as absorbent as others on this list.

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Material: Pima cotton | Design: Cross-back straps, wraparound, Velcro tabs | Price: $

Lake is a favorite pajama brand among Strategist staffers, with writers Dominique Pariso and Liza Corsillo as on-the-record fans. This bath wrap is made from the same supersoft Pima cotton Lake uses in those pajamas, and though I worried it would immediately get soggy with shower water, instead I felt like it gently patted me dry. Still, it’s not the robe I’d reach for first when I’m dripping — I think it’s best for post-post shower, when you’re getting ready and your skin is still slightly damp. The wrap is leagues better than just wrapping a towel around my torso; the Velcro tabs stay securely closed, so I don’t ever feel like it might fall off (I have accidentally caught the ends of my hair on the tabs while in a rush, though).

Sizes: S–L | Material: Cotton (exterior), polyester (interior) | Design: Duvet-like appearance, large armholes and front pockets | Price: $$

Although the Homecoat from Offhours might be the most famous wearable blanket, former Strategist sleep writer Latifah Miles’s review of the Casper Snoozewear Blanket Robe convinced me to name it the “best blanket robe” instead. The Casper Snoozewear Blanket Robe is around $200 cheaper and looks pretty sculptural, as opposed to the “cross between the Michelin Man and a comfortable bed” that is the Homecoat, according to Adelson. Miles — who has bought into many of the “social-media-darling robes” — likes the handsomeness of Casper’s, which leans more coatlike even when left unbuttoned. Since it’s made by a mattress- and pillow-maker, the robe is unsurprisingly cocoon-y. It’s a robe for lounging, not straight-out-of-the-shower drying off.

Sizes: XS–L | Material: Turkish cotton (waffle weave) | Design: Front pockets, folded collar | Price: $

I considered the waffle robes from Parachute (which Girls’ Night In founder Alisha Ramos, likes for its “spa-like vibes”) and Brooklinen (a favorite of waffle-weave aficionado Carrie Carrollo, a digital creator). But ultimately, the $50 price point of Quince’s very respectable waffle-weave robe was too irresistible. If you’re unfamiliar with the company, it’s similar to Everlane in ethos: producing high-quality items with more pricing transparency and no middlemen. I tried this version myself — and it was the robe I reached for most throughout this past summer. I’d compare the robe to Bathen’s above in its weight and texture: lighter, gauzier. The robe’s thinness means it’s not the one for you if you tend to shiver after a shower. But when it’s hot, the Turkish Waffle Robe really is the closest thing to wearing nothing at all when you’re drying off.

Sizes: S–L | Material: Supima cotton (waffle weave) | Design: Patch front pockets, hood | Price: $$$

If you can swing a little splurge, Onsen’s bathrobe is another standout in the world of waffle-weaves. Onsen’s costs $195 compared to the $50 price tag on Quince’s — the biggest difference between the two is that Onsen’s is slightly heavier and more absorbent. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang is devoted to the brand’s waffle-weave bath towels for their slightly rougher texture, which she finds more absorbent and soothing to dry off with, and I found the same is true with the robe. It’s not as plush as the terry-cloth styles above, but it absorbs water like a sponge. (The hood also acts as an impromptu hair towel whenever I don’t want to wrap the top of my head in one.) The best part is that the robe still offers the lightness you want from a waffle weave — I don’t feel like it’s dragging me down. Just note that the waist tie can get very wrinkled in the dryer, so you should hang-dry it instead.

Sizes: OS (equivalent to XS/S and M/L) and OSX (equivalent to XL–XXL) | Material: Linen | Design: Wide drop sleeves, oversize pockets | Price: $$$

This linen “jacket” is an overachiever as something you can wear in and out of the house. It comes highly recommended by Charlotte Stone, founder of the eponymous shoe label, who has rather strong opinions on robes. This one fulfills all her requirements. It’s three-quarter-length (Stone thinks full-length is too cumbersome while short isn’t cozy enough) and acts as an in-between compared to too-heavy terry and not-snuggly-enough silk. The oversize patch pockets meet her standards, too, as she reasons that side-seam pockets can be hard to locate in the folds.

Sizes: S/M–4XL | Material: Polyester fleece | Design: Embroidered logo on chest | Price: $

The Madonna Inn is named after construction magnate Alex Madonna, not that Madonna. Famous for its all-pink aesthetic, the motel loans cotton-candy-colored robes to guests — and Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie became obsessed with hers during a stay there. The fleece is made from a fluffy polyester. (If you want a robe that’s more breathable, made from natural fibers, one like Brooklinen’s Super-Plush is a better bet.) The fabric has maintained its soft-to-the-touch feel with a high-enough pile “that you can put the robe on straight out of the shower and dry off fairly instantly,” Gillespie says. But absorbency aside, it’s also something “grand and glamorous” to wear while swanning around her apartment — Gillespie feels like Jayne Mansfield in her “pink palace” whenever she has the robe on. It’s a hotel bathrobe from an actual hotel, after all: “Hotel-branded robes are a huge move in general, and this one is perhaps the silliest and least sexy one available — but a lot of fun.”

Sizes: S–XXXL (men’s) | Material: Cotton flannel | Design: Yarn-dyed tartan, chest pocket, front pockets | Price: $

If warmth is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with flannel. This plaid robe from the L.L.Bean men’s department is a favorite of dancer Eva Alt, who borrows it from her boyfriend on occasion because it’s just “insanely warm.” The flannel is made from cotton that’s been brushed so that it becomes fuzzier in feel, then given a “touch test” by a master weaver to make sure it’s just right, according to the brand. It’s just the thing if you’re looking to be as cozy and warm as possible. And though Alt has only tried the men’s version, L.L.Bean makes a women’s version that comes in petite, regular, and plus sizing for those who want a robe that’s a little closer-fitting.

• Karen Iorio Adelson, former Strategist senior writer• Linlee Allen-Homs, publicist• Eva Alt, dancer and consultant• Carrie Carrollo, writer and digital creator• Katherine Gillespie, Strategist writer• Athena Hewett, founder of skin-care line Monastery• Daphne Javitch, wellness coach• Grace Lee, founder of bridesmaid-dress brand Birdy Grey• Latifah Miles, former Strategist writer• Jenna Milliner-Waddell, Strategist associate editor• Shruti Naik, immunologist• Charlotte Palermino, co-founder of Nice Paper• Jenefer Palmer, founder and formulator of OSEA Skincare• Reshma Patel, founder of jewelry store Quiet Storms• Heather Pearson, co-founder of vegan-apparel company Dande and the Lion• Ysa Pérez, photographer• Kate Posch, yoga teacher• Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder of self-care center Chillhouse• Hilary Reid, former Strategist writer• Nikita Richardson, New York Times senior staff editor• Hailey Rizzo, blogger behind Feeling Good as Hail• Lauren Ro, Strategist writer• Greer Simpkins, designer of lingerie label Hello Beautiful• Charlotte Stone, founder of the shoe label Charlotte Stone• Lexi Tawes, brand consultant• Jeanna Vella, arts marketer• Leah Yari, co-founder of the nail-polish brand Côte

Additional reporting by Amanda Fitzsimons and Hilary Reid.

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