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Sep 20, 2023

23 Best Bathrobes for Women 2023

Sure, a towel will do the trick, but there’s something special about putting on

Sure, a towel will do the trick, but there's something special about putting on a bathrobe. It can even be a form of escapism — plush terrycloth can bring back the nostalgia of a faraway getaway, while lush silk can make the laziest Sunday afternoon feel decadent. To help you find the right one, I asked robe-wearers, including spa owners and loungewear and lingerie designers, about the bathrobes they rely on. And since I’ve become an expert in leisurewear (as the writer behind our loungewear and pajamas guides), I tried out a number of the bathrobes you’ll find on this list and shared my favorites below.

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. It was important for us to include recommendations that come in a wide range of sizes overall.

Terrycloth is usually what comes to mind when one thinks of a bathrobe, and it's easy to see why: It's a subset of cotton that's known to be thick and absorbent; the "terry" part refers to the way the fabric is looped (a waffle weave is another popular pattern). Here's where it's helpful to understand the intersection between robes and towels, as many brands use the same cotton for both. As Strategist writer Lauren Ro explains, there are three well-known cottons: Egyptian (soft and plush), Turkish (fast-drying), and Supima (similar to Egyptian but not as sumptuous). Although there are many merits to cotton — most of our experts cited it as their favorite — you’ll see that we tried to include a variety of materials for different routines and preferences. The material a robe is made of will ultimately determine how it functions and whether it meets your needs.

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/S–L/XL | Material: Cotton | Design: Shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$$

Coyuchi's organic-cotton Cloud Loom robe is the sort you’d see in a high-end hotel. The three-decades-old company took inspiration for this robe's design from its best-selling bath towels, which are lauded for their airiness and quick-drying power. (Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson explains that their "thickness is somewhere in between a regular towel and a superthin Turkish peshtemal.") I asked the company to send me one for review and was really impressed with the quality.

The Cloud Loom robe is extraordinarily plush, soft, and absorbent. When I’ve worn it after showering, neither I nor the robe was soaked — there's no clingy "wet blanket" effect. And it never feels too heavy or overly warm. Wellness coach Daphne Javitch adds that even with its heavy-duty absorbency, this robe still feels light. Reshma Patel, founder of the jewelry store Quiet Storms, agrees: "It's the dreamiest robe to put on post-shower or over PJs in the winter." Another factor that brought this robe to the top: Coyuchi's focus on sustainability.

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

For a more affordable alternative, consider Parachute's classic robe. It has a storied history — the robe had a waiting list of almost 2,000 people at its peak (Strategist readers have flocked to get it since then). Like the Coyuchi, this Parachute robe falls in the middle on the thickness scale. "It's not the thickest robe I’ve ever tried, but it's somehow the warmest," says Heather Pearson, co-founder of vegan apparel company Dande and the Lion. Pearson describes the fit as perfect — with the right wrist and below-the-knees length to make it look almost custom-made. Yoga teacher Kate Posch considers it a stress-reliever, saying that the supersoft cotton surrounds you in a feel-good haze.

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

If you’re a fluff fan, the Super-Plush Robe from Brooklinen has the Strategist seal of approval. I’ve gushed about it so much that I’ve convinced at least two people to buy it immediately after hearing my spiel. The robe feels so perfectly comfortable that I’ve been known to accidentally nod off in it after a particularly late shower. It's a true bathrobe — I go straight from wearing it to lotioning up without needing a towel to wipe away leftover water. That's not entirely surprising given that Brooklinen used its Super-Plush Bath Towels (which topped our best towels guide) as inspiration. You don't just have to take my word for it: Blogger Hailey Rizzo of Feeling Good as Hail — who is a self-professed supporter of fluffy, fuzzy robes — considers this her winter robe; it makes her feel like she's ready to jump into bed and watch movies all day.

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

To start off: The Madonna Inn is named after construction magnate Alex Madonna, not that Madonna. The motel is known for its over-the-top, all-pink aesthetic, according to Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie. It was during a holiday there with a now ex-boyfriend that Gillespie became obsessed with this very robe, which is given out to all guests to use during their stay. "They’re made from fluffy, cotton-candy-colored polyester fleece," Gillespie says, adding that the fabric has remained soft to the touch with a high-enough pile "that you can put the robe on straight out of the shower and dry off fairly instantly." Practicality aside, it's also just something "grand and glamorous" to wear while swanning around her apartment — Gillespie feels like Jayne Mansfield in her "pink palace" whenever she wears hers. "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," she adds.

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 swaddle — and 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: XS–3X | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Contrasting-stripe colorway, shawl collar, patch front pockets | Price: $$

You might have seen this infamous Dusen Dusen robe on many an influencer. Countless "get ready with me" videos later, I became convinced that I needed the carnival-tent-like number too. Though the robe might look a little frivolous, it takes its job of sopping up shower water seriously — it's made from a cotton similar to the brand's bath towels. I can dry off quickly without the bathrobe getting as soaked as a wet mop. It helps that it's not as suffocatingly thick as other terrycloth robes I’ve tried. (The striped version often sells out, so if there's a colorway you like, buy it sooner rather than later. A checkerboard pattern is a newer addition.)

Sizes: One size | Material: Polyester | Design: Embroidered Soho House logo, hood | Price: $$

The title of "best hooded bathrobe" was more of a toss-up, but Soho Home ultimately won because its House Robe is made by Frette at a lower price point. The 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."

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

The Cairo Robe has the distinct honor of being one of the only two robes on this list that you can get monogrammed. Greer Simpkins, designer of lingerie label Hello Beautiful, says that while most of her robes are secondhand, this one was definitely worth the splurge due to its craftsmanship and customization (there are multiple colors of piping available if you buy the robe in white, and if you order directly from Matouk, you can choose from a number of different monogram styles for an additional $21). It's manufactured in Fall River, Massachusetts, and the cotton terry is made in Portugal. These details, according to Simpkins, help to justify the price — along with the fact that the fabric feels "truly lavish."

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

Hill House Home's claim to fame is the brand's rather infamous nap dress. The label's Hotel Robe takes some inspiration from the dress, as it's available in a few twee floral prints reminiscent of 17th-century French textiles and garden trellises — though it also comes in white with contrast piping. Hill House offered to let me try the Hotel Robe, which I gladly accepted since I was set on finding a more affordable alternative to the monogrammable Matouk. With the Hotel Robe, you can add your initials, including choosing between lowercase and uppercase letters and the color of thread, for an extra $15.

I’ve gotten the chance to test a number of the robes in this guide, and this one is similar to our top-pick Coyuchi, in that it lives up to its "hotel robe" name. The already folded-up ends of the sleeves, which are piped, gives it a distinctly leisurely look. And while the robe definitely seemed puffed-out and plush right from the box, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's not at all heavy once on. I like that lightness — I don't want to feel like I’ve just thrown a weighted blanket over my wet body after a shower. But the Hill House robe is fluffy and absorbent and won't drag you down. Stock sometimes fluctuates, however, so don't dillydally.

Size: One size | 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, and the fabric is soft but never feels flimsy. I feel the same way about Bathen's robe, which the brand sent to me for review. It's much lighter than traditional terrycloth, made from a handwoven cotton that feels almost weightless once on. Even though the material is best described as diaphanous, draping along curves, it hasn't gotten too wrinkled from soaked-up water. (I’d also recommend hang-drying the robe after washing it to keep it in the best shape possible.)

Another bright robe that earned high praise is Block Shop's Sidewinder Robe, which publicist Linlee Allen-Homs introduced us 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–L | Material: Cotton (jersey knit) | Design: Three-quarter box sleeves, collar band, hip pockets, knee-length | Price: $

While Jenefer Palmer, founder and formulator of OSEA Skincare, has many bathrobes in her rotation, the Solstice robe is tops. It's breathable — especially compared to the other Coyuchi that took our top spot — and gets softer with every wash, Palmer says. The robe's shorter length hits Palmer, who's five-foot-three, at just the right height, she says, so she's not "swimming in it."

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

Lunya's airy robe doesn't look like the others on our list. 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. The robe 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 us that it's "like wearing your favorite T-shirt" and its cell-phone-size pockets are a big draw.

Sizes: XS/S–2X/3X | Material: Modal, cotton, elastane | Design: Dropped shoulders, shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$

True & Co. makes bras and bralettes that have appeared all over our archives. So when the underwear start-up asked me if I wanted to try out its newer Any Wear collection, I didn't hesitate to say yes. I was most curious about its Any Wear Robe, which — because it was short and decidedly not plushy — was a contrast to the other robes I own (see the Brooklinen and Dusen Dusen above). I ended up really liking this little number. It's remarkably soft, like you’re putting on your favorite well-worn sweatpants. I asked for the robe in a size up than I would probably order myself — a decision that definitely made a difference. The sleeves hit a little past my wrists, so I feel ultra-cozy. It doesn't cling to my body, but it doesn't look sloppy, either. It's just the thing to throw on when I’m getting the mail (à la Tony Soprano) or playing homemaker as it's not too precious to slip into while doing chores.

Sizes: One size | Material: Cotton French terry (exterior), cotton jersey (interior) | Design: Quilting, patch pockets | Price: $$$

Offhours’ housecoat-slash-robe now officially beats the Matouk robe listed above as the most expensive robe on our list. It's more of a wearable duvet for lounging than a true bathrobe. But since it has the Strategist seal of approval — Adelson called this robe a wearable five-pound blanket — we also feel comfortable designating it as one of the very best. The Homecoat's one-inch thickness, with a fill made from recycled polyester quilting, feels more substantial than a cotton or silk robe, she explains. "Imagine somehow stuffing your coziest comforter into your favorite, lazy-day sweatshirt, and you’ll get a sense of what it feels like to lounge around in the Homecoat." She adds that although it looks like "a cross between the Michelin Man and a very comfortable bed," it had its own dignity thanks to its muted colorways.

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

This rather sculptural robe is a favorite of Strategist writer Latifah Miles. It's made by mattress- and pillow-maker Casper, which launched a Snoozewear line of loungewear in early 2022. Miles has tried many "social-media-darling robes," including Parachute's, but she appreciated the stylishness of this blanket version, readily accepting Casper's offer to test it out. "Considering that it's a literal blanket meant to be worn as a robe (in a similar vein to the much pricier Offhours Homecoat), it's really quite handsome," she says. Miles points out that its much more coat-like — even when left unbuttoned, "it stays in place without issue and feels cocoon-y but not too bulky." And like the Offhours Homecoat, it's great for lounging and staying warm, if not for straight-out-of-the-shower drying off.

Sizes: XS–3X | Material: Turkish cotton (waffle weave) | Design: Hip pockets, folded collar, knee-length | Price: $$

Parachute's Waffle Robe took the top spot in our guide to the best house robes. The women we consulted wear it almost religiously while lounging around. "It's thin — while feeling cushiony enough to give you those comforting spa-like vibes," says Alisha Ramos, founder of Girls’ Night In. The robe made graphic designer Alex Yeske a believer. Formerly not a robe person, she now always wears this one over her pajamas as a weekend-morning ritual. Posch wears it from the time she gets home from work until going to bed.

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Turkish cotton (waffle weave) | Design: Wide sleeves, side pockets | Price: $

"I’ve never met a waffle-weave robe I truly didn't like, but this waffle robe from Brooklinen is everything," says writer and digital creator Carrie Carrollo, who decided to give the bathrobe a try after a positive experience with the brand's sheets. She describes the waffle weave as plush and bouncy with the perfect weight to dry off without feeling smothered.

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

For under $50, Quince makes a very respectable waffle-weave robe. If you’re unfamiliar with the company (which is featured in our silk pajamas guide), it's similar to Everlane and Italic in its ethos: producing high-quality items with more pricing transparency and less of a markup than many designer brands. I recently tested this robe, and I’d compare it to Bathen's above in its weight and texture: It's gauzier than others on this list. Despite its thinness, it's not sheer at all (I have it in white — though you can get it in ivory, gray, and silver). And it absorbs water without getting drenched. That said, I think this robe is probably better for wearing in the spring and summer — it doesn't wrap you up as warmly as others on this list (and for that reason, a robe like the Brooklinen Super-Plush is a better bet for the winter). It's the robe I’m reaching for the most right now with the warmer weather — and the closest thing to wearing nothing at all right out of the shower.

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

When Onsen asked if I wanted to test its Waffle Bath Robe, it was an instantaneous "yes." Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang is devoted to the brand's waffle-weave bath towels, which she likes for their "slightly rougher texture because it feels more absorbent and soothing to dry off with." I can now say the same thing about the robe — it's not the softest one on this list, but it's so light and featherlike. And it absorbs water like a sponge, without the need to wring it out. As a bonus, the hood acts as an impromptu hair towel whenever I don't want to wrap the top of my head in one. Just note that the waist tie can get very wrinkled in the dryer, so you should hang-dry the tie instead.

Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Material: Silk | Design: Interior tie, side pockets | Price: $$$

Nothing screams opulence like a silk robe — a fitting garment for lounging on your chaise (or Ikea couch). Immunologist Shruti Naik recommends this robe, calling it luxurious but pragmatic as one of the only washable-silk options out there. Now that I’ve personally put Lunya's silk to the test (former Strategist writer Hilary Reid had tried it out when Lunya was part of a new class of washable silk brands), I can say you’re really getting something top tier for the price. (Again, silk prices are expensive.) I received this robe as part of a PR package, and the softness of the silk is incredible. It's not a robe I’d wear immediately out of the shower, but it's perfect for that time in between showering and actually getting ready, like when I’m doing my makeup. I especially like the elegant, scrunched-up cuffs on the sleeves so I can easily adjust their length while lounging around.

Sizes: OS and OSX (plus size) | 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–XL | Material: European flax linen | Design: Side seam pockets, mid-calf length | Price: $

Rizzo considers the Brooklinen Super-Plush her winter robe and this Parachute linen one a summertime essential. A self-described "sucker for linen," Rizzo considers it cool, comfortable, and not constricting. Most linen comes in light shades, but Rizzo tends to stay away from those, as they show dirt more easily — especially important, she says, if you wear your robe when putting on makeup. (This robe comes in a terra-cotta and coal gray.) The longer length is a plus, too, as it means less shifting around compared to shorter linen robes, Rizzo explains.

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

For a full-on Fargo outfit, L.L. Bean is the way to go. (The company was name-checked twice by our panel.) As a native upstater, photographer Ysa Pérez considers warmth a requirement — the Wicked Plush is her pick for that very reason; it makes her feel as if she's wrapped in a blanket. This plaid flannel option, meanwhile, is a favorite of dancer and consultant Eva Alt, who borrows it from her boyfriend on occasion because it's "insanely warm." It's especially soft as well — made from a cotton that's been brushed to become fuzzier in feel and given a "touch test" by a master weaver to make sure it's just right, according to the brand.

• 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, 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• Leah Yari, co-founder of the nail-polish brand Côte

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