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Sure, a towel will do the trick, but there’s something a little more special — even escapist — about putting on a bathrobe. A soft terrycloth can bring back memories of a faraway getaway at a five-star hotel, while lush silk can make the laziest Sunday afternoon feel decadent. I can’t complain about being on the bathrobe beat, as I have literally showered on the job to double-check the correctness of my testing notes. (I’m also the writer behind our loungewear and pajamas guides, so lounging has become a sharply honed skill of mine.) But I’ll be the first to admit that finding the right bathrobe is harder than it sounds and will depend on how and when you’re going to wear one. So when assembling the list below, I included a range of options, from a traditional kind to a coatlike blanket robe. Read on for all sorts of bathrobes, all of which have either been tested by me or recommended to me by spa owners, loungewear designers, and notable robe-wearers.
What we’re looking for
Sizing
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.
Material
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.
Design
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.
Price
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.
Best overall bathrobe
Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Material: Cotton | Design: Shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$$
Coyuchi’s organic-cotton Cloud Loom robe is the sort you’d see in a high-end hotel. The three-decades-old company took inspiration for this robe’s design from its best-selling bath towels, which are lauded for their airiness and quick-drying power. (Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson explains that their “thickness is somewhere in between a regular towel and a superthin Turkish peshtemal.”) I asked the company to send me one for review and was really impressed with the quality.
The Cloud Loom robe is extraordinarily plush, soft, and absorbent. When I’ve worn it after showering, neither I nor the robe was soaked — there’s no clingy “wet blanket” effect. And it never feels too heavy or overly warm. Wellness coach Daphne Javitch adds that even with its heavy-duty absorbency, this robe still feels light. Reshma Patel, founder of the jewelry store Quiet Storms, agrees: “It’s the dreamiest robe to put on post-shower or over PJs in the winter.” Another factor that brought this robe to the top: Coyuchi’s focus on sustainability.
Best (less expensive) bathrobe
Sizes: XS–3X | Material: Turkish cotton | Design: Shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$
Parachute’s cult-classic robe once had a waiting list of almost 2,000 people at its peak (and Strategist readers have flocked to get it since then). There’s a reason it’s so beloved — as yoga teacher Kate Posch puts it, the supersoft cotton surrounds you in a feel-good haze. After naming it a less-expensive alternative to our “best overall” recommendation, I asked the brand to send me one for review so I could see what all the fuss was about. The robe is made from a thicker terrycloth that’s almost swallowing — you really feel swaddled. “It’s not the thickest robe I’ve ever tried, but it’s somehow the warmest,” says Heather Pearson, co-founder of Dande and the Lion. It’s the sort of robe you want when you just get out of a steaming shower and don’t want to feel the cold coming in. Note that it’s not the fastest drying, and a trip through the washer will occasionally produce a few loose threads, so it’s best to launder it with it towels, T-shirts, and other items without buttons or zippers that might snag the terry.
Best fluffy bathrobe
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.
Another contender to consider: This Madonna Inn Robe recommended by Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie. The Madonna Inn is named after construction magnate Alex Madonna, not that Madonna, and is known for its over-the-top, all-pink aesthetic. The robe is provided to guests to use during their stays — and sold online as well — and the “fluffy, cotton-candy-colored polyester fleece” means you dry off fairly quickly, according to Gillespie. She likes swanning around her apartment in one, feeling like Jayne Mansfield in her “pink palace.”
Best bathrobe with piping
Sizes: S–XL | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Piping, shawl collar, front pockets | Price: $$$
Luxury textiles label Frette was founded in the 19th century, and its high-end linens have been used at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Soho House. The company makes the kinds of classic plush robes that swaddle — and cost a pretty penny. But if you choose H by Frette, the brand’s diffusion line, you can get the same five-star-hotel feel for less. With luxe piping along the collar, waist tie, and sleeves and across the shoulders, this bathrobe is just as lush as you’d imagine, according to Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell, who received it as a gift, but it doesn’t make her overheat like some others. “I mean, it’s Frette — so it’s hard not to feel like a rich bitch when you’ve got it on,” she says.
Best patterned bathrobe
Sizes: XS–3X | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Contrasting-stripe colorway, shawl collar, patch front pockets | Price: $$
You’ve probably seen Dusen Dusen on the influencer set — that’s how I became obsessed with the brand’s robe, which reminds me of old-fashioned carnival tents. Admittedly, it looks a little frivolous, in that very colorful, in-your-face way. But after owning it for close to a year, I can confidently say it’s worthwhile. The robe is made from a cotton similar to the brand’s bath towels and takes the job of sopping up shower water seriously. It doesn’t get too heavy when wet, isn’t suffocatingly thick, and leaves me totally dry. Plus, it’s just a cheerful thing to wear whenever you’re at your laziest. (A tip: The striped version often sells out, so if there’s a colorway you like, buy it sooner rather than later.)
Note: I’m currently testing another social-media favorite, Desmond & Dempsey’s Towel Robe, which is covered in jaguars inside and out. So far, the robe is giving Dusen Dusen’s a run for its money — it’s especially soft on just-exfoliated skin — so check back for more details soon.
Best hooded bathrobe
Sizes: One size | Material: Polyester | Design: Embroidered Soho House logo, hood | Price: $$
The title of “best hooded bathrobe” was more of a toss-up, but Soho Home ultimately won because its House Robe is made by Frette at a lower price point. The robe is the same one Soho House uses in its bedrooms and Cowshed spas — it even has the embroidered company logo. Leah Yari, co-founder of nail-polish brand Côte, first came across it at the Soho Farmhouse hotel in the U.K. “After a long day of travel, wrapping up in this fluffy cloud was my antidote to drizzly weather and jet lag,” Yari says. She describes it as “wonderfully snug.”
Best monogrammable bathrobe
Sizes: XS–XL | Material: Cotton terry | Design: Piping (customizable), front pockets | Price: $$$
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.”
Best (less expensive) monogrammable bathrobe
Sizes: S/M–2XL/3XL | Material: Cotton | Design: Piping, front pockets, shawl collar | Price: $$
Hill House Home’s claim to fame is the brand’s rather infamous nap dress. The label’s Hotel Robe takes some inspiration from the dress, as it’s available in a few twee floral prints reminiscent of 17th-century French textiles and garden trellises — though it also comes in white with contrast piping. Hill House offered to let me try the Hotel Robe, which I gladly accepted since I was set on finding a more affordable alternative to the monogrammable Matouk. With the Hotel Robe, you can add your initials, including choosing between lowercase and uppercase letters and the color of thread, for an extra $15.
I’ve gotten the chance to test a number of the robes in this guide, and this one is similar to our top-pick Coyuchi, in that it lives up to its “hotel robe” name. The already folded-up ends of the sleeves, which are piped, gives it a distinctly leisurely look. And while the robe definitely seemed puffed-out and plush right from the box, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s not at all heavy once on. I like that lightness — I don’t want to feel like I’ve just thrown a weighted blanket over my wet body after a shower. But the Hill House robe is fluffy and absorbent and won’t drag you down. Stock sometimes fluctuates, however, so don’t dillydally.
Best lightweight cotton robe
Size: One size | Material: Cotton | Design: Striped design, front pockets | Price: $$
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.) A fun fact: Songstress 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 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.)
Best (less expensive) lightweight cotton robe
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.”
Best bath wrap
Sizes: XXS–XXL | Material: Pima cotton | Design: Cross-back straps, wraparound, Velcro tabs | Price: $
Part of the reason I wanted to try this bath wrap is that this list didn’t include one — a big oversight, in my opinion. Plus, Lake is a favorite among Strategist staffers, with writers Dominique Pariso and Liza Corsillo as on-the-record fans of the brand’s pajamas. The bath wrap is made from the same Pima cotton Lake uses in those pajamas — which Pariso describes as “so, so soft.” I thought the cotton would immediately get soggy with shower water that I’d have to wring out — instead, I felt like it gently patted me dry. Still, it’s not the robe I’d reach for first when I’m dripping wet — 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).
Best cotton-blend robe
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. 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.
Another brand for cotton blends is Peridot Robes, which makes plus-size robes from sizes 1X to 7X. A Strategist reader — arts marketer Jeanna Vella — emailed me about the company after reading the guide. “These robes just drape beautifully and are clearly designed with a larger body in mind,” she says. “You can really tell they’ve put in the effort to get it just right.” Vella owns three of them — the House Kush, Holiday, and Dolly — which she’ll rotate through when putting one on after a shower or while getting ready. Fair warning: The brand’s stock is limited at the moment, with many sizes already sold out.
Best (less expensive) cotton-blend bathrobe
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.
Best blanket robe
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, 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.
Best waffle bathrobe
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 probably 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: light, 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.
Best (splurgeworthy) waffle bathrobe
Sizes: S–L | Material: Supima cotton (waffle weave) | Design: Patch front pockets, hood | Price: $$$
If you can swing a little splurge, Onsen’s bathrobe is another standout in the world of waffle-weaves. Onsen’s costs $195 compared to the $50 price tag on Quince’s — the biggest difference between the two is that the former is heavier and highly absorbent. It was an instantaneous “yes” when Onsen asked if I wanted one to try out. I remembered that Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang is devoted to the brand’s waffle-weave bath towels for their “slightly rougher texture because it feels more absorbent and soothing to dry off with,” and I found the same is true with the robe — it’s not plush in the way that our best overalls are, but it absorbs water like a sponge, taking me from soggy to dry fast, without the need to wring it out. (The hood also acts as an impromptu hair towel whenever I don’t want to wrap the top of my head in one.) The best part is that the robe still offers the lightness you want from a waffle weave — I don’t feel like it’s dragging me down. Just note that the waist tie can get very wrinkled in the dryer, so you should hang-dry it instead.
Best silk bathrobe
Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Material: Silk | Design: Interior tie, side pockets | Price: $$$
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.
Best linen bathrobe
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.
Best flannel bathrobe
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.
Some more bathrobes we’ve written about
Our experts
• 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
• 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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