We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We Tested Dozens of Bathrobes, and These Are the 19 Best

Robes so good you'll want to live in them.

The Coyuchi Unisex Organic Waffle Robe folded on bed
Photo:

Real Simple / Taylor Rock

If you’re anything like us, your bathrobe is one of your most-worn and much-loved items. It’s easy to throw on, comfortably roomy, and keeps you warm on chilly mornings. There are different types of bathrobes for different seasons and occasions, though—for instance, you’ll want a lightweight robe for a pool holiday, while a larger, more absorbent robe is best for post-bath envelopment. For those in warmer climates, a satin or silk kimono-style bathrobe will do you right.

Whatever you want in a bathrobe—cozy, comfortable, warm, absorbent, cooling, or cute—we found all the best options. To compile our list, we personally tested 38 robes over a six-month period, evaluating them for all the necessary factors, including size range, color options, design, durability, performance, and value. We also spoke to Erika Smith, brand manager at Fine Linen & Bath, for expert advice on what to look for when shopping for this lounging must-have.

What Stands Out
  • This robe’s material should win an award for being the softest substance ever—and it has pockets.

What Could Be Improved
  • Once you try it, you’re going to want one in every color.

Kashwere calls the material of its Signature Shawl Collar Robe “buttery soft,” and that’s quite the understatement. The truth is we can’t really come up with a word adequate enough for how soft this thing is—you have to feel it to believe it. It’s like the greatest blanket on Earth with sleeves.

This organically made robe is especially high quality: After wearing it religiously over the six-month testing period, it hasn’t deteriorated in the slightest and is still as lovely and plush as the day we got it. It’s very warm, keeping us toasty over the colder months and the feel is unbelievably comforting. Despite being super plushy, there was absolutely zero shedding, and it didn’t pill or stretch, either. 

This robe is absorbent—any wet spots we missed with a bath towel were immediately soaked up. The proprietary Chenilla material doesn’t wrinkle, either, giving you one less thing to iron. The robe remained tied with its belt—no need for a double knot—and we really loved the fact that it has deep pockets. It’s unisex, suitable for tall people, and available in nine colors. Quite frankly, we want them all.

Material: Chenilla | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on low/medium (no iron or bleach)

A person on a sofa while wearing the Kashwere Signature Shawl Collar Bathrobe

Real Simple / Chantia Murphy

What Stands Out
  • It’s soft, warm, and a great value.

What Could Be Improved
  • It might come up short on taller wearers.

We found the NY Threads Fleece Shawl Collar Bathrobe to be an excellent value for money. The material is soft and fleecy, and while it’s not meant to be used as a towel replacement, it is lightly absorbent. Despite its low price, it didn’t shed at all during the testing period. It washed well in the washing machine, with no pilling or deterioration of any kind.

The robe was comfortable and didn’t have any annoying tags or labels sticking out. The material has a bit of a stretch, but it never overstretched. Although thick, the material feels lightweight, so we were still able to wear it during warmer months after getting out of the shower. It will definitely be too warm for the middle of the summer, though. For the most part, it was able to stay tied, even without an inner tie, and it has handy pockets. 

This robe fits true to size and comes in four sizes and more than 15 colors. Just note that its length might be a touch short for taller people. Six months later, and after a lot of wear, it’s still going strong and performing as it should. It's comfy, cozy, and has survived multiple washes while still looking great. 

Material: Fleece | Size Range: S–XL | Care: Machine wash, dry on low (no iron or bleach)

Four Seasons Spa Robe
PHOTO: Four Seasons
What Stands Out
  • The quality is unmatched, and it screams luxury.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s almost too warm.

It might be pricier than other options, but the Four Seasons Spa Robe will make you feel like a million bucks every time you slip it on. Testing it was a joy, and we found ourselves wearing it any chance we got—after towel drying post shower, when lounging, while doing housework, you name it. We even washed it many, many times, and six months later, it still looks brand new. 

On the outside, the robe is a smooth, luxurious, and wrinkle-free cotton with an elegant embroidered logo, but on the inside, there’s a super-plushy terry material that makes you feel as if you’re being hugged by a cloud. It’s only slightly absorbent, but it’s not meant to be used as a bath towel. The quality is outstanding, which we expected for the price, though we’ve tested bathrobes that were three times more expensive, and this one is better in every way. 

This robe kept us very warm, so on hotter days we couldn’t wear it (even though we really, really wanted to). It stayed closed and firmly tied via its belt around the waist, and we found the pockets to be so roomy that we could easily stash our phone and multiple snacks in them. The brilliant white color will show any minor crumb or fleck of makeup, but it’s easy to wash and spot clean, and it doesn’t need ironing. The only reason this robe didn’t nab the top spot on our list of the best bathrobes is its higher price tag, but if you want to splurge, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.

Material: Microsuede, microfibre terry | Size Range: M–3XL | Care: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent, dry on low (no bleach or dry clean; iron as needed)

Closeup of tag on the Four Seasons Spa Bathrobe

Real Simple / Elena Garcia

What Stands Out
  • It’s highly absorbent, so it could be used straight out of the bath instead of a towel.

What Could Be Improved
  • It sheds a little at first.

It’s hard to find a bathrobe that feels just as plush as the ones they give you in luxury spas, but guess what? We found one, and it’s reasonably priced, too. Brooklinen’s Super-Plush Robe is comfortable, has a nice weight to it, and feels more expensive than it actually is. It’s also highly absorbent, so it could be used as a replacement for a bath towel. It did shed a bit in the beginning, but this stopped completely after the first couple of washes. 

Other than a few loose threads that we were able to easily snip off, it stayed intact after wearing and washing. In the six months that we’ve been using it, the robe hasn’t faded or discolored. It did shrink a little when we put it in the dryer, although we did not dry it on the recommended low setting, so don’t make the same mistake that we did and maybe let it air dry instead.

The material doesn’t stretch, so if you like your robe to have a more oversized fit, we recommend sizing up. There are five sizes and 11 color options to choose from (but there’s just something about the white that gives you that five-star hotel feel). As it’s just the right weight and thickness, it’s a good year-round robe, although it is warm, so might not be the best for warmer climates. It has pockets but no hood, which would have come in handy to dry our hair.

Material: 100% Turkish cotton | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on low (no bleach)

What Stands Out
  • Its softness is something else, and it looks good as new despite spills, baby spit up, and grubby hands.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s too warm for the hotter months.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and cozy robe to lounge in, look no further. In true UGG fashion, the material is so soft and warm that it quickly became our favorite clothing item. It’s well made, high quality, and maintained its gorgeous appearance even after months of wear. Several washes later, and the fabric is still in amazing shape. It doesn’t need ironing, either, as its thick material doesn’t crease.

The robe is comfortable to wear on a daily basis, with or without clothes underneath, but it might be a little too warm for summer. Even though it’s not particularly stretchy, the robe didn’t feel restrictive or tight in any way, and we were able to move around freely. It has pockets and a traditional tie belt to keep it closed, but there is no inner tie. It didn’t shed or leave any lint lying around, but we found that when we applied body lotion, it would stick to us more than a terry cloth robe would.

This robe is so plush that even the kids love cuddling up to us more than usual and rubbing their little palms all over its soft fabric. In the six-month testing period, it’s lived through spills, baby spit up, and grubby hands and has come out unscathed with no stains or deterioration. It has a great fit, and the sizes run true to size. It’s one of the best robes for lounging, although not for use straight out of the shower. We think it would be really great for gifting.

Material: Polyester | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on low

What Stands Out
  • It’s lightweight yet warm.

What Could Be Improved
  • There’s a limited color selection.

Available in both men’s and women’s sizing, the L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe is clearly well made and feels like wearing a cozy, lightweight blanket. The material is soft, comfortable, warm, and flexible, and we found it to be more resilient than similar flannel products. The fabric never lost its coloring after washing or wearing, and after six months, it looks just like it did when we first took it out of its box.

During testing, we never noticed any fuzz, lint, or shedding, and there was no pilling or stretching. It didn’t ever make us overheat, but it’s not ideal for the summer months when even a T-shirt and shorts can feel like too much (unless you have your air conditioner set to a perfectly chilly temperature). If you want something even warmer, this robe is also available in a faux shealing-lined version with a hood.

The material is durable and dries quickly post-shower. It’s not tight or restrictive, and the snugness can be adjusted with the belt. The robe comes in a few plaid colorways, and there are plus and tall sizes available. It doesn’t seem to come in any plain colors, though, for anyone who’s not a fan of plaid. You can also get these robes monogrammed. 

Material: Cotton flannel | Size Range: XS–3XL, petite and plus sizes available | Care: Machine wash and dry

Hands holding mug in front of the L.L. Bean Men's Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe

Real Simple / Riddley Schirm

What Stands Out
  • It’s temperature regulating, spacious, and highly absorbent, so you can use it straight out of the shower.

What Could Be Improved
  • An inner tie would help it stay closed better.

The Coyuchi Unisex Organic Waffle Robe saves you the toweling-off stage after showering as it’s very absorbent and will have you dry in no time. We were actually surprised by just how fast this robe soaked in all the water without feeling sopping wet after. While it’s not as soft as a faux shearling, microfiber, or other plush types of robe, the material is as soft as a waffle-weave fabric could possibly be, and it feels crisp, clean, and amazing on the skin.

The fabric isn’t very thick, which makes the robe lightweight, comfortable, and nonrestrictive. It’s incredibly well-made with hidden seams and oozes high quality. The fabric is temperature regulating, so we never got too warm when wearing it—we always felt as if we were at the perfect temperature. It has two handy pockets that are impressively large, and it stayed closed for the most part with just a belt, but an inner tie would have made us more confident in its concealing abilities.

It has held up during the six months that we have been testing it, making us confident that this robe will last a long time. You can’t see any wrinkles thanks to the waffle pattern, it hasn’t shed, faded, or stretched, and it somehow seems to improve in quality after each wash. We also loved the extra length, as we could take longer strides or sit in lotus position without worrying about exposure. One of our favorite things about this option is its beautiful color selection.

Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on low (no bleach, warm iron only)

What Stands Out
  • It’s beyond soft.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s too warm for spring and summer.

The reason there are 20 products on our list of the best bathrobes is that there were just so many amazingly comfortable options. Right up there in terms of comfort, warmth, and never-want-to-take-it-off vibes is the Plush Signature Robe from Plush Necessities. Wearing this robe is like having a huge cuddly teddy bear wrapped around your body—we wore it every chance we got.

The robe’s high-quality material is lightweight yet chunky for maximum coziness. Its craftsmanship is excellent, and washing it did not make it pill, shrink, discolor, or alter in any way. It doesn’t wrinkle and has not shed the whole time we’ve been testing it. It’s very warm, making it perfect for fall and winter but not so much for summer (you’ll more than likely find yourself sweating a few seconds after putting it on during hot months).

This bathrobe is also very absorbent. It’s not towel-like, so you may prefer to use an actual bath towel to dry off after the shower, but you technically could. It has two pockets and two ties that kept it safely closed when we wanted it to be. It comes in five colors, eight size options, and fits true to size.

Material: Microfiber plush fleece | Size Range: XXS–3XL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on air fluff cycle only (no heat)

What Stands Out
  • It’s well made, can be machine washed, and makes you feel like a Hollywood star.

What Could Be Improved
  • It would benefit from an inner tie or button to keep it more securely closed.

A good silk robe has the mysterious ability to turn you into the epitome of luxury the second you slip it on. Lunya’s Washable Silk Robe is one such garment. It’s made from 100% mulberry silk, and unlike similar robes made from this delicate material, is completely safe to pop in the washing machine. We absolutely loved the feel of this material. It won’t help you dry off after a bath, but it’s optimal for lounging in. 

This top-quality robe held up well during the testing period and is still looking new even after several months and washing machine tumbles. The material is thin, extra light, and cooling but won’t keep you warm in colder weather. It does wrinkle slightly, even when the robe is just on a hanger, but it’s not all that noticeable (a good steamer can fix that). 

What makes this different from others are its elastic wrist cuffs that keep the billowy sleeves from covering your hands and in place if you need to pull them up. It does have pockets, but since the material is so lightweight, putting a phone in one of them visibly weighs it down. The material is also so silky smooth that it had trouble staying securely closed if we didn’t double knot the belt. It could benefit from having a button or some other closing mechanism, but it’s not a dealbreaker. There are several colors and some limited-edition patterns to choose from as well as a long version.

Material: Mulberry silk | Size Range: XS/S–1X | Care: Machine wash on cold, lay flat to dry

Close up of hand in pocket of colorful Lunya Washable Silk Robe

Real Simple / Julia Warren

What Stands Out
  • It’s elegant, cooling, and silky smooth.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only comes in one size.

If you’re after a kimono-style robe, we are fairly certain that we found the best one ever. KIM+ONO’s Short Kimono Robe comes in five different colors and is well constructed, and the material feels high quality despite being polyester. It’s luxurious, sophisticated, and made us feel particularly fancy. 

The outside of the robe is silky and smooth—almost too smooth. The inside is a little more matte, which still felt soft but provided a little friction, which made it not slide around so freely against the skin. It’s thin and light as a feather, so you’ll never get too hot in it, but it’s not what you want to throw on if you’re feeling chilly. It’s more of a statement piece.

This robe is breathable and nonrestrictive, and even though we have machine washed it several times, it still looks vibrant and brand new. Our only qualms were that the wrinkles were a little tricky to get out, and the silky belt wouldn’t stay tied. There are, however, ties on the inside that helped it stay closed. It also doesn’t have pockets and only comes in one universal size, which might not actually suit everyone.

Material: Polyester | Size Range: One size | Care: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle inside a delicate laundry bag, hang dry

What Stands Out
  • The belt stays tied, it comes in many colors, and it has a low price tag.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not as durable as some other options.

The inexpensive Amazon Essentials Full-Length Plush Robe surprised us with its comfort, light weight, and soft material. It also has pockets and comes in over 14 colors so there’s something for every taste and style. The quality was better than we initially expected it to be, and it didn’t wrinkle, get discolored, or start to lose its fuzz during the testing period. 

Its weight makes it suitable for all seasons, and it stays tied, allowing us to move freely without it blowing wide open. Although it’s thinner than many of the other bathrobes we tried on and priced much lower, it doesn’t feel cheap at all. This multi-use robe is absorbent enough to use after showering, and it was also comfortable to lounge around in or when getting ready to go out.

The material is breathable, and the fit is relaxed, comfortable, and doesn’t restrict movement. It’s machine washable, too, so cleaning is a breeze—we just threw it in with the rest of the towels and hung it out to dry. This option has shown a few slight signs of wear and tear after six months of regular wears and washes, but it’s still looking good. For the price, we can’t really complain. 

Material: Cotton/polyester blend | Size Range: XS–7X | Care: Machine wash

The Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Waffle Full-Length Robe folded in half

Real Simple / Alyssa Brady

What Stands Out
  • Its extra thickness makes it an excellent winter bathrobe.

What Could Be Improved
  • It might be too long for shorter users and has many strict dos and don'ts when it comes to washing and drying.

Whether you’re lounging by the fireplace on a cold winter’s night or waking up to have coffee on a chilly morning, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic will be your new best friend. This fuzzy, polyester microfiber robe feels like a wearable blanket. It’s very absorbent but not really suitable to dry you after a bath. Putting it on after toweling dry, however, is heavenly. 

The quality of this robe is very high, and it has proved durable: It still looks new after wearing it for long stretches at a time over the course of several months. It didn’t shed, discolor, or lose its shape whatsoever, and you couldn’t get this material to wrinkle, no matter how hard you tried. We would definitely class this robe as one for winter or cold climates as you’re sure to break a sweat in higher temperatures.

After many washes, it did start to lose a tiny bit of its fuzziness, but this could have been due to us not strictly sticking to the washing guidelines. The robe is stretchy and roomy, so sizing up isn’t necessary. It’s also extra long, making it ideal for taller users, but people around the 5-foot mark might want to give it a miss (or buy it and get it altered). Also, the waist tie is unusually long. None of these aspects were dealbreakers, however.

Material: 100% polyester microfiber | Size Range: 0–3 | Care: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry or tumble dry low (no bleach, dryer sheets, or fabric softeners; steam or cool iron)

The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Unisex Robe on a hanger

Real Simple / Sophia DeVito

What Stands Out
  • It’s elegant, lightweight, and folds up compactly in a suitcase.

What Could Be Improved
  • It runs a bit big.

Natori’s Shangri-La Robe it’s made from a soft Tencel modal material blended with polyester and is incredibly lightweight. It also folds up very small, making it a superb travel buddy. More house robe than bathrobe, this chic option isn’t absorbent enough to completely dry you off after a shower. It is well made, though, and it doesn’t pill or shed.

The material and weight of this robe makes it suitable for wearing year round, as we never felt too warm in it. It has a belt and an extra tie on the inside that helps keep the robe closed—it stayed snug during the whole testing period. The sleeves are airy, and it did not constrain us in any way, thanks to its stretchy fabric that allows for free movement.

After months of rigorous testing and washing in the machine, this robe has held its shape and color without any hint of fading. It looks the same as it did on the first day, and feels just as soft and comfortable. The robe runs a little big, which is somewhat expected in a bathrobe, but if you prefer a snugger fit, you might want to size down. It comes in five colors and eight sizes. 

Material: 65% Tencel modal, 35% polyester | Size Range: XS–2X | Care: Machine wash on cold, tumble dry low

The Natori Shangri-La Robe on a hanger

Real Simple / Gabrielle Renslow

What Stands Out
  • This versatile robe looks more like a cardigan than a bathrobe.

What Could Be Improved
  • The sleeves are a bit long and can’t be easily rolled up.

Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand has become synonymous with shapewear, but its loungewear should not be overlooked. This cardigan-like lounge robe is made from a soft and buttery modal with a dash of spandex to give it a comfortable stretch. It has a very slight ribbed texture, but this doesn’t take away from its softness. Its minimal and short design also means that you could wear it with guests around as it doesn’t have that typical (and sometimes frumpy) bathrobe aesthetic.

The robe is not as lightweight as we initially thought it would be. It has a good amount of heft to it, which adds coziness into the mix. This also meant that no wrinkles were ever visible. The robe screams high quality; it’s well constructed and didn’t fade with wear or washing. The quality remained consistent.

Even though it is warm, it didn’t make us too hot, and because of its short length, it can even be worn in warmer weather. It stays tied even without extra inner ties, and the two side pockets are also convenient. The robe is true to size, but we found the sleeves a little long, and the material doesn’t allow them to be easily rolled up. It comes in a variety of colors, including some limited edition designs.

Material: 91% modal, 9% spandex | Size Range: XXS–4X | Care: Machine wash on cold, lay flat to dry (no bleach, iron on low, do not dry clean)

What Stands Out
  • It’s lightweight, durable, and made well from high-quality materials.

What Could Be Improved
  • The ties don’t keep it securely closed for long.

The Company Store Legends Luxury Pima Cotton Kimono Robe is a quality option made from premium materials, and this is evident as soon as you open up the package. While thin and soft, the 100% Peruvian pima cotton fabric doesn’t feel flimsy at all, and it still kept us warm. It’s also stretchy for extra comfort and range of motion. Even after washing, the fabric felt the same, and the color didn't rub off onto the skin, clothes, or bedding. 

We found the texture and thickness to be spot on. It feels nice on the skin without being overly soft and fluffy. It has pockets on both sides and both an outer and inner tie. While we loved that the ties were sewed on so we wouldn’t lose them, they didn’t do a very good job of keeping the robe closed—when wearing for extended periods, we had to adjust them every so often. 

Despite the lazy ties, we still found this to be a comfortable and functional robe to wear right out of the shower or bath, lounge around in while watching a movie or reading a book, or wearing when getting ready. It runs true to size (potentially a little big), so we don’t think sizing up is necessary. It’s easy to clean, and while it has faded every so slightly after lots of wear over six months, it is still in great shape. Overall, it’s an outstanding robe that feels like it will last a long time. 

Material: 100% Peruvian pima cotton | Size Range: XS–XXL | Care: Machine wash on cold, gentle cycle, inside out with like colors, dry on low (no bleach, cool iron on the reverse side)

What Stands Out
  • It feels luxurious, custom made, and is odor resistant.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only has two belt loops.

The Cariloha Bamboo Bathrobe has a high-end feel with a substantial amount of weight that kept us comfortably warm. We were even able to dash out and get the mail in 60°F weather with no issue. It retains heat efficiently and is ideal for cold months or climates. We loved walking around in this robe as it doesn’t limit movement in any way, even though it’s not stretchy. 

This is a quality bathrobe that feels luxurious—the kind that you’d find in a top spa. The fit is flawless and it feels custom made. The waist strap stayed tied as long as we needed it to, and the robe remained closed even without an inner tie. There are only two belt loops, and we felt that a third one would lessen the strain on the others which could become loose over time (although there are no signs of this yet). 

The material is absorbent and moisture wicking, and the addition of bamboo makes it odor resistant. After the first wash, the robe became slightly less plush, but its quality and look has remained consistent ever since. (It needs to be machine washed on cold and tumble dried on low to keep its softness.) Worn daily for over six months, the bathrobe has not deteriorated in quality, comfort, or aesthetics, and it feels durable enough to last several more years.

Material: 32% viscose from bamboo, 13% Egyptian cotton, 40% micro polyester, 15% polyester | Size Range: S/M–L/XL | Care: Machine wash on cold, dry on low heat

Best Monogrammable

RH Luxury Plush Long Robe

RH Luxury Plush Long Robe
PHOTO: Restoration Hardware
What Stands Out
  • This robe is durable, exceedingly soft, and forms around your body for ultimate comfort.

What Could Be Improved
  • The sleeves are a little long.

We’ve got another plush one for you, and it’s a stunner. Restoration Hardware’s Luxury Plush Robe is warm and comforting, and its softness is off the charts. It’s exceptionally well made with high-quality materials and has held up impressively over the entire testing period. It didn’t shed in the wash or at any other time and has kept its original fluffy state with no fading or discoloration. The robe has a loose structure that adapts to the shape of your body for maximum comfort.

The robe is breathable, stretchy, and flexible, with no signs of creases, pilling, or overstretching. Its 50- to 52-inch length kept everything from neck to ankles nice and warm, but we never felt too hot. And the robe stays closed, even without an inside tie. It didn’t help us dry off after a bath as it isn’t very absorbent, but this isn’t the robe’s intended use. It’s meant to be worn while having a lazy day, binging your favorite shows, and stuffing all the necessary snacks in its two spacious pockets. 

The robe fits remarkably well and true to size, but the arms are on the long side so we rolled them up—problem solved. If you’re looking to add a little more luxury to your life or just some warmth and coziness, this functional robe is a winner and will last a very long time. You can add a monogram for a more personal touch, which also makes this a neat gift idea. 

Material: 100% poly-plush | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash

Folded RH Luxury Plush Long Robe with tag

Real Simple / Cydnie Cole

What Stands Out
  • It’s not your typical maternity garb and can be enjoyed after pregnancy, too.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s only available in two colors.

If you’re looking for a robe to accommodate your baby bump, the Feel Good Delivery Robe from Storq is a maternity robe that will see you through all stages of pregnancy (including postpartum!), thanks to its stretchy design. This option is high quality with a nice weight, soft, and exudes quiet luxury. 

After washing, we didn’t notice any pilling, shedding, or discoloration, and wrinkles simply fell out naturally during drying. It’s beyond comfortable, too, with plenty of material to fully cover everything and keep it firmly closed—no wardrobe malfunctions here. It’s suitable for all temperatures (perhaps not freezing, although you could always layer it over warmer loungewear and PJs), and it stretches beautifully when necessary, molding to the body’s shape. 

The pockets are roomy, too, which comes in handy when the baby comes and you run out of carrying space. We’ve worn and washed this several times over the last six months, and it still looks beautiful and luxe. This robe made us feel très chic, and we’re confident it will last many years.

Material: 92% modal, 8% spandex | Size Range: XS/S–3XL/4XL | Care: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with like colors, dry on low or lay flat to dry

Closeup of top of Storq Feel Good Delivery Robe on hanger

Real Simple / Ivy Ford

What Stands Out
  • It’s stylish, comfortable, well made, and warm.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only comes in two gray colors, and we wish it had a hood.

The UGG Men’s Robinson Robe, made from cotton and polyester, is immensely soft and comfortable. The fabric is absorbent enough to wear after getting out of the bath, too. It looks almost new after months of regular wear, and the color and fabric are holding up great, as well. It doesn’t wrinkle, shed, or retain odor, and it can be washed in the machine on a cold setting. This robe feels very high end, and although it isn’t stretchy or plush as some of our other picks, it’s still breathable, comfortable, and warm—perfect for lazy Sundays when it's cold outside. 

The robe stays securely tied with its belt, with no readjustment needed, and the spacious and useful pockets give it a splash of style and convenience. If we had to find a downside, it somehow feels like it’s missing a hood. We would also like more color varieties. Otherwise, this is a long-lasting, high-quality, stylish, comfortable, and cozy bathrobe that we highly recommend. 

Material: 30% cotton, 70% polyester, 100% polyester pile | Size Range: XS/S–XL/XXL | Care: Machine wash on cold

Person wearing an UGG Men's Robinson Robe in a hallway

Real Simple / Mike Navarro

Final Verdict

There are no words to describe just how soft and comfortable the Kashwere Signature Shawl Collar Robe is, which is why it effortlessly snagged the top spot on our list of the best bathrobes. It’s organically made, high quality, warm, and has thus far stood the test of time. For an awesome budget pick, the NY Threads Fleece Shawl Collar Bathrobe is soft, warm, and offers a great value at just around $30.

Our Testing Process

To compile our list of the best bathrobes, we tested 38 of them in our own homes over a period of six months using a set methodology. We first assessed the material, quality, design, and build of each robe. We wore them regularly during our daily routines both for lounging and after showering, noting factors like how absorbent and comfortable each robe was, whether it closed easily and stayed closed, and whether the quality deteriorated over time. We then washed the bathrobes according to the manufacturer’s guidelines (several times) and checked for any snags, tears, fading, or quality changes. We reported our initial findings upon receipt of the bathrobes, then again after three and six months.

How to Shop for Bathrobes Like a Pro

Material

Bathrobes come in many different materials, the most common being cotton, microfiber, fleece, silk, and satin, but you can also find them in linen, cashmere, and bamboo.

Cotton bathrobes can be terry cloth, velour, or waffle weave. Smith tells us that terry cloth is by far the most absorbent since it’s just like a towel. Velour has a velvety feel on the outside and typically has a more absorbent terry material on the inside. Waffle weave, like the Coyuchi Organic Waffle Robe, is a more lightweight option that’s breathable but can also be used to dry off, although it won’t be as absorbent as terry cloth. 

Microfiber bathrobes, like microfleece or microsuede, are soft and lightweight, but their best attribute is that they’re warm and made for cozying up on colder days and nights. This type is, according to Smith, only somewhat absorbent. Similarly, fleece is suitable for winter and deep fall but not for use post bath.

Silk and satin bathrobes, e.g. the KIM+ONO Short Kimono Robe, have a more deluxe feel. They are also cooling, making them ideal for spring and summer. Satin is typically more affordable than silk but still feels wonderfully smooth on the skin. For something more luxurious, cashmere robes are soft, warm, and comfortable, but they tend to be quite pricey. Smith says silk, satin, and other natural materials are not absorbent at all.

A linen bathrobe is another more natural option that’s cooling, breathable, lightweight, and highly absorbent. Due to the thin material, it will get soaked through more than a terry option, for instance, and the material feels a little rougher. Bamboo is absorbent yet lightweight, and it’s antimicrobial and hypoallergenic—great for those with sensitive skin.

Fit

You’ll find that most bathrobes come in the standard sizes (small, medium, large, extra large, etc.), but as with all clothes, sizes can vary greatly depending on the brand. You might need to get the tape measure out and compare your measurements against the retailer’s size guide if you’re particularly concerned about the fit. 

You shouldn’t need to size up when it comes to bathrobes unless you really like the oversized look and feel or plan to layer it over chunky clothes. Bathrobes typically have a more relaxed fit, so unless you somehow get the order horribly wrong, a bathrobe in your normal size should fit just fine. Most bathrobes come with simple tie belts that you can adjust as needed, although some do have buttons, zippers, or other closings.

Silk and satin bathrobes are probably the only types that will need a more accurate measurement, as they’re designed to have a slightly snugger fit than microfiber or terry cloth options. Perhaps the most important concern is the length—a long, full-length robe, like the Natori Shangri-La Tencel Robe, might drag against the floor on shorter users, whereas a standard mid-length or short robe, such as the Skims Soft Lounge Robe, could end up being a mini on tall folks. 

Some retailers offer different robe and sleeve lengths, so read the product description to make sure it’s the exact size and style you want. Thankfully, most of the options on our list are returnable and exchangeable (except for ones that offer customization, like the RH Luxury Plush Long Robe), so if you find that your order doesn’t fit, you can swap it for a different size. Smith’s expert tip when it comes to buying a new bathrobe is to measure your current favorite robe and try to find one that matches its measurements instead of going off the traditional sizing.

Usage

For throwing on after a bath, you’re going to need a very absorbent bathrobe to dry you off as quickly as possible. Smith suggests terry cloth. Waffle cotton, bamboo, and linen are also absorbent materials. 

“If you want something for lounging, go for a microfiber, silk, satin, or natural material option,” she adds. Fleece, microfleece, velour cotton, and cashmere are all comfortable, cozy, and will keep you nice and warm, meaning that they won’t be the best option for spring, summer, or for those in hot climates. Instead, opt for lightweight and breathable bathrobe materials like waffle cotton, linen, silk, or satin. 

More Bathrobes to Consider

Parachute Waffle Robe: This robe is comfortable, high quality, carefully stitched, and feels soft and luxurious. It has a great look, and the thin and lightweight material kept us at just the right temperature year-round. We found the sleeves to be a little long and billowy—to wash your face, you definitely have to roll the sleeves up to keep them from getting wet, but they do stay that way once rolled. Six months on and it still looks good, is extremely functional, and comfortable.

Avocado Organic French Terry Robe: The material of this terry robe is soft, warm, and cozy. It is clearly well-made and feels high quality. It did a good job of drying us off after a shower and held up well during the whole testing period. It isn’t a stretchy robe, but this didn’t limit movement in any way. The reason it didn’t make it to our list of the best is that it runs very small and only goes up to an XL (which felt more like a medium).

Cuyana Washable Charmeuse Robe: This beautiful robe has a stunning neckline and drapes elegantly over the body. It’s gorgeous in both quality and design and feels just like silk, even though it’s charmeuse. It’s comfortable, looks luxe, and made us feel very sophisticated. Its downsides are that it does tend to wrinkle (although they fall out naturally after being hung up for a couple of days), it formed a little snag at the three-month mark, and its high price (which made the snag all the more painful). But if you can get it on sale, it’s totally worth it.

The back of Cuyana Washable Charmeuse Robe while on a hanger

Real Simple / Ivy Ford

Questions You Might Ask

How often should you replace your bathrobe?

“This depends on the brand and quality of the robe, as well as its usage,” Smith says. It goes without saying that the more you wear your bathrobe, the sooner you’ll need to replace it. High-quality materials, like terry cloth, bamboo, and cashmere, could last more than five years of regular use if cared for properly. 

Lower-quality materials, although more affordable, won’t last you as long. Polyester or low-grade cotton might start to wear out after a couple of years, maybe even sooner. If you only use your robe occasionally, you can pretty much expect it to last forever, unless it somehow gets damaged or if you don’t follow the advice on the item’s care label.

Proper washing at the stated temperature is important. Many bathrobes can either only be hand washed or machine washed in cold water and aren’t suitable for the dryer. Even if the bathrobe can go in the dryer, air drying it will be gentler on the fabric and could extend its life. When you’re not wearing your bathrobe, make sure you store it in a dry and well-ventilated area to keep it fresh.

The signs to look for that will let you know it’s time for a new robe include fraying or thinning fabric, holes, loose threads, fading, stains, loss of shape or elasticity, strange odors, and any change in comfort levels or absorbency (a bathrobe that’s constantly used for post-bath drying might start to lose its absorbency after a few years). Perhaps the most important factor that will tell you it’s time for a bathrobe upgrade is whether you still find it comfortable and a joy to wear. 

How much should you expect to spend on a bathrobe?

The price of a bathrobe depends on many factors, like the material, the quality, and the brand. The bathrobes we’ve curated in this roundup are priced from $30 for the NY Threads Fleece Shawl Collar Bathrobe, with the most expensive being the Lunya Washable Silk Robe at $279. Most of the products, however, cost less than $100, with some being just slightly over. 

Is a bathrobe a replacement for a bath towel?

An absorbent bathrobe could totally replace a bath towel in some instances. “For the elderly or those with movement or balance issues, yes, it can absolutely be a replacement,” Smith says. Typically, bathrobes won’t be as absorbent as a towel that’s specifically designed for the task, so it is better to at least slightly dry off with a towel before putting on your bathrobe. “I personally like to do a quick dry off with a towel before using my post-shower terry bath robe,” Smith says. “This also helps you not have to wash the bathrobe constantly.” 

It’s also worth noting that you won’t be able to lounge in your bathrobe for long after your shower as it will have absorbed all the water and won’t be comfortable to sit in. If you opt to go sans towel, hang your robe up somewhere to dry thoroughly once your body is completely dry. In hotter months, you’ll find that both you and the bathrobe will dry off a lot quicker after the shower, so it’s easier to forgo the towel. If you don’t have an absorbent bathrobe, you’ll have to completely dry off with a towel after your bath or shower, then put your robe on.

What are the best bathrobe brands?

The most popular bathrobe brands—and the ones that first spring to mind when thinking of shopping for new one—include Ralph Lauren, Brooklinen, UGG, L.L.Bean, Pottery Barn, The Company Store, Parachute, Restoration Hardware, and Coyuchi. After trying out dozens of the best bathrobes from all different brands for over six months, we'd like to add a few more to this list: Kashwere, Four Seasons Spa, Lunya, KIM+ONO, Barefoot Dreams, Natori, and Storq. We also think that some of the more affordable options found at large online retailers like Amazon or Walmart, while they might not be as durable, offer a great value for the money.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we reviewed and personally tested multiple bathrobes and noted factors such as each robe’s quality, size and color range, absorbency, and overall value for the money. Kat also spoke to Erika Smith, brand manager at Fine Linen & Bath in Connecticut.

Related Articles