Bring the spa experience home with these affordable loungewear essentials.
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Whether you’re getting ready for a relaxing winter at home, planning a ski chalet vacation, or even looking for the ultimate gift, a cozy, comfortable bathrobe deserves a place on your shopping list. There are lots of styles and materials to choose from, from terrycloth robes with plenty of absorbency for throwing on after a shower to plush or fleece robes made for winter warmth. Of course there are robes suited for warmer weather, too, made from lightweight silk or packable cotton waffle.
To help you find the best bathrobe for your needs, our editors tested 38 popular options in real-life scenarios over the course of two weeks. Each product was rated for quality, comfort, design, and fit, with the winners in categories ranging from best flannel to best silk listed below.
With a high stitch count and quality microfiber fleece fabric, this robe is as durable as it is unbelievably comfortable.
Because it’s so warm, it’s better for cold weather wear than as a year-round option.
Made from superfine microfiber fleece, the unisex Plush Signature Robe is the softest choice in the Plush Necessities line. We found it thick yet lightweight, very absorbent, and cozily warm — in fact, our team member who tested it said it was “absolutely one of the most comfortable things [they’ve] ever worn.” We love the oversized shawl collar and trimmed cuffs, and that the mid-calf length provides plenty of coverage while still affording full freedom of movement.
The side pockets are another highlight, with enough height and depth to accommodate a smartphone or small book. And, with extra stitching on the seams and sturdy exterior and interior ties, this is a robe that’s built to last. It’s conveniently machine washable, and we found that it held up well to this process, emerging wrinkle-free with no shedding or discoloration. Colors range from practical charcoal to gorgeous lavender or cranberry, among others.
The Details: XXS to 3XL | Microfiber fleece | Machine washable
The robe’s waffle weave is super absorbent and just the right weight for lounging around the house in warmer weather.
Although it didn’t make any difference to its ability to stay closed, it’s worth noting that this robe lacks an interior tie.
Looking for a waffle robe that prioritizes sustainable quality? The GOTS-certified Coyuchi Unisex Organic Waffle Robe is crafted from 100 percent organic cotton and impressed us with the durability of its construction. We really liked the fit, which felt streamlined and well-proportioned throughout, with plenty of length in the arms and enough fabric that we could sit pretzel-style and still be covered. And while the waffle weave is obviously not as soft as a plush robe, it’s lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable for warmer weather.
It’s also very absorbent, as proven when we wore the robe straight out of the shower and felt dry almost immediately. We like the two large pockets, and the fact that the robe is machine washable and dryer-friendly (both on a cool setting.) It even gets softer and more supple with every wash, with no sign of discoloration during testing. Best of all? The waffle weave doesn’t wrinkle, so there’s no need to get your iron out. Colors range from serene alpine white to striking deep ocean.
The Details: XS/S to XXL | Organic cotton | Machine washable
This robe gets an A+ for year-round comfort and works to dry the wearer quickly when worn straight out of the shower.
Size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit.
The Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe is made from combed, long-staple Turkish cotton for the perfect combination of absorbency, softness, and durability. Our team member who tested this robe says that wearing it “feels like being enveloped by a warm hug,” and praised it for being just heavy enough to feel luxurious while maintaining enough lightness to prevent overheating. When worn straight out of the shower, it absorbed water quickly. It features an adjustable waist belt and despite having no interior tie, had no problems staying securely closed.
The wide cuffs are easy to roll up if the sleeves come up a little long, while pockets are a handy addition. The only downside? The robe shed fibers on the first wear on wet skin. However, this didn’t happen again after we washed it, and we liked that there was no sign of fading or discoloration. Be careful about over-drying it though: we left it in for a few cycles and felt it shrunk slightly as a result. Colors include white, graphite, striped flamingo, and more.
The Details: XS to XL | Cotton | Machine washable
Despite being one of the most affordable options on this list, this robe far surpassed our expectations in terms of lightweight quality and comfort.
If your priority is winter warmth, there are thicker, plusher robes out there.
This kimono-style robe from Amazon Essentials is easy on the budget but also well-made. It survived testing with no wrinkles, discoloration, or shedding, but — most importantly — we were very pleased with how comfortable it was. The robe is light enough to wear all year long without feeling cheap. The thinness of its soft cotton-polyester blend also makes it easy to tie, wear, and move around in without restriction.
When you step out of the shower, the waffle knit provides impressive yet breathable absorbency. Other features include two wide, deep hip pockets; an adjustable belt; and an interior waist tie for holding the robe closed. We love how inclusive the sizing is (up to 7X), as well as the wide range of colors that include standard white, mustard yellow, teal blue, and more than a dozen other options. Some colors add style points with a contrasting trim around the placket, sleeve cuffs, and pocket tops.
The Details: XS to 7X | Cotton, polyester | Machine washable
This is a high-quality robe made from the finest soft flannel, with an ultra-comfortable, relaxed fit and a choice of smart plaid prints.
Although we loved everything about this robe, some may wish it had an interior tie and/or hood.
The L.L.Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe is crafted from long-staple cotton for the best possible fabric strength and quality. We loved the flannel’s brushed softness, flexibility, and warmth, although we felt it would probably be a little too warm for summer wear. The relaxed fit meant it was completely comfortable in a variety of positions, and even though it lacks an interior tie, the robe stayed firmly closed throughout testing. It features a chest pocket and two generous hip pockets.
The plaid prints are super smart, with some rich and vibrant options as well as more subtle colorways. Add a monogram for next-level lounging style. When we washed the robe, the colors stayed fast. There was no shedding, pilling, or stretching — in fact, the robe still looked brand new. It’s conveniently machine washable and dryer-safe and available in both regular and tall lengths. One of our team members who is over six feet tall found that the tall length fit well.
The Details: S to 3XL | Cotton flannel | Machine washable
This robe is beautifully made from a jersey material that maintains its softness and flexibility even after multiple washes.
The robe comes up fairly long: it hit at ankle length for our five-foot-four team member.
If you love the inherent coziness of jersey fabric, you’ll love the lightweight softness of the Natori Shangri-La Robe. It’s made from a blend of Tencel modal and polyester, which we found both wonderfully comfortable and super absorbent when used straight after a shower. The quality of the robe’s workmanship is high, too. Even after everyday use and multiple washes, it looked as good as new with no fading, shedding, or wrinkling.
The sizing is generous, which means plenty of freedom of movement. We found the robe breathable and feel it would be a great year-round option for those that tend to run hot and like to keep their loungewear lightweight. Other highlights include the deep pockets and extra interior tie, as well as the flowing kimono sleeves. Choose from a selection of neutral and pastel shades including blush pink and heather gray.
The Details: XS to 3XL | Tencel modal, polyester | Machine washable
Being able to machine wash a silk robe is a definite plus, as is its lightweight packability.
With only one size available, this short-cut robe is not particularly inclusive of all body types.
Looking for a stylish loungewear layering option or lightweight summer robe? The Quince Washable Silk Robe is a relatively affordable, low-maintenance option for those who appreciate the skin-nourishing and thermoregulating properties of mulberry silk. We found it super soft and light, although there was more friction between the fabric and the skin than we’d usually expect from this material.
It’s also not particularly absorbent, so not a great option for those who want their robe to double as a towel. Nevertheless, we liked the thigh-skimming fit, the hand-sized hip pockets, and effective interior and exterior ties; not to mention the fact that it held up well to being washed in the machine. There were some wrinkles, but we didn’t feel they detracted much from the overall look. Colors (achieved through a bluesign-approved dyeing process) include black, crimson, toasted almond, and more.
The Details: One size fits most | Mulberry silk | Machine washable
With a cozy hood and extra-soft brushed fabric, this robe takes winter comfort to the next level.
It’s not designed for wearing immediately after a shower and actually felt somewhat uncomfortable when wet.
The Pottery Barn Coziest Sherpa robe lives up to its name, with brushed faux-shearling material that’s Oeko-Tex certified as free from harmful substances. We thought it was one of the softest robes we’ve ever worn and loved how warm it felt. It’s ideal for slipping over pajamas for mornings and evenings spent lounging around the house, affording great freedom of movement; practical pockets; and draft-excluding, cinched wrists.
Perhaps our favorite feature of this robe is its oversized, outrageously cozy hood. It’s easy to maintain, too, being machine washable on a warm setting and dryer-safe on a low heat. After tons of wear and a full wash cycle, we couldn’t see any difference in the quality and softness of the material. The only downside? The robe isn’t particularly absorbent and felt uncomfortable during our post-shower test, suggesting it’s not meant for toweling purposes.
The Details: S to XL | Polyester | Machine washable
The material is thin yet has some weight, giving an instant indication of the robe’s overall quality.
Those with shorter arms should bear in mind that sleeves come up long and are difficult to roll up.
The SKIMS Soft Lounge Robe gives an impression of luxury with soft, almost buttery modal rib fabric that drapes beautifully and kept us at the ideal temperature throughout the testing period. This robe is relatively short and feels just like a lightweight cardigan. We think it works well on its own in summer and is perfect for layering over sleepwear in winter. This is a flattering piece that you can easily spend a whole day in.
Features include a functional side pocket and an adjustable belt. We didn’t use it to dry off after showering because it’s not meant as a toweling robe; however, we were impressed that it didn’t get noticeably wet despite contact with damp hair. The robe is carefully made, with no signs of fading or other wear-and-tear even after washing it. Choose yours in marble, onyx, or heather gray and consider pairing with other Skims loungewear pieces for a matching look.
The Details: XXS to 4XL | Modal, spandex | Machine washable
This robe offers fleecy coziness and a fun range of colors and patterns at a price that’s hard to beat.
Sizes may come up a little short on tall people since a large fit our five-foot-four team member perfectly.
Made from plush polyester fleece and retailing for less than a quarter of the cost of our overall winner, this bathrobe from NY Threads is a steal for budget shoppers. We loved how soft it was and appreciated that it remained so even after washing with no evidence of pilling or shedding. It’s lightly absorbent for toweling purposes, although we feel it’s meant more as comfortable, cold-weather loungewear.
Fit-wise, we suspect that taller people may be disappointed since a size large was about the right length for our five-foot-four team members’ frame, and the sleeves ended just above her wrists. Sizing isn’t particularly inclusive, either, with limited options available. Nevertheless, we liked the robe’s hip pockets (large enough to fit a phone) and the fact that it’s machine washable and dryer-safe. Colors are a highlight, too, with fun options ranging from coral and plum to leopard print.
The Details: S to XL | Polyester | Machine washable
This is the closest a bathrobe can get to being a fashion piece, with its high-low hemline, tactile material, and beautiful color choices.
Sizes are limited and not particularly inclusive with the largest available being an L/XL.
Looking for a thigh-length bathrobe that channels effortless elegance? You’ll love the Cuyana Organic Pima Robe. Made from certified sustainable and ethical, organic Peruvian cotton, it feels almost silky with a high level of flexibility. It’s also surprisingly absorbent. We loved that it prevented wet hair from soaking through to our skin and also that it kept us warm despite its lightweight construction.
The shorter length is great for freedom of movement and seasonal versatility. Wear it on its own in summer or over pajamas in winter. With a relaxed fit, cuff detailing on the sleeves, and a rounded high-low hemline, the overall effect is decidedly chic. The robe is machine washable on a cold, delicate setting. We found it held up well to the process, maintaining the same feeling of quality afterwards. Colors include soft rose, pearl gray, and black.
The Details: XS to L/XL | Pima cotton | Machine washable
With quality construction that belies its low price tag and plenty of full-coverage warmth, this is a cozy option for cooler days and nights.
If you’re planning on taking your robe on vacation, bear in mind this one may be a little too bulky for convenient packing.
Available in cream or salt-and-pepper gray, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of this Stars Above robe considering how affordable this product is. Although the synthetic material doesn’t feel especially luxurious, it’s comfortable, and well-made with double-edged hems and securely stitched seams. It also didn’t pill, stretch, shed, or wrinkle at any time during testing, even after machine washing.
It’s fairly absorbent, too, helping us dry off completely after a cursory post-shower towel rub. It hits around mid-calf length for full-body coziness. We found it a little warm for summer but feel it would be ideal for fall and winter. The adjustable tie belt holds the robe firmly closed even with a simple half-knot. When tied tightly, the robe still offers impressive freedom of movement, and its twin side pockets are deep enough to hold your essentials.
The Details: XS/S to XL/XXL | Polyester | Machine washable
Out of the 38 bathrobes we tested, we had a few runner-ups that may work for some shoppers, although we found some small inconsistencies that kept them off our main list of favorites.
Ikea Rockån Bathrobe: This terrycloth robe isn’t especially soft and wouldn’t be our first choice for all-day lounging. However it’s affordable, well-made, and extra absorbent — which makes sense, since it’s essentially an oversized towel with sleeves and a belt.
L.L.Bean Women's Wicked Plush Robe: We love the next-level softness of this plush, cold-weather robe. However, we feel it’s a little overpriced and wish it could be tumble-dried on a low heat since it takes an unreasonable length of time to dry on the cool setting.
Zara Home Premium Cotton Robe: Another terrycloth robe, this one is practical for drying off after a shower but less so for lounging around the house. We like the fit, the roomy pockets, and the full-length coverage but struggle to justify the relatively high price tag.
For this article, we tested 38 bathrobes over the course of two weeks. During the testing period, our editors were assigned a robe that they wore at least five times, including after showering to evaluate how well it absorbed water and while lounging around the house to assess comfort. Each robe was also washed and dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions to see if and how it was affected by these processes. We scored the robes from one to five for quality, comfort, design, and fit, with average total scores used to determine our category winners. For this particular roundup, we selected affordable bathrobes for under $100, while we assessed the more splurge-worthy bathrobes in our list of the Best Luxury Bathrobes of 2023.
When it comes to washing and drying your bathrobe, instructions vary greatly depending on the fabric. You should always check the care label to avoid causing damage. Most robes are machine washable, but often only on a cold, delicate cycle. It’s pretty common for the instructions to stipulate air drying (often with the robe laid out flat to prevent wrinkling and help with shape retention). If the robe is dryer-safe, a cold or low heat setting is usually required. Be careful to wash light-colored robes with like colors to avoid discoloration and staining.
Bathrobes have two main purposes: as a toweling robe that you can throw on straight out of the shower to help you dry off or as a lounging robe that you can wear solo or over pajamas for cozy mornings and evenings around the house. Some robes (we’re thinking cotton waffle weave and modal blends) are good at fulfilling both functions, while others are better for just one of those purposes. Choose terrycloth for toweling off and plush or fleece robes for lounging comfort. Think about your climate, too. Plush and fleece fabrics are the warmest and most cozy in winter but are likely to be too hot in summer, whereas silk is a cool, stylish option for warm weather. Midweight cotton or polyester robes are good for layering and can be used all year round.
Robes that are made from absorbent materials are best for drying off after a shower. Possible options include cotton or polyester in a waffle weave for maximum absorbency or lightweight yet powerful modal blends. The absolute best for post shower use, though? Terrycloth robes, which are made from the same material as most towels and essentially serve the same purpose.
The softest materials for a bathrobe are plush blends — delightfully tactile, warm fabrics usually made from synthetic fibers such as polyester. Other cozy options include fleece/faux-shearling and brushed flannel. Bear in mind that often, the softest robes are also some of the warmest, so they may not be appropriate for use in summer or particularly warm climates.
There are two main ways to pack a bathrobe. First, you can fold it. To do this, lay it flat with the front facing up, then carefully arrange the two sides so that they overlap neatly. Turn the robe so that it’s facing downward, fold the arms backward into the middle, and make sure the belt is attached to its loops. Then, fold the sides back one at a time so they overlap and the robe is divided into thirds. Next, fold it up from the bottom, also in thirds, before turning the robe the right way up again. The final touch is to fold down the collar, then wrap the belt around the front and back into the fold to keep everything securely in place.
If this sounds far too complicated, simply lay the robe flat, fold the sleeves into the middle until the shape is fairly rectangular and then roll tightly. This is also the best way to pack robes made of materials like silk that are prone to wrinkling or creasing.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel, outdoor, and leisure gear for more than 10 years. She is a big bathrobe fan, relying on her own plush one for lounging comfort at home in the Scottish Highlands. For this article, she spent several hours researching products that were selected after performing especially well in real-life tests carried out by the Travel + Leisure team.
Related: The 12 Best Matching Sets for Travel of 2023
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