Bathrobes (or dressing gowns) can often be an overlooked item of clothing in a man’s wardrobe. Worn either post-bath or shower to absorb water and delay the need to put clothes on, or as a simple layer to cover the Crown Jewels while waiting for certain ‘guests’ to arrive, they are an essential item for any modern-day gent.
You’d be foolish to think that men’s bathrobes come in a limited range of styles. When it comes to making a decision there is plenty to take into consideration: when will you wear yours, what material do you want, what sort of collar would you like? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself before buying a new bathrobe.
To help you out, here’s what you need to look out for when shopping for a new bathrobe.
Men’s Bathrobes Fabrics & Styles
Which fabric you choose will depend on when you plan to wear your robe. The two main fabric types are cotton and silk, but you can also find robes made from microfiber, wool, or nylon.
- Cotton: Cotton robes are best suited for wearing after a bath or shower due to their inherent nature of being able to absorb water. These men’s bathrobes can also be worn in hotter places to absorb sweat.
- Silk: More expensive than their cotton cousins, silk men’s bathrobes are bought for their soft feel against the skin. They’re not going to absorb water post-shower, but they will make you feel like a king.
Most men’s bathrobes can also be classified by their weave, with flannel, terry, velour, and waffle being the four main variants. The difference in weave will affect the bathrobe’s water absorbency and softness, with velour being the softest to touch.
Collar style can come into play too. A shawl style collar is most common, which mimics the collars found on dinner and smoking jackets. Then, of course, you have every flasher’s favourite, the Kimono, which doesn’t necessarily have a collar as such, but rather two straight sides that meet when the sides are strapped together. You can also find hooded robes to keep your head warm and dry – and so you can live out your Rocky fantasies.
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Of course, like any other item of clothing, some brands are just simply better and cooler than others, which is why we’ve brought you this list of the very best men’s bathrobes available.
Calvin Klein
1/10
Price: From $100
Sizes: S-XL
Synonymous with men’s underwear, Calvin Klein has a good range of loungewear to boot. Included in that range is this cotton-terry bathrobe, which uses a mid-weight fabric to provide warmth on colder mornings and to absorb water after a bath. Calvin Klein branding can be found on the left arm.
Reigning Champ
2/10
Price: From $165
Sizes: S-XL
This Canadian label makes all its clothing on its home turf, so you can be sure you’re buying something of real quality. This men’s bathrobe is made from a thick cotton-jersey fabric that will happily absorb moisture from your body while remaining soft to the touch. It’s cut below the knee for extra coverage and even comes with a hood to really help you get cosy in bed.
Paul Smith
3/10
Price: From $250
Sizes: S-XL
Ever the perfect designer for the well-dressed gent, Paul Smith has something to fulfil every clothing need for the man-about-town. Case in point is this Signature Stripe cotton bathrobe, which bears quite literally, the brand’s signature multi-coloured stripe detailing. Made from water-absorbing cotton and with front pockets and a comfort-inducing shawl collar, it’s the perfect post-wash accompaniment.
Versace
4/10
Price: From $373
Sizes: S-XL
For those who really like to express their affinity for designer labels, there’s always Versace. The fashion label’s Italian-made men’s bathrobes can be had in a multitude of colour options, all of which bear the I Love Baroque Medusa-head print. Versace branding is emblazoned across the entire surface area of the robe, which will constantly be shown as off, as you’ll never want to take it off thanks to its soft cotton towelling fabric.
Ralph Lauren
5/10
Price: From $125
Sizes: S-XXL
Ralph Lauren’s polo-playing logo is a true sign of luxurious, yet attainable menswear. This Kimono-style robe is available in a range of colours and is made from a plush cotton-terry fabric which will hug and caress your body like a big woolly mammoth. Long sleeves will ensure you don’t go cold and a self-belt waist will let you slip it on and off with ease.
Schiesser
6/10
Price: From $65
Sizes: S-XL
German brand Schiesser has been producing underwear and related clothing since 1875, so it knows how to make quality pieces. This waffle bath bathrobe employs a waffle knit fabric which is both soft and warm. It can be fastened by way of three Mother of Pearl buttons and front pockets will keep your in-bed essentials such as your phone close by.
ASOS
7/10
Price: From $46
Sizes: XXS-4XL
Online clothing retail giant ASOS is also getting in on the bathrobe action. Their men’s bathrobes range includes this ASOS DESIGN long robe in a super soft jersey fabric, formed from sustainable cotton. It has all the makings of a Rocky-wannabe robe, including a floor-length fit, a shawl collar, wide-opening hood and front pockets for storing your boxing gloves.
Gucci
8/10
For the man who simply must have the very best, there’s always Gucci. The Italian fashion house is often one to produce clothing of a more eccentric nature, with prices that you’ll want to brag about. Take this Printed Dressing-Gown for example. It’s made from 100% silk, the epitome of luxury, and rocks a shorter length that most other gowns on this list. It is made for stick-thin Europeans, after all. Wide arms only add to the comfort levels along with a self-tie belted waist. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, you even get front pockets.
UGG
9/10
Price: From $138
Sizes: S-XL
Australian brand UGG knows what it takes to provide winter comfort for anyone who wears a pair of its boots, so you know that this Robison Robe will be just as soft and comfortable. The company’s signature soft fleece is used for the lapels, while its relaxed with with longer cut and wide arms will literally make it feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket.
Daniel Buchler
10/10
Price: From $135
Sizes: S-XL
This American brand is a specialist when it comes to men’s and women’s loungewear. The company’s expertise is channelled into this pima cotton bathrobe. Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian cotton in that it is incredibly soft, much softer than ‘regular’ cotton. It’s also durable, so will last you many years, the only real difference between the two is that pima comes from America, and in this case, South America and Peru. You can therefore expect a super soft, luxurious feel with this robe that’s cut below the knee.