Slipping into a cozy pair of pajamas or a nightgown at the end of a long day is pretty rewarding, but sometimes a plush robe is the extra dose of comfort we need after a warm shower.
A bathrobe is one way to help take your loungewear style up a notch — especially when the weather drops to freezing temperatures. Whether your style calls for something more traditional (like a plush fleece bathrobe) or something more unique (like a colorfully patterned number), experts share the features you need to consider when shopping for one.
According to textile expert Tandy Avery, a good quality bathrobe will "dry you off after a shower or bath, keeps you at the right temperature, is comfortable and fits well." Also, certain materials play a role in a bathrobe's quality and functionality. A bathrobe can also serve as a warm layer when indoors, especially if you're someone who gets cold all the time.
There are a plethora of robes (short and long) to choose from, and our experts as well as editors guide us to the best ones to purchase. Also, scroll below for a general care maintenance guide and other key features to look for.
What to look for | Editor-approved bathrobes | Expert-approved bathrobe | Other bathrobes to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for when shopping for a bathrobe
There are four factors to consider when choosing the right bathrobe: the material, fit, durability and absorbency.
- Material: "Materials like Egyptian cotton are known for their high durability which results in strong fibers for a sturdy robe that can withstand constant use," shares founder of Pure Parima, Parima Ijaz.
- Fit: Avery recommends checking the fit and size to ensure it suits your preferred length and style. "Ensure you are choosing a robe that fits your body shape and provides adequate comfort for a post-shower routine to elevate your bathing experience and eliminate the need to repurchase," says Ijaz.
- Durability: "When shopping for a bathrobe, consider the end-use. If you will use this robe to dry off after the shower, opt for a soft and comfortable looped fabric on the inside," says Avery. You want a bathrobe that will withstand constant wash.
- Absorbency: Choose a material that'll absorb moisture after the shower. "Bathrobes made with long-staple Egyptian cotton fibers can absorb faster and more efficiently," shares Ijaz.
Editor-approved bathrobes for women
Plush first: Soma Short Robe
- Feels warm
- Deep pockets
- Slightly short
Material: 100% polyester | Length: 38 inches | Sizes: S-XXL | Colorways: 8
I [Espinal] was gifted this soft and plush bathrobe at an event. What I love the most about this robe is its cozy material and deep pockets to put my phone in while I am getting ready. While it's shorter than other robes, I love that it's easy to wash and doesn't take up much space in the washing machine.
Premium softness: Brooklinen Dreamweave Waffle Robe
- Feels lightweight
- Soft material
- Need to size up
Editorial assistant Erica Marrison purchased this robe after testing Brooklinen's Waffle Towel. "love that I can slip into it as soon as I get out of the shower since it feels like a towel. That said, it’s still really soft. I sized up one size because I wanted it to be comfortable, but honestly, I think I could have stuck to my standard size. Either way, I wear it [constantly] and recommend scoring it for yourself or for a gift," she says.
Hotel core: FluffCo Hotel Robe
- Super comfortable
- Cozy and soft
- May run tight in chest
Material: Microfiber, coral fleece | Length: 44-48 inches | Sizes: S-XL | Colorways: 1
Is there anything more comfortable than a plush hotel robe? This one by FluffCo feels like one you’d find at a five-star boutique hotel, with its plush interior lining and microfiber cotton exterior. It also has oversized exterior pockets and a luxe-looking gray piping. The difference is that, unlike an actual hotel robe that will likely cost you in the hundreds, this one is available for $119.
Former Shop TODAY associate editor Fran Sales has long been a fan of this decadent pick. “I immediately feel like I’m at a hotel spa when I put this on,” she says. “It checks all my boxes: soft, slightly oversized, luxurious and calming (the last one could just be me).”
Fruit patterns : Djerf Avenue Robe Fruit
- Perfect length
- Comfortable to wear
- Sleeves are long
Material: 100% certified organic cotton | Length: Mid-length not specified | Sizes: XS-4XL | Colorways: 6
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger was gifted this fruit-patterned robe and she enjoys it "due to the terrycloth fabric". The robe comes in different floral and summer-inspired motifs for a sweet post-shower experience.
Hoeger adds, "I’m not one for plush robes, so the fact that this one feels like a towel makes it more comfortable. Especially since I’m usually slipping into it right after a shower. Also, the print is fun and unique compared to other ones I’ve seen!"
Luxury overload: Bathen Stripe Robe in Soak
- Fun pattern
- Roomy
- Super cozy
- Only fits up to size 16
Material: Cotton | Length: 51 inches | Sizes: One size (fits up to size 16) | Colorways: 1
Editor Evan Siegel gifted this robe to his mother, and she loved it. This vibrant striped robe is made of 100% cotton and feels super soft and cozy. Struggling with sizing? No worries! This bright robe is one size that should fit up to a women’s dress size of 16.
Expert-approved bathrobe
Turkish made: Matouk Kiran Bathrobe
- Material feels premium
- Lightweight enough
- Not ideal for petite
Material: 75% cotton, 25% bamboo | Length: Not specified | Sizes: XS-XL | Colorways: 7
Avery recommends this bathrobe for its lightweight feel. “This robe is made of woven fabric and made with a blend of Turkish cotton and bamboo. It’s absorbent and soft and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified,” shares Avery. Plus, this robe is lengthy enough to cover your body entirely, especially if you’re tall.
Other bathrobes to shop
Fluffy feel: Just Love Velour Textured Robe
- Chevron pattern/texture
- Two side pockets
- Perfect sleeve length
- May be short
Material: Polyester | Length: 39-41 inches | Sizes: XS-2X | Colorways: 13
A classic knee-length robe is a wardrobe essential, and this one comes in a nice range of sizes (eight, to be exact) and more than a dozen colors. This chevron-textured robe is made from plush, velvet-liked velour, so you can feel cozy and warm whether you’re wearing it over your pajamas or favorite sweats. It’s luxury for less, basically!
One reviewer noted that this robe is “very soft and snuggly,” “well made” and exceeded their expectations.
Wearable blanket: NY Threads Hooded Fleece Bathrobe
- Not overly heavy
- Comfortable
- May run big
Material: Polyester | Length: 49-51 inches | Sizes: S-XL | Colorways: 15
Currently an Amazon’s Choice women’s robe, this plush number is the gold standard when it comes to women’s bathrobes. More than 33,000 verified Amazon reviewers have given the robe a perfect five-star rating for its soft, fluffy nature, rich colors and overall roominess.
“For the price and based on some of the reviews, I was fully expecting to have to return this robe. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and fit. [...] I washed and dried it after trying on and didn’t have any issues with shedding or shrinking,” one reviewer wrote.
Waffle-weave robe: Amazon Essentials Lightweight Waffle Robe
- Tie closure
- Waffle knit
- Front pockets
- May run large
Material: Cotton, polyester | Length: About 60 inches | Sizes: XS-7X | Colorways: 16
You'll be hard-pressed to find a true waffle-weave, lightweight robe that's as affordable as this one from the Amazons Essentials clothing line.
Made of a blend of cotton and polyester, the robe is also super soft and light enough to wear in the summer, reviewers say. Plus, it's available in a whopping 16 colors. And while it won't be as absorbent as a bath towel or a classic plush robe, users report that it feels great post-shower while your skin is still damp.
"This robe has no business being comfy and as nice as it is for the price. I love it," added one five-star reviewer.
Layers of softness: VINTATRE Kimono Robe
- Two front pockets
- Lightweight
- Very soft
- May be short
Material: Rayon, spandex | Length: About 55 to 60 inches | Sizes: S-2X | Colorways: 42
Calling all fashionistas! Vintatre’s kimono robe is so chic that it can almost double as a dress. The stylish design comes in more than 30 colors and patterns ranging from florals and animal prints to solids. It also offers great coverage with its three-quarter length sleeves and mid-calf length. It’s not surprising that it’s racked up 17,000-plus verified five-star global ratings so far.
One reviewer described this robe as “so soft” and having a “silk-like feel.” They highlighted that the belt is attached to the robe so that it doesn’t get twisted or lost.
Spa quality: Coyuchi Waffle Robe
- Super thick
- Comfortable
- May run big
Material: Turkish cotton | Length: 47-52 inches | Sizes: XS-XL | Colorways: 8
Coyuchi once again follows through when it comes to quality with this breathable waffle robe that just oozes "high-end spa." That's probably because the fabric is made from 100% organic Turkish cotton, and it's pre-tumbled for ultimate softness. Plus, every time you wash it, it gets that much softer.
One reviewer reported, "I searched high and low for a bath robe that wasn’t too thick and heavy yet still absorbent. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. It didn’t shrink in the dryer which is a plus because many do."
Reliable coziness: Lands' End Cotton Terry Long Spa Bath Robe
- Heavy
- Great quality
- Cozy
- May run small
Material: Cotton | Length: 47-49 inches | Sizes: XS-XL regular and petite | Colors available: 2
For those times when you're feeling a little extra chilly, this soft terry robe will keep you warm and cozy. The midcalf-length design is available in elegant colors like Deep Sea Navy, Wood Lily and White, and the material is nice and absorbent, making it ideal for when you just step out of the shower (or hot tub or bath, whatever you fancy!).
But our favorite little detail is that, for an extra $8, you can personalize the robe with either the text of your choice or one of 195 (!) cute embroidery designs. (Just note that this feature might add a few days to your delivery time.)
“I mostly use a bathrobe after showering and toweling off, when my drafty apartment really calls for a little warmth. The fabric is a nice thickness and it dries me off quickly,” one Lands' End reviewer said.
How we chose the best robes
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best bathrobes by conducting general market research, filtering our searches for top-rated products and choosing favorite picks from our editors. We asked textile experts for their recommendations and which materials are best when shopping for bathrobes. We also focused primarily on robes that include practical features like front ties and pockets, natural materials and comfortability.
Meet the experts
- Tandy Avery is a textile expert and vice president of product development for the brand Luxome.
- Prima Ijaz is the founder of Pure Parima, a luxury bedding company offering 100% Egyptian cotton products.
