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Coyuchi
A bathrobe isn't exactly a necessity, but having something soft to slip into after a shower certainly makes daily life a little more enjoyable. And remember: now is the time to get your Mother's Day gift shopping done. Many loungewear brands are hosting sales to celebrate, so keep in mind anyone else who could use some pampering.
To determine the best robes for women, we washed each of our contenders three times to evaluate durability and wore them while making coffee, washing dishes, reading on a couch, and working at a desk to determine their overall function and comfort level. We also noted additional features like pockets and hanging loops.
To complete your off-duty uniform, see our guide to the best women's slippers for the perfect footwear to pair with a new robe.
Best overall
The Parachute bathrobe is not only the softest of all the best robes for women we tested made from 100% cotton, but it's also slightly fluffy and absorbent like a towel. It's made from long-staple Turkish cotton, which is exceptionally durable, and it has a 400 GSM (grams per square meter, a measure of fabric weight). That's a middle-of-the-road weight — not the most lightweight and cool, but not heavy and stifling, either.
And if you're not in the mood to towel off, you can put this robe on directly after a shower and it'll do the same job.
Best waffle
If the first thing you do after checking into a hotel is hit the spa, then this waffle robe will transport you there.
Together, the soft organic cotton and textured weave of the Coyuchi Organic Waffle Robe provide airy, cool, and non-slippery coverage. Your waist tie won't come undone and there are large front pockets to hold small, light items like lip balm. Unfortunately, they're not thick enough to carry smartphones without being dragged down by the weight. The sleeves are wide and can get in the way of tasks, but you can cuff them.
The robe is absorbent, though not as much as our cotton terry top pick. For those who run hot but still want to dry off, it's among the more light, attractive, and comfortable versions of the best robes for women.
Best lightweight
Natori's robe is hands-down the softest and most comfortable lightweight option out of all the best robes for women we tried. If you don't like the other specialty fabrics mentioned above, chances are modal jersey will win you over, the slightly stretchy material is commonly used to make underwear and loungewear.
While the pockets are sizable, they're located on the sides rather than the front, so bigger items like smartphones may fall out. If you stick to smaller belongings, you should be fine.
Best flannel
This flannel number from L.L.Bean is an internet favorite among the best robes for women thanks to its classic plaid prints, long-lasting cotton fabric, and a relaxed fit that lets you wrap yourself up into a cozy bundle. Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey has owned the robe for more than a year and loves it. As someone who runs cold, she appreciates not only the warmth but the fact that the fabric isn't stiflingly thick (a common problem with winter robes).
Like most flannel garments, the robe, unfortunately, is a magnet for stray bits of fuzz and pet hair, so cuddle with your pets at your own risk. It's also worth noting that L.L.Bean offers a wider spectrum of sizes than the other brands in this guide, from regular and petite (both available in XS-XL) to plus (1X-3X).
Best linen
This Rough Linen robe was my favorite robe to wear while working and doing household tasks because it felt like the perfect middle ground — it wasn't so luxurious that it enticed me to lay down in bed, but it wasn't exactly something I'd wear in the outside world, either.
Linen naturally wrinkles, and it's especially apparent with lighter colors. If you're not a fan of the rumpled look but still like the feel of linen, the robe is available in three darker shades (gray, navy, and black) that partially camouflage the wrinkles. It's also best to take the robe out of the dryer while it's still a little damp, so you can smooth out unwanted wrinkles by hand.
Best silk
The site offers a large variety of beautiful designs to choose from, including cherry blossoms and cranes. Just keep in mind that all of Kim + Ono's designs are dry clean only, and the silk creases and wrinkles easily; you'll need to steam or iron your robe on the warm setting to maintain its sleek, pristine appearance.
After I stopped admiring the robe to actually put it on, it felt very cool, glossy, and slippery. In addition to an exterior waist tie, there's a thin interior waist tie to help keep everything secure. The robe only comes in one size, and on me, it fell all the way to my ankles. If you're petite, I'd recommend buying one of Kim + Ono's short robes instead.
Best terry cloth
A terry cloth robe is one of the most practical kinds of robes to invest in, as they effectively work as a towel that you can dry off with and wear right out of the shower. It has a relaxed fit, shawl collar, standard wrap closure, and two patch pockets.
You can personalize this Company Store robe with a monogram and choose from eight colorways, including the classic white. Terry cloth is susceptible to irregularities in its weave and tends to wear down with loose threads over time, so we recommend you only tumble dry this robe on your machine's gentlest setting.
Coziest
Barefoot Dreams is the ultimate place to find the coziest blankets and throws around. Their signature plush microfiber material is famous for its softness and warmth. But the only thing better than getting under a cozy blanket is actually wearing that cozy blanket wherever you go.
Made from the same material as their famous blankets, this robe is the ultimate plush companion. You can feel the quality from the first touch; we guarantee you won't want to take it off. This robe also makes the perfect gift for a loved one. — Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor, Insider Reviews
Best monogrammed
This Crate & Canopy robe feels like something you'd don with cucumbers on your eyes and a clay mask on your face. It's luxuriously soft and made of rich Turkish cotton. The plush cotton makes it even softer than similar robes made of terry cloth, which I loved. Plus, it has huge pockets. But perhaps my favorite part of the robe is the option for monogramming. It will cost you an extra $10, but it's the perfect touch if you're giving this as a present. You can choose from a bunch of different fonts and thread colors for the monogram, but the robe itself is only available in white, gray, and light gray. — Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor, Insider Reviews
Best cotton
This terry robe from Brooklinen is made of long-staple Turkish cotton and is a medium-weight thickness at 350 GSM (grams per square meter). It's a tad bit softer than L.L.Bean's terry robe, and it hits about mid-calf. The pockets are angled, which made us a little afraid our phone would fall out (though it never did). It absorbs well and is fairly breathable.
Best for lounging
The Quince 100% Mongolian cashmere robe has a basic kimono design with a waist tie closure and two front patch pockets. The material is beautifully soft, and feels insulating despite being thin. I styled it over a cami and sleep shorts, and still felt warm enough on a chilly fall morning. It can even easily pass as a long cardigan if you take out its belt.
Shedding is natural with new cashmere, and because I chose black, it was immediately noticeable on my first wear. But after a few wears, the excess fibers thinned out and it was smooth enough to wear on bare skin. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style & Beauty Editor
There are plenty of features to consider as you shop for the best robe, including style, fabric, breathability, and durability.
A kimono-style design is the standard. "Kimono robes offer a classic tailored fit, with wrist-length sleeves, and have a streamlined flat collar," says Rosy Nuboer, a romance planner at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Aruba. In other words, you can personalize a kimono-style robe's measurements via its waist tie, but you'll still have enough freedom of movement for tasks like putting on makeup, brewing coffee, or picking up the morning paper.
When it comes to material, plush cotton terry allows you to skip toweling off post-shower, while less absorbent fabrics like waffle weave or silk require a pat-down first. The material also affects the warmth and breathability of a robe, as well as how it holds up over time.
Best overall: Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton RobeIn a size medium, the robe falls slightly below my knees (I'm 5'6") and the sleeves hit my wrists. The sleeves aren't wide and they fit closely to my arms, so the overall effect isn't sloppy or loose.
Connie Chen/Insider
The Parachute bathrobe is not only the softest of all the best robes for women we tested made from 100% cotton, but it's also slightly fluffy and absorbent like a towel. It's made from long-staple Turkish cotton, which is exceptionally durable, and it has a 400 GSM (grams per square meter, a measure of fabric weight). That's a middle-of-the-road weight — not the most lightweight and cool, but not heavy and stifling, either.
And if you're not in the mood to towel off, you can put this robe on directly after a shower and it'll do the same job.
Best waffle: Coyuchi Organic Waffle RobeOn me, the medium/large size hits a little below the knees. It used to be larger but shrunk slightly in the wash.
Connie Chen/Insider
If the first thing you do after checking into a hotel is hit the spa, then this waffle robe will transport you there.
Together, the soft organic cotton and textured weave of the Coyuchi Organic Waffle Robe provide airy, cool, and non-slippery coverage. Your waist tie won't come undone and there are large front pockets to hold small, light items like lip balm. Unfortunately, they're not thick enough to carry smartphones without being dragged down by the weight. The sleeves are wide and can get in the way of tasks, but you can cuff them.
The robe is absorbent, though not as much as our cotton terry top pick. For those who run hot but still want to dry off, it's among the more light, attractive, and comfortable versions of the best robes for women.
Best flannel: L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel RobeL.L. Bean's robe is a comfortable, well-fitting option that will get you through many brisk winter mornings.
L.L.Bean
This flannel number from L.L.Bean is an internet favorite among the best robes for women thanks to its classic plaid prints, long-lasting cotton fabric, and a relaxed fit that lets you wrap yourself up into a cozy bundle. Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey has owned the robe for more than a year and loves it. As someone who runs cold, she appreciates not only the warmth but the fact that the fabric isn't stiflingly thick (a common problem with winter robes).
Like most flannel garments, the robe, unfortunately, is a magnet for stray bits of fuzz and pet hair, so cuddle with your pets at your own risk. It's also worth noting that L.L.Bean offers a wider spectrum of sizes than the other brands in this guide, from regular and petite (both available in XS-XL) to plus (1X-3X).
Best linen: Rough Linen St. Barts RobeOn me, a size medium fell to mid-shin and the sleeves hit my wrists, but unlike the best robes for women made from more slippery fabrics like silk, this one's sleeves stayed cuffed when folded back.
Connie Chen/Insider
This Rough Linen robe was my favorite robe to wear while working and doing household tasks because it felt like the perfect middle ground — it wasn't so luxurious that it enticed me to lay down in bed, but it wasn't exactly something I'd wear in the outside world, either.
Linen naturally wrinkles, and it's especially apparent with lighter colors. If you're not a fan of the rumpled look but still like the feel of linen, the robe is available in three darker shades (gray, navy, and black) that partially camouflage the wrinkles. It's also best to take the robe out of the dryer while it's still a little damp, so you can smooth out unwanted wrinkles by hand.
Best silk: Kim + Ono Silk Kiku Kimono RobeEach 100% silk robe from the brand features original, hand-drawn, and hand-painted artwork that is then printed onto the robe, making each piece distinct and unique among all of the best robes for women
Connie Chen/Insider
The site offers a large variety of beautiful designs to choose from, including cherry blossoms and cranes. Just keep in mind that all of Kim + Ono's designs are dry clean only, and the silk creases and wrinkles easily; you'll need to steam or iron your robe on the warm setting to maintain its sleek, pristine appearance.
After I stopped admiring the robe to actually put it on, it felt very cool, glossy, and slippery. In addition to an exterior waist tie, there's a thin interior waist tie to help keep everything secure. The robe only comes in one size, and on me, it fell all the way to my ankles. If you're petite, I'd recommend buying one of Kim + Ono's short robes instead.
Best lightweight: Natori Shangri-La RobeThis robe is long (about ankle-length on me), and there's an interior waist tie to keep it together. The sleeves are flowy, but they only hit a little below my elbows, making it easy to do everyday tasks.
Connie Chen/Insider
Natori's robe is hands-down the softest and most comfortable lightweight option out of all the best robes for women we tried. If you don't like the other specialty fabrics mentioned above, chances are modal jersey will win you over, the slightly stretchy material is commonly used to make underwear and loungewear.
While the pockets are sizable, they're located on the sides rather than the front, so bigger items like smartphones may fall out. If you stick to smaller belongings, you should be fine.
Best terry cloth: The Company Store Short RobeThe Company Store's short terry cloth robe is a highly-reviewed iteration, made from long-staple Turkish cotton terry that feels like hotel-quality luxury.
Company Store
A terry cloth robe is one of the most practical kinds of robes to invest in, as they effectively work as a towel that you can dry off with and wear right out of the shower. It has a relaxed fit, shawl collar, standard wrap closure, and two patch pockets.
You can personalize this robe with a monogram and choose from eight colorways, including the classic white. Terry cloth is susceptible to irregularities in its weave and tends to wear down with loose threads over time, so we recommend you only tumble dry this robe on your machine's gentlest setting.
Best monogrammed: Crane & Canopy Plush Cotton BathrobeI'm usually a women's medium, but since the robe is only available in unisex sizes, I opted for a size small. At five-foot-two, it hit at my mid-calf and was luxuriously roomy, but if I had gone up a size it would definitely swallow me.
Samantha Crozier/Insider
This robe feels like something you'd don with cucumbers on your eyes and a clay mask on your face. It's luxuriously soft and made of rich Turkish cotton. The plush cotton makes it even softer than similar robes made of terry cloth, which I loved. Plus, it has huge pockets. But perhaps my favorite part of the robe is the option for monogramming. It will cost you an extra $10, but it's the perfect touch if you're giving this as a present. You can choose from a bunch of different fonts and thread colors for the monogram, but the robe itself is only available in white, gray, and light gray. — Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor, Insider Reviews
Best cotton: Brooklinen Super-Plush RobeMade from 100% Turkish Cotton, this cotton robe is inspired by the plushness of Brooklinen's ultra-popular towels.
Brooklinen
This terry robe from Brooklinen is made of long-staple Turkish cotton and is a medium-weight thickness at 350 GSM (grams per square meter). It's a tad bit softer than L.L.Bean's terry robe, and it hits about mid-calf. The pockets are angled, which made us a little afraid our phone would fall out (though it never did). It absorbs well and is fairly breathable.
Best for lounging: Quince Mongolian Cashmere RobeI wouldn't wear this first thing out of the shower, because even though it can handle some sweat, cashmere doesn't absorb water as well as terry cloth. It's best suited as a cozy robe to lounge or work from home in.
Gabrielle Chase/Insider
The 100% Mongolian cashmere robe has a basic kimono design with a waist tie closure and two front patch pockets. The material is beautifully soft, and feels insulating despite being thin. I styled it over a cami and sleep shorts, and still felt warm enough on a chilly fall morning. It can even easily pass as a long cardigan if you take out its belt.
Shedding is natural with new cashmere, and because I chose black, it was immediately noticeable on my first wear. But after a few wears, the excess fibers thinned out and it was smooth enough to wear on bare skin. —Gabrielle Chase, Associate Style & Beauty Editor
There are plenty of features to consider as you shop for the best robe, including style, fabric, breathability, and durability.
A kimono-style design is the standard. "Kimono robes offer a classic tailored fit, with wrist-length sleeves, and have a streamlined flat collar," Nuboer said. In other words, you can personalize a kimono-style robe's measurements via its waist tie, but you'll still have enough freedom of movement for tasks like putting on makeup, brewing coffee, or picking up the morning paper.
When it comes to material, plush cotton terry allows you to skip toweling off post-shower, while less absorbent fabrics like waffle weave or silk require a pat-down first. The material also affects the warmth and breathability of a robe, as well as how it holds up over time.
