Bathing is a cleansing, rejuvenating and relaxing process. It heals the mind, body, and soul. After a bath, people feel restored, and they almost experience a dream-like state. No one prefers to dress right after their bath unless it is necessary and inevitable. Most people prefer to chill in their bath robe until it is time to get ready.
Meaning and History
A Bathrobe is a long and loose-fitting garment that reaches up to the ankles. They are also called housecoats and dressing robes. The origins of these robes can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. From the eighteenth century onwards, a more contemporary design of the robe emerged, and it is very similar to the garment used today.
Fabrics
Choosing a fabric depends on the taste and preference of the wearer, but most robes are designed to absorb water. Cotton robes are great for wearing at the beach or swimming pool. They are also the best option to wear in hotter climates. Silk robes are not exactly worn after a bath, but they are nevertheless desirable for their rich look and soft material. They are predominantly adorned on top of pyjamas and nightwear. Woollen robes are worn and desired in colder climates. In places that have high rain and snowfall, they are efficient in keeping the body warm. On the other hand, nylon robes are valued for their inexpensiveness and ability to be cleaned easily.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, most bath wear looks similar. They resemble a long flowy coat and consist of a belt that ties the two sides together. But the design and pattern on robes can greatly vary depending on the region and location. So, for instance, Japanese robes have floral and intricate patterns, whereas European ones come in plain, block colours. But since different styles are available everywhere, the wearer can choose what they like.
Collars
It is a common misconception that all bath wear have similar collars. But this is not always the case. The first type of collar, called the shawl collar, hugs the neck like a shawl. This style is inspired and influenced by men’s dress wear and evening wear. The kimono collar resembles the collar on traditional Japanese kimonos. It resembles a Y shape in the front when the robe is tied. A hooded collar has a hood stitched onto the neckline. It can be placed over the head to keep the hair from getting wet. Once again, the choice between the three types of collars depends on the purpose and preference of the wearer.
Length and size
Traditionally, bath wear falls anywhere between the ankle and shin. But nowadays, this trend is changing, and many people prefer wearing shorter bathrobes that fall right above the knee. Some people even wear robes that are a mid-thigh length.
Most robes come in loose-fitting sizes since the purpose is to keep the wearer comfortable and relaxed. But most shops have sizes ranging from small to plus size catering to the body size and type of the wearer. It would always be best to try the robe before purchasing it.
Slippers
Robes are usually pairable with bath slippers, and they often come in matching fabrics and materials. For most people, it is not simply enough to keep the body warm and comfortable after a bath, but also to look after their feet. Robes and bath slippers are often sold together in many shops.
The bathrobe is one of the nicest garments for chilling, resting, and relaxing right after a long bath. The soft and comfortable feel of the warm fabric is irreplaceable by anything else.