Who doesn’t love a dressing gown? This versatile piece that hangs on the back of the bathroom door is a daily essential in many people’s lives, and plenty of us have more than one. Whether you’re wearing it to relax in the evening, in place of a towel after a shower, or to throw on as you slide out of bed, dressing gowns are pretty and practical, and it’s hard to imagine life without them.
The dressing gown, AKA robe or bathrobe, could be said to have its origins in Ancient Greece and Rome, where its forerunner the toga was born. But the dressing gown as we know it today doesn’t hark back quite that far — rather to the 1700s, when men started to wear ‘banyans’, a loose-fitting jacket or coat made of silk or velvet. By the mid-19th century, the word ‘dressing gown’ was coined for a robe worn by both men and women. Women became particularly fond of the dressing gown, as it allowed them to move around freely in their own homes, at a time when corsets and stiff petticoats were the order of the day.
The modern bathrobe is designed to absorb moisture after a shower or bath, and is most commonly made from terry cloth. But it’s not all about modesty and practicality! At the other end of the spectrum are dressing gowns and bathrobes made of satin or silk, luxurious fabrics that are as at home in the bedroom as they are in the bathroom.
What fabric is best for a dressing gown?
When choosing a dressing gown, you need first to think of its purpose. Is it to use in place of a towel when you step out of the shower? Terry cloth is absorbent like a towel and can be quite heavy. Lighter cotton materials include waffle cotton and Turkish cotton, which are a good option in the hot summer months. A blend of bamboo and cotton has the added benefits of odour-resistance.
If you’re looking for a dressing gown that is all about comfort, chenille is ultra-soft, fleece is soft and warm, and microfibre can feel like cashmere and (Oprah claims), flatters the figure. If you want something more sensuous, silk or satin will give you a lightweight cover-up that will make you feel a bit special. Silk dressing gowns make excellent gifts.
Dressing gowns for women
When is a dressing gown not a dressing gown? When it’s a kimono! Bathrobes and kimonos are both types of dressing gowns that are belted at the waist. And that is where the similarity ends. Unless of course, you’re looking at a bathrobe kimono. Confused? You’re not alone.
Basically, dressing gowns come from the west, while kimonos have their origins in the east. Dressing gowns are often cotton towelling and have narrow sleeve, whereas kimonos are often made of silk, and have wide, draping sleeves. There are many different types of kimono used for different occasions and ceremonies, and they can be quite complex to put on. You can even go to kimono schools to learn the traditions of this beguiling garment! Enter the kimono robe, a cunning mix of east and west. A kimono robe draws inspiration from the kimono but has a simple tie belt around the waist, similar to a dressing gown or robe. It’s basically a simple version of the kimono and makes a lovely summer dressing gown — versatile enough to be worn around the house or, if you’re feeling creative, as a statement piece over jeans.
If style isn’t the driving factor in your decision to buy a dressing gown, and you’re after something warm, cosy and comfortable for lounging, fluffy dressing gowns made of cotton, microfibre or wool are designed to be soft, and feel lovely to cuddle up to.
Kids dressing gowns
There’s something especially cute about little kids and dressing gowns. When something warm and cosy is required, think about a comfy hooded dressing gown made of soft microfibre. Perfect for that time before bed! And they come in super cute designs such as elephants, giraffes and rabbits that will make brilliant embarrassing photos for the years ahead. If you’re giving a kids dressing gown as a gift, think about getting it personalised with a name (see below) for that extra special touch.
Personalised dressing gowns
Personalised dressing gowns make a wonderful gift. They're beautiful, comfortable and extremely usable. A great way to make the gift of a dressing gown extra special is by personalising it to the giftee. You can have the robe embroidered with a name or initials — the perfect present for birthdays and other special occasions. When searching for personalised dressing gowns at Hardtofind, check the ‘Can be personalised’ box in Special features.
Five reasons dressing gowns are awesome
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You don’t have to get dressed. Weekday mornings in a rush? Making breakfasts, lunches and getting the whole family ready for the day ahead is way easier in a dressing gown! Weekend mornings and no rush at all? Even better. A dressing gown is just the thing for lounging at home until such time as you really actually have to get dressed.
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It gets you dry. Step out of the bath and straight into a terry dressing gown. So much easier that using a towel! You can dry off as you go about your other morning chores.
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A dressing gown signals to the world that you’re staying home. Yup. Don’t care if it’s only 6pm. If you’re not venturing out again, then dressing gown on and that’s it for the day.
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It saves your modesty at home or the pool. Living in a share house or just not wanting to traumatise the cat, a dressing gown is the perfect thing to throw on for communal areas.
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Gets you in the mood for romancing. Now we’re talking. There’s something about the feel of satin or silk on bare skin that… OK we’ll leave the rest of that to your imagination.
So now you’re ready to choose your new dressing gown! Browse these pages and you’ll find a selection of the best dressing gowns, including ladies dressing gowns, cotton dressing gowns, long dressing gowns and satin dressing gowns Australia-wide. At Hardtofind you’ll also discover a wide range of other gifts for her, such as bags, rings and necklaces.
