The 9 best men's bathrobes for lounging and showers

Best overall: Brooklinen Super Plush Robe

The Brooklinen Super Plush Robe is wonderfully soft and cozy without being unduly heavy. It's made from Aegean Turkish cotton, which is prized for its long staples and gives the robe added softness and resilience. The robe is Oeko-Tex 100 certified, meaning it's been third-party verified as being free from harmful chemicals, which is important on an item that gets daily wear and often sits against your skin. And you're going to want this robe as close to your skin as possible.

The Super Plush Robe is unisex and comes in a good range of sizes from XS to XXL. I'm 6-feet tall and weigh 175, and the medium fits me well. The robe ends at mid calf, the sleeves end at my wrists, and the front has plenty of room to stay securely closed. Still, if you're looking for a more oversized fit, I'd recommend going up a size. One somewhat unusual detail is that the two front pockets are on-seam AKA slash pockets, rather than the more typical patch pockets. I found these pockets a bit easier to access than those found on standard robes. The tie does a good job keeping the robe closed and isn't unduly long.

With more than a dozen colorways to choose from (various stripes and solids), you're bound to find one that speaks to you. With all these positives, the Brooklinen Super Plush Robe comes in at an appropriate price for what this robe delivers.

Best terry cloth: Lands' End Full-Length Turkish Robe

The Lands' End Turkish Terry Robe is super plush and absorbent, offering a true premium feel at a good price. After three years of use, this robe has continued to deliver. It remains soft and absorbent with no color fading and minimal wear (mainly just a few stray threads). This is a truly full-length robe, meaning it falls to the ankles on my 6-foot frame. Its fluffy shawl collar makes for a really warm experience after bathing.

The robe comes in three colors (charcoal gray, dark blue, and white) and sizes up to XXL. The medium fits well with a generous amount of overlap at the front without feeling too large, so you don't need to size up. Lands' End crafts this robe from substantial 14-ounce 100% Turkish cotton and keeps it reasonably priced. Maintaining this robe hasn't been too daunting; it's washed separately in cold water and hung to dry.

After all this time, I still couldn't find any downsides to this robe.

Best waffle knit: Casamera The Bathrobe

The first thing I noticed when slipping into the Casamera Bathrobe was how substantial it felt, yet at the same time how light and airy. That's mainly due to the honeycomb weave that makes this robe incredibly breathable. In my post-shower testing of the robe, it performed very well. It was both super absorbent and fast drying, with the oversized hood helping in the process.

This is a unisex robe, so keep that in mind when ordering. Casamera offers a good range of sizes, from small to XXL. I found the large had a slightly oversized fit with plenty of room for overlap at the front to keep it snugly in place. Its length — the large reaches mid-calf on me — and hood makes it a great three-season robe, but it might not provide the same level of coziness in the dead of winter as some of the other robes I tested for this article, such as the Brooklinen Super Plush robe.

Then there are the nice touches that make this robe even better, like the two oversized front pockets that let you store a book, tablet, or whatever else you need for lounging, whether at home, poolside, or at the beach. There's also a loop to hang your readers or sunglasses from.

One potential downside for some consumers is that the robe currently comes in only one color, a striking charcoal gray. That said, the robe's attributes outweigh a lack of color choices. Besides those already listed, Casamera uses a natural dye to achieve its color, uses sustainably sourced cotton and production methods, and is Oeko-Tex certified.

Best for showers: Italic Ultraplush Australian Cotton Bathrobe

At the heart of Italic's spa-quality Ultaplush Robe is the Australian cotton used to make it. Australian cotton, like both Turkish and Egyptian cotton, is a long staple variety and is renowned for being very soft and super absorbent. It's also known for the high sustainability standards used in its production. The proof is in this robe that lives up to its "Ultraplush" moniker.

Besides being well constructed (I found no errant threads or snags), the cotton fabric is a generous 420 GSM, meaning the material is nicely thick, but isn't overly heavy. I was able to make coffee and putter around the kitchen in the robe without feeling weighed down. This is a unisex robe, so take that into consideration when choosing a size. On me, size medium ends at mid-calf and has plenty of overlap at the front to stay secure and feel snuggly — there simply isn't another word to suffice. The hood is generous without being so large as to slip down over your face. Like many of the other robes I tested, the Italic is also Oeko-Tex certified.

The Italic robe is exceptionally good at drying the body. I've been using it as a daily post-shower robe without even toweling off (except my head and feet), and within a few minutes, I'm completely dry.

The only negative I found was that there isn't a lot of choice in colorways (currently one core and two seasonal colorways are available), but it's a quibble for what this robe offers by way of comfort and performance.

Best linen: Rough Linen St. Barts Linen Robe

Rough Linen's St. Barts robe is hand-cut and sewn in California from linen made from 100% European flax, and has a minimalist aesthetic. The robe is well-designed and executed with no flaws or loose threads. Don't be fooled by the name, the soft linen fabric is anything but rough (the name is related to the material's raw authenticity, not the handfeel). It feels cool and smooth against the skin with great breathability.

It's already soft, but one of linen's qualities is that it actually gets softer over time and with its

190 GSM fabric, it's heavy enough to be strong and durable, but still light and airy enough for summer wear. Post shower, I found the robe to be surprisingly absorbent and quick drying. The size medium has an oversized fit with plenty of room at the front to keep the robe closed. I recommend sizing down if you're looking for a more fitted feel.

Linen is considered one of the most sustainable fabrics because the flax plant is far less thirsty than cotton, typically doesn't require pesticides to grow, and is all-natural. Relatedly, the company makes each piece to order, which is a much more sustainable model, but it means you won't get the robe for two to three weeks. In my opinion, it's worth the wait.

Best silk: Lilysilk Kimono Silk Robe

Lilysilk's Kimono Silk Robe is incredibly smooth, with a brilliant sheen from the brand's signature silk Charmeuse fabric, made from super high-quality grade 6A mulberry silk. The fabric is 22 momme, a standard Japanese measure for silk, with a higher number indicating it's dense and durable without being overly heavy. Lilysilk's silk comes from Bombyx mori silkworms that are bred in captivity and eat only mulberry leaves. Additionally, the fabric is Oeko-Tex 100 certified.

On close inspection, I found no flaws, loose threads, or other imperfections. Besides the quality of the silk, the company uses French seams, another testament to its quality, which helps prevent fraying. The robe has a nice weight, not too heavy, but still drapes nicely, and is very breathable.

The robe's length is mid-calf and features Kimono-style sleeves that are wider at the cuff than typical robes and end at the mid-forearm on me. Kimono-style robes can offer greater ease of movement and ventilation. There's also an interior tie that helps keep the robe securely closed.

It's also machine washable. The dye bled a bit in the first wash, so be sure to wash it separately in cold water and then line-dry. There was no discernible shrinkage. The robe comes in four colors, with the claret colorway being a real standout, especially contrasted with the white piping. The robe feels very indulgent but still comes in at well under $300.

Best for warmth: Luxome Ultra Plush Robe

Everything about the Luxome Ulta Plush Robe is built for warmth and comfort, from the super fluffy polyester-bamboo viscose fabric to its ankle length, to its generous cut. Then there are the additional details that make it an even better garment: extra deep pockets, an interior tie to keep the robe even more snug, and a long tie that also helps keep the robe secure.

The Luxome robe really excels at keeping you warm without being heavy on your body. It's much lighter than many of the other robes I've tested, but it is equally, if not more, cozy. I've stepped my dog out to do his business wearing this robe on mornings when it was 20 to 30 degrees F, without feeling noticeably chilly.

The only downside I can find is that it's not as absorbent as some of the cotton robes I've tested. I could also see it being a bit much for warmer climates or for the middle of summer. Still, if you're looking for a robe that is extra warm without being overly heavy, the Luxome Ulta Plush robe should be a go-to.

Best lightweight: Petite Plume Pima Robe

The Petite Plume robe's smooth texture, light weight, and breathability make for a handsome robe that's perfect for warmer weather or hotter climates. Petite Plume crafts this robe from hand-harvested 100% Peruvian pima cotton, which is considered the best of the best for its extra-long staples, which translates to impeccable softness and durability that feels cool against the skin.

As mentioned, I'm 6-feet and weigh 175 pounds, and the small/medium size fits me well, with enough room at the front to securely fasten it. The robe falls to just below the knee, which in a summer-weight robe is a big plus that helps keep you cool. The robe comes in navy, white with navy ticking, and navy French ticking, which is a standout colorway with its classic dark blue stripes on a white background.

The only downside of this robe is its lack of inclusive sizing. Petite Plume offers two sizes: a small/medium and a large/extra-large. Barring this, the Pima Robe is a true standout that offers elegance and softness in one lightweight package.

Best luxury: Bown of London the Arbroath

Bown of London offers a wide selection of luxurious men's robes, dressing gowns, and smoking jackets, including the Arbroath, which is the one I tested. This stunning dark blue and wine colored robe with an intricate pattern is impeccably put together using 12-ounce cotton fabric with a dense weave. You may find yourself lounging in this robe all the time and putting on British aristocratic airs.

Bown of London crafts this robe in Europe, Bulgaria to be precise, from 100% Egyptian cotton with a wonderfully soft handfeel. The robe features a plush shawl collar and fold-back cuffs. It has a somewhat tailored fit, but still has plenty of room at the front to keep it securely fastened. It reaches just below the knees. For those who want a bit more oversized fit, you should size up. The brand has inclusive sizing up to 4 XL.

The only negative, if you can even call it that, is that while the robe is very absorbent, it can't quite match up to the Italic Ultraplush Robe in that department. Still, it excels in so many other areas that make the Arbroath worth the price.

How we tested the best bathrobes for men

We considered the quality of the materials and stitching, the robe's overall design, what it's suited for, length, and price to find the best options out there. We also considered customer reviews and details like the size and placement of pockets and belt loops. Finally, we also considered less tangible aspects like whether the brand offers a variety of color options, inclusive sizing, and their sustainability standards.

What to look for in the best bathrobes for men

• Material: One of the biggest decisions you'll make is about the fabric. When you get out of the shower or pool, do you look for the best towel on deck, or are you a straight-into-the-robe kind of person? Those who form the latter will want a plush terry cloth robe that does a better job absorbing water than silk, linen or even waffle-patterned cotton.
  
  You may also consider having robes for different seasons. They'll last longer and suit the weather better. An ultra-thick, plush robe is great for cooler months, but nothing beats linen or a light waffle cotton in the summer.
  
  
• Design Details: Most robes are designed in a kimono style, said Rosy Nuboer, the romance-planning manager at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. Nuboer argues that kimonos are the best robe design because they allow for the greatest range of motion thanks to "a classic tailored fit with wrist-length sleeves."
  
  They also have a "streamlined flat collar" and an adjustable waist tie. Patch pockets are a plus as well, since they open at the top and won't spill out the side, as a wide inseam pocket is likely to do.
  
  
• Fit: Many of our picks are advertised as unisex. While all bathrobes can be worn regardless of gender, it's a good idea to consult each brand's sizing charts to select the right size for you, especially if you're looking for more or less lower body coverage. You'll also often find that robes with traditional women's sizing fall higher on the leg and have shorter sleeves — something you might appreciate when longer sleeves get in the way, especially in the kitchen.
  
  For sizing and fit reference, I'm 6-feet tall, weigh 175 pounds, and wear a size 32 in pants. I chose robes in size medium.

Best bathrobes for men FAQs

What type of bathrobe should I choose?

It all depends on your intended use for the bathrobe. If you're interested in extra warmth around the house, a thicker material like terry cloth or fleece is best. If you're a hot sleeper, thinner, more comfortable materials like silk or satin are better.

How should I wash my bathrobe?

Unless your robe is made of something exceptional, you can machine-wash your robes in cold water and tumble dry them on low. Otherwise, you may want to consider washing by hand.

Q: Which kind of cotton is better, Turkish, Egyptian, or Pima?

Both Turkish and Egyptian cotton are considered the gold standard for bathrobes since they're both long staple varieties, but each offers something a little different from the other. Turkish cotton fabric is lighter weight while still feeling plush, is quick drying, and extremely durable. Egyptian cotton has a slightly longer staple and tends to produce fabric that's super plush, extremely absorbent, and is also very durable. Then there's Pima cotton. It's also a long-staple variety, but tends to have a smooth handfeel. It's very breathable and durable and is perfect for summer-weight robes.

What is GSM and why is it important?

GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a measure of the weight and density of a fabric. Higher numbers, like in many of the plusher robes in this story that are 350 or 400+ GSM, will be thicker and warmer than fabrics with lower numbers. That said, if you're looking for a summer-weight robe, you may not want a robe with a higher GSM.

How should I care for my new bathrobe?

In general, wash your robe separately on the cold cycle and hang to dry. Additionally, many of the manufacturers recommend avoiding fabric softener and related products. For more specific care instructions refer to the company's websites and/or the robe's label.

How should my bathrobe fit?

This is a matter of personal taste, but many people prefer a slightly oversized fit for ease of movement and to allow for pajamas underneath. At the least, a robe should have enough overlap at the front to stay securely closed, but you also don't want a robe that is so large it slips off your shoulders. If you're buying a robe online, be sure to read the site's size guide before ordering.

Glossary

GOTS: A GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification dictates that it is at least 95% certified organic fibers and meets its environmental and social standards during processing and manufacturing.

Linen: Strong, absorbent, and quick-drying, linen is made from fibers from the flax plant and is generally worn in hot weather, though it wrinkles easily.

Made Safe:Made Safe is a certified nontoxic seal of approval, assuring cotton is free from harmful chemicals.

OEKO-TEX: The OEKO-TEX label has several different tiers but indicates various degrees of sustainability in the textile and leather industries. You can read more about the certifications here.

Piqué: A weave made from cotton yarn, piqué is distinguished by ribbed or raised parallel lines, offering a subtle pattern.

Plush: Cotton, silk, wool, or a combination of them, plush fabric is best known for its long, soft nap and can be likened to a bath towel.