By Style
From classic robes with shawl collars to short, hooded, and kimono styles, the options are more varied than you might expect. Some offer more coverage and warmth, while others are lighter and minimalist. Here is a closer look at robe types per style:
Shawl Collar
A shawl collar robe is one of the most popular robe styles. What makes it distinct from others is its rounded collar that starts at the back of the neck and continues down the sides of the front opening. Typically, the thicker the robe, the thicker the collar, which can be a plus if you want extra warmth around your neck.
Short Robe
With this robe style, the hemline typically ends above the knee. The shorter length gives you more freedom to move around, which can be useful if you prefer a robe that feels less restrictive.
Hooded Robe
As its name suggests, this robe type has a hood attached to the back of the neckline. This style can be advantageous if you want to keep your head warm or cover your hair after a shower. Some designs have deep and loose hoods that you can pull well over your head, while others are smaller and sit more like a sweatshirt hood.
Something to keep in mind, though. The hood features add a little bit of weight, which can be a good thing if you prefer something cozy. But if you prefer a lighter one, you might want to look for another style.
Full-Length
Full-length robes are exactly what you’d expect. They extend well down the legs, usually ending somewhere around the calves or ankles. That extra length can be particularly nice on cold mornings, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the robe will be warmer. There are lightweight, full-length robes that still feel cool, while thicker fabrics provide much more warmth. So, if warmth is your priority, make sure you choose a robe made from a thicker fabric.
Kimono
A kimono-style robe is inspired by, well, a traditional Japanese kimono. So, what does it look like? Well, it has a loose, wraparound shape and is usually secured with a belt, while the neckline remains fairly open. Plus, the sleeves can be wide, particularly on designs that stay close to the traditional kimono shape.
Of course, modern versions don't always stick closely to the traditional shape. You can find kimono-style robes with shorter or narrower sleeves, different lengths, and simpler wrap fronts. The good news is that they still have the relaxed look of a kimono without necessarily having all of its traditional-inspired details.
Whether traditional or modern, you'll often find these robes made from fabrics that drape, like satin, silk, or rayon, rather than fabrics that hold their shape.
Zipped Robes
Instead of having two loose sides that overlap and a belt holding them together, a zipper robe’s front has a front zipper. Many people like this style because there’s no belt to tie, loosen, or retie. Once it’s zipped, the robe stays in its place until you open it. And yes, the zipper itself can vary between styles. Some run all the way from the hem to the neck, while others stop around the chest.
By Fabric
Just like bedding and clothing, robes can be made from different materials, and yes, the material you choose affects how the robe feels against your skin. For instance, cotton tends to feel soft and absorbent, while linen is lighter and has a crisp, breathable feel. Here’s a closer look at the most common robe fabrics and what each one has to offer.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most common materials used for robes, largely because this natural fiber can be woven into fabrics with very different weights, textures, and levels of absorbency.
For instance, a lightweight cotton weave makes a robe feel soft and breathable against the skin while still absorbing some moisture. If you prefer something warmer and more absorbent, there are thicker constructions such as terry cloth (yes, the same looped fabric you’ll find in towels). There are also cotton weaves like waffle weave, which is lighter and has a crisp, textured feel.
Silk
Unlike cotton, silk is prized for the way it feels against the body. Also a natural fiber, silk has a smooth surface that glides easily over the skin and gives a robe a light, fluid drape. It is also lightweight and feels cool because it is relatively lightweight and doesn’t have the bulk of a plush or thick robe.
However, careful handling and washing are necessary to keep your silk robe in the best condition. Silk is, unfortunately, less forgiving to friction and rough treatment than sturdier fabrics like cotton.
Linen
Linen is another popular robe material. A well-made linen robe can be light and breathable, while still having enough structure. Plus, it has a relaxed fit, which is perfect for layering. And yes, it feels less like a towel you put on after bathing and more like something you can comfortably wear for the rest of your morning.
Another great thing about linen? Every time you wash it, it becomes even more relaxed without damaging the strength or structure of the fibers.
Olive + Crate robe is made from 100% European flax linen, known for its breathability, moisture management, durability, and naturally textured appearance. Unlike other linen robes, ours uses 165 GSM linen, which gives it enough weight to feel substantial yet remain airy and lightweight. It is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified, which means it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. And when you take it out of its packaging? It’s already soft because it’s pre-washed.
How about the design? Olive + Crate robe has a classic Kimono cut, which, as we mentioned earlier, has a relaxed fit and wide sleeves. Our robe also comes with a belt tie and deep pockets.
Wool
If your priority is warmth, wool is a great choice. Wool fibers have a natural crimp (a wave or zig-zag pattern) that creates tiny pockets of air between them. The purpose of those air pockets? They slow down the movement of heat away from your body, essentially trapping it.
However, do keep in mind that the type of wool matters. For instance, fine wools like merino can provide plenty of warmth without feeling particularly heavy, while coarser wool fibers can create a loftier feel. Another factor that can affect wool’s insulation properties is how it is spun and woven. So, if you’re considering a wool robe, look at its weight, thickness, wool type, and construction.
Fleece
Now, if you like the warmth of wool, but are not a fan of the weight or the price, you can go for fleece instead. And yes, despite their similarities, wool and fleece are actually quite different.
Fleece is a synthetic fabric that can provide good warmth by trapping air within its fibers. Unlike wool, though, it loses some of its insulating ability when wet, although it dries faster. It is also lightweight, does not shrink easily, and generally requires less care than wool. Another upside? Fleece is more affordable.
Common Questions About Robes
