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Towelling dressing gowns, also known as bathrobes, are a popular and practical garment worn after a shower, bath, or swim. They are made from a soft, absorbent fabric that is designed to quickly dry off the body, making them the perfect addition to any bathroom routine. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, construction, and benefits of towelling dressing gowns.
History
The use of dressing gowns dates back to the 17th century when they were worn by the wealthy as a luxurious garment to wear around the house. They were made from expensive materials such as silk and velvet and were often embellished with embroidery and lace. It wasn't until the 19th century that towelling dressing gowns began to gain popularity. The use of cotton as a fabric meant that dressing gowns could be made more affordable and were no longer reserved for the elite. By the early 20th century, towelling dressing gowns were a common sight in households throughout Europe and America.
Construction
Towelling dressing gowns are made from a type of fabric called terrycloth. Terrycloth is a woven fabric that has loops on both sides, creating a soft and fluffy texture. The loops on the fabric are designed to absorb moisture, making it the perfect material for bathrobes. Towelling dressing gowns can be made from either cotton or a cotton blend, with the blend being a combination of cotton and polyester. The use of polyester in the blend adds durability and helps to reduce shrinkage.
The length of the dressing gown can vary from knee-length to ankle-length, with some designs featuring a hood for extra warmth. The dressing gown is typically fastened with a tie, which is either made from the same material as the robe or a contrasting fabric. The tie can be positioned at the waist or higher up on the chest, depending on the style of the dressing gown.
Benefits
There are several benefits to owning a towelling dressing gown. Firstly, it provides warmth and comfort after a bath or shower. The soft and fluffy texture of the fabric feels luxurious against the skin and can help to keep the body warm on chilly mornings. Additionally, the absorbent nature of the fabric means that it quickly dries off the body, reducing the risk of catching a cold.
Towelling dressing gowns are also practical, as they can be worn over nightwear or clothes. This makes them ideal for lounging around the house on lazy weekends or for slipping on after a workout. They can also be worn as a cover-up when getting ready, whether it's for applying makeup or drying hair.
Unisex
The look of these luxury dressing gowns feature a shawl collar style with a belt and pockets. They are 100% cotton Terry Towelling Bathrobes – consisting of the best quality ring spun cotton. As such they have a delicate yet high quality feel and are wonderfully comfortable. Terry Towelling is a fabric weaved with long loops in order to make it more water absorbent. Longer loops create a greater surface area and this is the reason why more water can be absorbed.
Of course, while a dressing gown is nice to use as a transition between bath and clothes, to ensure that we are completely dry and our skin is smooth before putting on clothes, they can be much more than that. In some ways, they seem like a bit of a thing of the past. The sort of thing you would see dashing 1940s movie stars emerging from a bathroom wearing, while jazz music played on a gramophone. But that should be their appeal – they have a classic quality that speaks old fashioned suave! What’s more there is something relaxing about those old movies, and about jazz music on a gramophone – and of course there is something relaxing about bathrobes, so they make a great combination!
Discover your favourite new towel dressing gowns Towel dressing gowns are incredibly popular, but what is it that makes them so special? Let's take a look at the benefits of towel robes to help you to choose your new favourite trusty dressing gown.
Choosing the right dressing gown style
A good quality dressing gown will last you for years, but it's important to choose a style that suits your needs properly. Think about when and how you'll be using it, at what time of year, and in what temperatures.
Shawl collar or hood
Traditional dressing gowns have shawl collars, which is a rounded collar that turns down and extends down the front of the robe. Hooded dressing gowns look similar at the front but they have a hood on the back which can be pulled over the head. Hooded towel dressing gowns could help to dry hair after washing. Or, they can simply offer you a little extra warmth and coverage for cosying up in. They're great for when you want to keep your messy hair covered up when you first get out of bed on a morning. However, some people find that the extra material in the hood makes them a little too bulky, heavy and warm, particularly in spring and summer.
Waffle, microfibre or terry towelling
Terry towelling dressing gowns tend to be the most popular variety. They are incredibly soft and absorbent, which makes them perfect for throwing on after a bath or shower. Microfibre dressing gowns offer similar benefits but they feel extra soft and fluffy against the skin. The downside is that they are made from synthetic materials which are less breathable than cotton terry towel dressing gowns. Finally, there are waffle dressing gowns that are made from 100% cotton and are incredibly lightweight. They are somewhat absorbent but less so than terry towelling, and their biggest benefit is their thin, light nature, which makes them cool enough for use in the height of summer.
Why are towel dressing gowns so popular?
Towel dressing gowns are so incredibly popular because of their versatility. Most people use dressing gowns after taking a shower or bath, or for lounging around the house in the morning after getting out of bed. Towel dressing gowns are absorbent enough to help dry the body off, and they're soft and cosy for keeping us warm on cold mornings. They're also comfortable enough to wear directly against the skin, whereas many other materials can feel rough against bare skin. Another major benefit of towel dressing gowns is their durability and easy maintenance. You can simply throw a towel bathrobe into the washing machine along with the rest of your bath towels without worrying about it shrinking. Plus, towelling material is available in a wide range of colours, which makes it easy to find a dressing gown to suit your tastes.
Understanding sizes and weights of towel dressing gowns
Fabric material weights are measured in GSM (grams per square metre). When it comes to towelling material, the higher the GSM, the denser the material is. We often see GSM as a marker of quality, with higher GSM garments being more luxurious. For example, our Egyptian Collection dressing gowns are heavy, thick and fluffy, which makes them feel incredibly luxurious. However, luxuriousness is only part of the story when it comes to choosing the weight of your towel dressing gown. The denser the towel is, the heavier and warmer it is. You simply might not want to use a heavy 470 GSM gown when you get out of the shower on a hot summer's day. If you're looking for a versatile dressing gown that you can wear all year round, a moderate weight such as a 300 GSM might be more suitable. Don't forget to consider size when buying a new dressing gown. Most towel dressing gowns are unisex and are sized small, medium, large and extra-large rather than in dress sizes or waist sizes. It tends to be wiser to choose a size that is a little too big rather than too small to ensure that it is comfortable for lounging around in. When it comes to one-size-fits-all gowns, note that they are usually very generously sized and close to a typical extra-large. Some people love having a big dressing gown to wrap themselves up in, but if you'd prefer a closer fit, it might be better to buy a gown that has a variety of sizes to choose from.
What does ISO 9001-2000 certification mean in relation to dressing gowns?
All of the dressing gowns available at The Towel Shop have been manufactured in an ISO 9001-2000 certified environment. This means we adhere to strict ISO standards regarding our manufacturing processes to ensure only the best quality materials are used to produce high-quality products. By adhering to ISO guidelines, we can ensure our manufacturing output remains at a consistently high-quality level to maximise customer satisfaction.
What is the difference between a bathrobe and a dressing gown?
The terms 'bath robe' and 'dressing gown' tend to be used interchangeably to refer to loose-fitting robes worn around the house after taking a bath or shower or just after getting out of bed. However, if we get into the true definitions of the term, there are some differences. Bathrobes are usually made from an absorbent towelling material which allows them to absorb lasting traces of water. They are primarily designed to be used after getting out of the shower or bath. Traditional dressing gowns are made from much more lightweight material, such as lightweight cotton or silk, which is not particularly absorbent. They are designed to be worn after getting out of bed and before getting dressed for the day, or simply as comfortable loungewear for relaxing around the house. These days, many people buy dressing gowns that are made from towelling material so that they can serve as both bathrobes and general loungewear. The cosy towelling is perfect for chilly winter mornings when you need an extra layer of warmth over pyjamas. Be sure to check out The Towel Shop's full range of towel dressing gowns to find your favourite new style.
In conclusion, towelling dressing gowns are a versatile and practical addition to any bathroom routine. With their soft and absorbent fabric, they provide comfort and warmth while also helping to dry off the body. Whether you prefer a knee-length or ankle-length style, with or without a hood, there is a towelling dressing gown to suit every taste and budget.