Robes aren’t simply a garment that you wrap around yourself when you’re fresh out of the shower, or slip on over your pajamas when you get out of bed in the morning. Robes were originally a garment used similarly to a light jacket, the first reference by that name in France in the 13th century. By the 17th century, the term “robes” was used to describe the clothing worn by a judge or other legal professionals.

In the 18th century, wealthy women used a special long garment over their nightgowns when they were out of bed. This was probably the first case of robes in regular women’s wear, with similar dressing gowns for men becoming somewhat mainstream until two centuries later.

The Robes of Today

Modern robes for men and women are an invention of the 20th century, with the garments becoming available in every possible size, color and fabric. Though they’re often referred to as bathrobes, they’re used for numerous occasions beyond wrapping up after a bath.

Robes are worn by some judges, clergy, graduates and people observing certain religious holidays or cultural laws. They’re even often worn in , like the wildly popular Harry Potter films where all the young and old wizards wear them in their everyday lives and for special ceremonies.

Bath Robes are Essentially a “Comfort of Home”

Bathrobes worn at home for comfort aren’t just for taking the chill off after a bath or shower. They can be worn after a dip in the pool, to cover pajamas or to put on when getting out of bed whether you’re wearing pajamas or not!

Bathrobes are worn for warmth on chilly evenings, and for coolness and comfort in warm weather because of their loose-fitting style. They’re worn for pizzazz when they’re funky or silky, or for extra warmth when you’re not feeling well. A fuzzy or plush bathrobe, chicken soup and hot tea are the perfect combination when you’re suffering from a cold or flu .

Robes and Sense of Style

A bathrobe can also be used as self expression. Maybe you have a secret yearning to wear a tiger print or zebra stripes, but you would never wear such a fabric in a public setting! You can indulge by choosing bathrobe that’s as over the top as you want! It’s a very personal garment that no one but yourself has to see, if that’s what you’d like.

You can wear any color or style and enjoy a bit of flair around the house. You can dress as conservatively as you want during the day, but come home and indulge yourself by slipping into a smooth silk bathrobe, or one that’s lovers might choose a thick, absorbent bathrobe just for wearing after a bath or shower or on cold nights. Whereas, a thinner material might be perfect for warm summer evenings. And you might want that bright, funky one to please your wild side. Bath robes can be used in so many different ways, that you won’t want to stop at just one.