The morning of a wedding runs to a timetable, and the robe and the underwear are two things that should not need thinking about once it starts. This checklist covers what to choose, how to check sizes, and what to do in the days before.
Start with the robe
The classic getting-ready robe is the kimono robe: straight cut, wide sleeves, short, and often satin. The wide sleeves and straight cut make it easy to put on and take off, which is useful when hair and make-up are already done.
A peignoir is the alternative if you prefer lace: a short, decorative robe, usually tied at the waist and often sold with matching underwear. Beauty Night specialises in them. Chiffon works as a sheer layer over a nightdress.
A matching set settles the question of coordination: the robe and the underwear are chosen together, so there is one decision to make rather than two.
Satin is smooth and cool and holds its colour. If it creases in the bag, press it on the reverse with a cool iron before the day.
Start with the bridal collection, then compare peignoirs and dressing gowns.
Size the underwear before you open it
Look at the dress before you choose underwear, because the neckline and the back decide which styles you can wear. Then settle the size, because sealed intimates and hosiery cannot be returned once opened.
For bras, Nudea is published in bands 30–42 with cups A–GG, Confidante in bands 28–36 with cups A–FF, and Gracya in bands 30–38. If your size comes from a European label, UK 34 is EU 75 and UK 36 is EU 80, but cup letters do not convert one for one. Use the brand's chart for the cup, and see our size guides.
For dress sizes on European labels, UK 10 is EU 38, UK 12 is EU 40 and UK 14 is EU 42. French labels read two higher still.
You can browse bras and lingerie sets once you know your size. Hosiery is sized by hip measurement and height rather than dress size, so check that separately in the hosiery collection. The hosiery labels we carry include Gabriella, Ballerina and Black Secret.
Ordering robes for a group
Bridesmaids and family mean several sizes at once. A wrap-front dressing gown with a tie belt fits comfortably across two sizes, so it takes less guesswork. Irall's chart runs from S at UK 8–10 to XXL at UK 16–18, and the plus sizes collection is the place to look for larger sizes.
Every order ships in plain, unbranded outer packaging, which helps if the robes are meant to be a surprise. Irall nightwear also comes in the maker's gift box, so robes for the bridal party are ready to hand over as gifts.
The checklist for the morning of
Gather these a few days ahead, not on the day:
- Robe: a short kimono robe or a peignoir, tried on and sized.
- Underwear: size confirmed against the brand's chart before the packaging was opened.
- Hosiery: sized by hip and height, with a spare pair if you want one.
- Satin pieces: pressed with a cool iron on the reverse.
- Lace trims: hand washed or washed in a lingerie bag if they need freshening.
- Group robes: sizes confirmed with each person.
- Evening nightwear: packed separately from the morning bag.
Something for the evening
It is worth packing a second piece for later: a nightdress, or a matching peignoir set. Choose it by fabric as well as colour. Polyester satin is smooth and cool, viscose and modal are soft and breathable, and any lace trim sets the washing routine.
A simple timeline
Several weeks ahead, decide the robe and the underwear and confirm the sizes. A week ahead, try the robe on and press anything in satin. The day before, pack the morning bag and keep the evening piece separate. If something is still undecided in the last week, choose the simpler option, such as a wrap-front gown that fits comfortably across two sizes.
Timing and returns
Order well ahead of the date rather than relying on a last-minute delivery. Delivery is free in the UK on orders over £50 and £3.95 below that.
Nightwear and robes can be returned: you have 14 days to change your mind, so try them on as soon as they arrive. Sealed intimates and hosiery cannot be returned once opened, which is why the sizing step comes first.
Browse the bridal collection and, if you want help with sizes, use Find My Size.