The warmest dressing gown is fleece. The most absorbent is waffle or towelling, the one to reach for after a bath. Satin is the lightweight choice you can wear all year and still look put together, and chiffon is a sheer layer worn for the look rather than for warmth. The right one depends on how warm your home is and what you want the gown to do.
Dressing gown fabrics at a glance
| Fabric | Warmth | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece | Warmest | Thick and soft; cheaper fleece can bobble | Cold houses, winter mornings |
| Waffle cotton | Medium | Textured, absorbent, dries quickly | After a bath or shower |
| Towelling | Medium | Very absorbent, heavy when wet | The bathroom, spa days |
| Satin | Light | Smooth and fluid, with a soft sheen | All year, heated flats, travel |
| Chiffon | Very light | Sheer and floaty | Over nightwear, bridal mornings |
Fleece: the warmest dressing gown
Fleece is a brushed polyester knit that traps warm air, which is why most lists of the warmest dressing gowns are full of it. It suits a draughty house and early winter mornings. The trade-offs are bulk, and cheaper fleece can bobble after a few washes. We do not sell fleece gowns: if warmth is the only job, a fleece is the right buy, and a lighter gown covers the rest of the year.
Waffle and towelling: for after a bath
Waffle is a textured cotton weave that absorbs water and dries faster than towelling, which is why it is the classic hotel and spa robe. Towelling is thicker and soaks up more, but it is heavy when wet. Both are about drying off rather than keeping warm on a cold landing.
Satin: the lightweight, all-year gown
Most satin dressing gowns are woven from polyester, which gives the fluid drape and soft sheen satin is known for. A satin gown is light enough for a heated flat, packs small for travel and looks finished over a nightdress or pyjamas. It is not the warmest choice, so in a cold house wear it over pyjamas or keep it for the milder months.
Ours are mostly by Irall. The knee-length Elodie has embroidered lace across the shoulders and comes in plum, navy and azure blue. Nikita in jade has three-quarter kimono sleeves finished with a band of embroidered lace. See the full range in satin dressing gowns.
Chiffon: a sheer layer for the look
Chiffon is a fine, sheer fabric worn over a nightdress or lingerie, for the bedroom or a getting-ready morning. It adds colour and movement, not warmth. The Irall Oriana pairs red chiffon with a lace collar and cuffs, and the Irall Cassidy is a white sheer robe with lace edging, made with brides in mind.
Which fabric suits your home?
- A centrally heated flat: satin. Fleece will feel too warm within minutes.
- A draughty house: fleece for winter, satin for the warmer months.
- Mostly after a bath: waffle or towelling.
- A wedding morning: satin or chiffon, which photograph better than fleece.
- Travel: satin, which packs the smallest.
Length, hoods and pockets
A knee-length gown is easier on the stairs and in the kitchen, while a long gown keeps your legs warmer. Hoods and deep pockets belong on fleece and waffle gowns made for lounging; satin gowns usually rely on a wrap front and a tie belt. If you want a lighter robe to go over something specific, read Peignoir, Dressing Gown or Kimono Robe.
Getting the size right
A wrap-front gown with a tie belt is forgiving, because the belt does the adjusting. Irall's chart runs S = UK 8–10, M = UK 10–12, L = UK 12–14, XL = UK 14–16 and XXL = UK 16–18. If you sit between two sizes, either usually works in a wrap style. Robes can be returned within 14 days if you change your mind.
Care
Wash satin cool and gently, inside a laundry bag, and do not tumble dry. Iron it on the reverse at a cool setting. Chiffon and lace trims are safest washed by hand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the warmest type of dressing gown?
Fleece, especially a long, heavier fleece with a hood. It traps more warm air than waffle, towelling or satin.
Is a satin dressing gown warm?
Not very. Satin is light and smooth, so it suits heated homes and warmer months. In winter, wear it over pyjamas.
What is the best lightweight dressing gown?
Satin or a thin waffle cotton. Satin looks smarter and packs smaller; waffle is better after a bath.
Which dressing gown is best after a shower?
Waffle or towelling, because both absorb water. Satin and fleece will not dry you.
Browse our dressing gowns and robes, or go straight to satin dressing gowns.