The Best Fuzzy Robe

Buying Guide

When it comes to robes, there are several standard types that might come to mind. You’ve got the ornate robes of office worn by bishops or priests. There are short and skimpy silk robes that can spice up bedtime. But when it comes time to relax with a nice cup of coffee or tea, there’s nothing in our closet that gets as much use as a warm, fuzzy robe.

In fact, that reliable comfy robe might be the only thing you wear every day. With that in mind, it’s just as important to find something that’s durable and easy to care for as it is to find a robe that’s cozy.

Fabric, of course, is the first thing you’ll want to consider. Fuzzy robes will limit your choice of materials to a few basic types: Cotton, fleece, wool or microfiber.

For years, cotton was the most popular fabric for this type of robe, and it’s still common in high-end robes today. The ever-reliable flannel robe is made out of cotton, as are those waffle-weaved robes you might find in your hotel room. The feel of a quality cotton robe is unmistakable, though you might have to show it a little extra love in return. The moisture-absorbing property of cotton is a bit of a double-edged sword: While it can handle the few drops of water on your body after you shower, it can also tend to shrink if not washed properly.

If you want a robe that feels like a winter blanket, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of wool. Pure wool, however has problems similar to those of cotton when it comes to water. To mitigate them, look for a wool robe that’s blended with other fabrics.

For a lighter, looser robe, you might try fleece. This synthetic fabric is a common one on modern robes for a reason: It’s relatively cheap, lightweight and easy to wash compared to organic fibers. Choose carefully, though. After too many washes, poorly made fleece robes can be prone to pilling —  shedding tiny hairballs of material and leaving behind a rougher surface.

If you’ve got a bit more to spend, you might want to go for a microfiber robe. This term is a catch-all name for tightly-woven synthetic fibers. If you can find a thick, well-made microfiber robe, the feel is like layered silk — and you generally won’t have to worry as much about special washing instructions.

Most of all, choose something that feels great on your skin type, and don’t forget the accessories. Big pockets and a longer cut can make all the difference for some people, along with the extra warmth provided by a hood or a thicker collar.

When it comes time to wash your robe, take a careful reading of the wash instructions. Many synthetic materials will do just fine in the washer along with your towels or other commonly used fabrics, but it doesn’t hurt to put them on a gentler cycle. Fleece in particular keeps its fluff longer if you wash it on gentle in cool water, and try to use less detergent in general to maintain the feel and color of your robe.