One of the simplest ways to simulate the spa experience without breaking the bank on a professional facial is to stock up on luxurious robes. The best silk robes are fun alternatives to your usual weekend attire, such as sweats and leggings, because they are both cozy and a little froufrou. There’s a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to them despite their practicality.
Wrapping yourself in a soft silk blanket at the end of a long day is the ultimate act of self-care. Typically, the most expensive is silk, followed by silk blends, and then satin in terms of price. Casper explains that silk is expensive because of “the skill it takes to work with and its incomparably smooth feel.” Satin, on the other hand, is “not woven” like silk, which means it can be made with synthetic materials, which drives down the price and diminishes the fabric’s softness. Both fabrics are luxurious and comfortable at the end of the day.
Here are a few of our favorites, all of which are made from 100% silk
1. La Perla Silk Robe
If you’ve ever owned a bra and panty set from La Perla, you already know that their 100% Silk Robe is going to look and feel like luxury every time you slip it on. It’s absolutely effortless with long sleeves, a crossover neckline, and a wrap belt.
This short robe is timeless and versatile. Wear it over a sexy lingerie set when you’re setting a romantic mood, or layer it over leggings and a tank top when you need a glamorous touch of style that’s still comfortable as can be.
2. Kim + Ono Silk Kiku Kimono Robe
The Kim + Ono Silk Kiku Kimono Robe boasts elegance in a sophisticated watercolor floral print. This high-quality robe is ultra-soft in 100% silk with 3/4 length sleeves, a tie belt, and an inside tie to keep it closed securely.
Available in a variety of chic colors, this silk kimono is finished with side slits and French seams. Layer it over lingerie or your favorite sleep set to add a bit of luxury to your day-to-day routine.
3. Kim + Ono Silk Yuri Kimono Robe
Prefer a long robe to a short one?
The Kim + Ono Silk Yuri Kimono Robe exudes timeless glamour in 100% silk with a watercolor floral print. 3/4 length kimono sleeves make it incredibly comfortable to wear, while the long length offers a chic look, even if you’re wearing your most comfy pajamas underneath.
This elegant design is detailed with French seams, side slits, a tie belt, and an inside tie to keep it closed in front.
4. Puff Sleeve Silk Robe
Puffed long sleeves add major style to this soft and smooth silk blend robe. The Puff Sleeve Silk Robe features blouson sleeves, an open front with a self-belt that ties at the waist, and a generous cut that makes it incredibly comfortable.
It can also be ordered with a lining or made to order by providing custom measurements.
5. LelaSilk Long Silk Robe
f it’s a full-length robe you love, you’re sure to adore the LelaSilk Long Silk Robe. This robe offers glamour, sophistication, and ultra-feminine style in a kimono-inspired silhouette with long, loose sleeves and an open front.
This design is made from a soft silk blend and features a simple yet sophisticated look with an open front and a self-fabric belt tied at the waist. Each robe is handmade and can be customized in your specific size or ordered with a lining to give it a slightly heavier feel.
How to Pick the Best Robe
Needs
Why do you need a robe? Is this really going to become one of your staple pieces of lounge attire? Do you need something a little more functional and less fashionable? Do you want a robe to take you from the shower to the bedroom? Or a dressing gown to wear at night before heading to bed? Or something to wear as you get dressed and do your makeup? Or over your sleepwear?
However you imagine yourself wearing your robe, you’ll need to keep that in mind as you shop. You don’t want to get distracted by a frilly, frivolous piece that’s not going to serve any real purpose if you do actually need a robe that will keep you covered as you herd the kids from bed to the bus stop.
Coverage
And on that note, it’s important to think about coverage as well. Do you live alone and only imagine yourself wearing your robe indoors? Then, by all means, go as short and flowy as you’d like. If, though, you live with family members or roommates, and you want to wear your robe to the breakfast table, you might want something with a little more coverage.
Material
Even if you have your heart set on a silk or satin robe, is that really the best choice? If you want a robe that will keep you warm or one that will soak up some excess moisture as you get ready after a shower in the mornings, a silk or satin robe might not necessarily be a good fit. However, you can find lightweight and stylish robes made from a variety of other fabrics, including microfiber, cotton terry, cotton velour, chenille, and even cashmere.
Extra Features
As you think of how you’ll wear your robe, consider what extra features you may or may not want. Some robes will come with a zipper. Some will come with a hood. Others might include pockets. Whatever extra features and details you think will be handy, keep an eye out for them.
How to Care for Silk Robe
Picked your favorite robe option from the recommendations above? Once that robe arrives on your doorstep, you’ll want to take care of it properly. Don’t make the mistake of just assuming that, if you bought a silk robe, it needs to go to the dry cleaners’, or if you bought a satin robe, it can be tossed in the washer and then the dryer. Here’s how to take the best care of your new purchase.
Check the label
Always check your clothing labels before a first wash. There, you’ll find more detailed information as to what the clothing item is made from, as well as recommended washing and drying steps. Even if you think you purchased a silk robe or a satin robe, you may actually have a 97% silk and 3% spandex robe or a robe that’s mostly rayon. Whatever the fabric’s unique makeup, you’ll want to care for it accordingly.
Wash your robe with like items
Does your robe’s label assure you that it’s machine-washable? That doesn’t mean you should just throw your robe in the washer alongside your jeans or bath towels. It’s best to wash like items with like items, especially when dealing with more delicate fabrics. That means you might want to only wash your robe with other, similar loungewear or lingerie or your silk or satin sheets.
In doubt? Always hand wash
If you’re not 100% sure that your robe can be machine washed, just go ahead, and hand washes it. While it may seem like a chore, it’s really not all that difficult or time-consuming.
All you need to do is fill your sink with cool or cold water, add your robe and a silk-specific detergent, and then let the robe sit for a few minutes. Then, run the robe between your hands, gently pressing and wiping at any soiled areas. Lastly, drain the water and rinse the robe in fresh, cool water until the water runs clear before pressing excess moisture out of the fabric with a towel.
Dry appropriately
Even if your robe is machine washable, it’s doubtful that your robe will be safe in the dryer. High heat can really damage these delicate fabrics. So, instead, lay your robe flat to dry, either between two towels or on a drying rack. Don’t allow your robe to dry in direct sunlight.
Pick the proper storage
Especially if you invested in a pricier silk robe, you won’t want to just leave it lying on the floor or thrown over a chair. Keeping your robe folded or hung and tucked away, protected from high humidity and extreme temperatures, will help the fabric retain its shape and feel for years to come.
Silk Robes Make Great Gifts
If you’re buying a silk robe as a gift, you’re about to become the best gift-giver of all time.
And if you’re buying one for yourself, congratulations! We think it’s time to reward yourself with a little bit of well-deserved luxury that you can wear forever.
Sure, that cotton robe you love to throw on over your sleepwear or favorite t-shirt may be comfy and cozy, but does it make you feel pretty or glamorous? Probably not.
The best robe for at-home glamour is a silk one, and if you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to get in on the trend.
If you do invest in a pricey piece, just be sure to follow the care instructions closely. Wash and dry your robe as recommended, and you can enjoy it for years to come.