Nothing says “spa” like stepping out of the bath into a soft robe. A good robe is also one of the most-used things you can buy for a home spa: it gets worn every morning and evening, not only on spa nights.
The two main styles are light waffle-weave robes, like the ones handed out at hotel spas, and thick plush robes for cold mornings. We picked the best of each, for her and for him, judged on fabric, fit, how they wash and what owners say after months of wear.
Best plushNY Threads Plush Fleece Robe for WomenCheck price
Best waffle robeAmazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Waffle RobeCheck price
Best for her or himTurquaz Long Waffle Kimono RobeCheck price
Best hotel-styleBoca Terry Women's Long Waffle RobeCheck price
NY Threads Plush Fleece Robe for Women
For: cosy mornings and winter evenings
- FabricPlush fleece
- CollarShawl
- DetailsBelt, 2 pockets
One of the most-reviewed women's robes on Amazon, with a very high average rating: a long, soft fleece robe with a shawl collar, an adjustable belt and two front pockets. It is the warm, wrap-up-after-the-bath robe; as with any fleece, dry off with a towel first.
What we like
- Very soft and warm
- Huge owner track record
- Pockets and a proper belt
Watch out for
- Fleece doesn't absorb water
- Too warm for summer
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Waffle Robe
For: the classic day-spa robe, year-round
- FabricCotton-blend waffle
- LengthMid (39 in on a Small)
- SizesIncluding plus
The robe most like what a day spa hands you: a light, breathable, absorbent cotton-blend waffle knit with patch pockets and a belt with an inside tie, in a wide size range including plus sizes. Tens of thousands of owners rate it highly.
What we like
- Light, breathable and absorbent
- Inside tie keeps it closed
- Wide size range
Watch out for
- Mid-length, not ankle-length
- Not warm enough for a cold house
Turquaz Long Waffle Kimono Robe
For: a unisex robe, or a matching pair
- FabricCotton-blend waffle
- CutUnisex kimono
- BuildDouble-stitched
A long waffle kimono cut to fit men and women alike, double-stitched and quick-drying per the maker. Buy two for a couples spa night.
What we like
- Unisex fit
- Long length
- Quick-drying
Watch out for
- Kimono collar is less cosy than a shawl collar
- Check the size chart; unisex sizing runs large
Boca Terry Women's Long Waffle Robe
For: a splurge that feels like a resort
- FabricWaffle
- LengthLong
- StyleHotel bathrobe
From a maker of hotel and resort robes, a long waffle bathrobe in the style of a hotel spa. It costs more than our other picks and has far fewer reviews, so treat it as the splurge choice.
What we like
- Resort-style long robe
- Hotel-supply maker
- A lovely gift
Watch out for
- Pricey
- Smaller review base than our top picks
Turkish Linen Men's Waffle Kimono Robe
For: men who run warm
- FabricWaffle
- WeightLightweight, quick-dry
- PocketsYes
A lightweight, quick-drying waffle kimono robe cut for men, with pockets. A good match for a spa day for him, or for anyone who finds plush robes too hot.
What we like
- Cut for men
- Light and quick-drying
- Pockets
Watch out for
- Not a warm winter robe
- Fewer reviews than the women's picks
Waffle or plush?
Waffle-weave robes are light, quick-drying and breathable. They are what most day spas use, and they suit warm bathrooms, summer and anyone who runs hot. They absorb less water than terry, so pat dry first.
Plush (fleece or microfibre) robes are thick, warm and cosy. They are lovely in winter but don’t absorb water well, so they are a robe for after you dry off.
Terry cotton robes absorb water like a towel and are the closest to a classic bath robe, but they are heavier and slower to dry.
Sizing and care
Robes run generous; if you are between sizes, the smaller usually fits. Check the length in the listing (knee-length or ankle-length) and whether there are pockets and a hood. Wash before first wear to soften the fabric, skip fabric softener on cotton and waffle robes (it reduces absorbency), and tumble-dry low.
A robe makes a lovely gift; it also pairs with a spa gift set for a complete present.
How we rate
We score every pick out of 10 on four things, weighted for how people actually use spa gear at home: how well it does its job (40%), whether that is a steamer's steady mist, a pillow's grip on a slick tub or a robe's softness after the tenth wash; build and materials (25%), including what owners report after months of use; ease of use and care (20%), meaning setup, cleaning and storage; and value (15%).
We have not tested these products ourselves. We read the manufacturer's specifications and care instructions and look for the patterns in verified owners' reviews, both the praise and the recurring complaints. No brand pays for placement, and a commission cannot buy a higher rating. When a pick changes, we will say so on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of robe do spas use?
Most day spas and hotel spas use lightweight waffle-weave or terry cotton robes, because they are breathable and wash well at high temperatures.
Do plush robes absorb water?
Not much. Fleece and microfibre robes are for warmth; dry off with a towel first, or choose a terry or waffle robe if you want to step straight out of the shower into it.
Should I size up or down in a robe?
Most robes are cut loose, so your usual size or one smaller is normally right. Check the brand’s size chart for length.
