History of the bathrobe: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

The bathrobe is indispensable, if not extremely important, in our lives. It comes in handy for lounging around the house, after a bath, or relaxing at a party. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the bathrobe. And how it has evolved over time – from the 18th century to today, the bathrobe has always had charm.

From pajamas to robes

Bathrobes were actually pajamas in their former life. The concept of pajamas was born in the 19th century when people wore them to bed. At that time, people would choose to make pajamas out of cotton, silk and linen. They were white and came down to the calf for both men and women. To make it easier to move around and do chores, pajamas were designed to be loose fitting. By the time the 20th century rolled around, pajamas were becoming fashionable as well. With the addition of embroidery, lace trims and ruffled necklines, the wide white gowns were refined. But most of them are still plain, retaining maximum utility.

The English word “robe” is of French origin, meaning “woman’s dress”. Bathrobes first appeared in the early 1800’s when pajamas became popular. Unlike bath towels, bathrobes provided warmth and convenience after bathing. It was also slightly different from pajamas in that it was thicker. For these reasons, the robe quickly became popular.

And then from robes to bathrobes

The history of the bathrobe is closely related to the robe, a loose outer garment with sleeves. Traditional bathrobes are made from heavy fabrics such as wool or velvet. Bathrobes, however, are made from lightweight materials such as terry cloth or cotton for absorbency and comfort. The earliest bathrobes were usually floor-length and came with large hoods to help keep the wearer warm.

Bathrobes are included within robes, which contain a bit more variety. But it doesn’t hurt that bathrobes are one of the best-selling pieces of clothing!

The history of bathrobe fashion in different countries

Over time, the length and style of bathrobes have changed. Some have become shorter and more fitted, such as shawl collar bathrobes and cotton bathrobes. Some were long but made to be breathable, such as the bamboo fiber hooded thin summer bathrobes.

The Japanese kimono robe also influenced the design of the modern bathrobe. Many of the bathrobes on the market today feature crossover necklines and waistbands. Some kimono inspiration was borrowed from them. The same is true of Chinese bathrobes. A stand-up collar design has been added. Traditional Japanese kimonos are made of fine silk fabrics, often with intricate embroidery or prints.

Compared to Western robes, Japanese kimonos are lighter and thinner. This aesthetic can also be seen in today’s bathrobe market. These bathrobes are usually thin and lightweight, and are decorated with contrasting piping or embroidery.
Throughout its history, the bathrobe has had a long history and has evolved to meet a variety of needs. Designs and colors catered to popular preferences. Whether it’s a knee-length kimono-style bathrobe or a brightly colored cotton bathrobe, today’s market offers consumers a wide variety of choices.

Improvements in quality?

In addition, there has been a quantum leap in the materials used in bathrobes. Modern technology has enabled manufacturers to produce more comfortable, sweat-absorbent fabrics such as microfiber or wool. If you want to stay warm during the cold winter months, don’t hesitate to choose waffles or face cloths.

In short, people’s pursuit of quality of life is increasing, and their choice of fabrics is growing. Thus, the desire to shop is also getting stronger and stronger, which stimulates the development of the market.