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10 best dressing gowns you’ll want to put on as soon as you get home, tested by our panel
Dressing gown/house coat/bathrobe/wearable hug...
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd and Reshma Akhter
It's the incentive you need to face leaving bed in the morning, a welcome hug at the end of a long day, and the ultimate lazy Sunday attire. It’s completely acceptable to take the bins out in one, too. The best dressing gowns are a year-round loungewear staple.
But with designs that start from as little as £25 and go all the way up to £250, we wanted to know whether it’s actually worth spending more on them or not. So, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts rounded up a panel of sleepy testers to try the best dressing gowns and robes from market-leading brands to see which provided the comfort and quality we expect.
These are our cosy winners at a glance, including thick, towelling bathrobes, wearable blankets and extra lightweight waffle designs.
Best dressing gowns
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We asked our readers (and professional dressing gown wearers) to don their new robe for at least two weeks, (with some breaks for outdoor clothes) and give us detailed feedback. We also put them through extensive wash tests in the lab to see how they fared against common stains and spillages.
You’ll find a full breakdown of how we test below our reviews, but, first, these are the ones we’ll be wearing on work-from-home days.
TBCo Terry Cotton Bath Robe
TBCo Terry Cotton Bath Robe
Score: 94/100
When this dressing gown landed on the desk of one of our nominated testers, Stacey Smith, a chorus of envious “Oh my gods!” rippled through the office (lucky thing). Its eye-catching stripes are bright enough to lift the gloomiest of mornings. As one tester put it: “The design is just so gorgeous, it makes so happy every time I wear it.”
Made from the same material as the brand’s bath towels, it was praised for being “heavy and luxurious, but not too hot.” It excelled in our lab wash tests too, scoring full marks for minimal shrinkage and fading, which means you can toss it in the machine without worrying about diminishing that new-robe feel.
Its only real shortcoming was a longer air-drying time, but that’s hardly surprising given the thick, premium fabric. So perhaps plan your robe wash ahead of any weekends away, ensuring you’re welcomed home by that familiar cocoon of comfort.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% Terry cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL, 3XL |
| Washing instructions | Machine wash 30°C and do not bleach. Tumble dry at a low temperature. Line dry in the shade. Do not wring. Cool iron. |
M&S Jersey Waffle Dressing Gown
M&S Jersey Waffle Dressing Gown
Score: 94/100
This is a “lovely lightweight dressing gown” according to one of our testers. It’s made from a jersey waffle material, which strikes the perfect balance between warm and cosy and loose and breathable.
It also has a large hood (perfect for helping to towel dry your hair on wash day), and big pockets that are useful for storing your phone or transporting biscuits on the tea run.
There was minimal shrinkage in our wash test. The only area it dropped points on was for fit, as it was a little snug for our testers with larger boobs. We suggest sizing up if that’s a concern.
Key specifications
| Material | 80% cotton, 18% polyester, 2% elastane (exclusive of trimmings), hood lining, 100% cotton. |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Washing Instructions | Wash at 40ºC, tumble dry and iron at medium temperatures. Do not bleach. |
Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe
Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe
Score: 91/100
This snug bathrobe is the ultimate post-bath attire. It’s a weighty one, but it feels “high-quality and luxurious,” according to our panel. It’s made from cotton and bamboo viscose, which the brand says is responsibly sourced and won’t pill – a claim that proved true in testing as there was zero bobbling after five washes.
However, if you’re not satisfied with it for any reason, it also comes with a two-year warranty. Foundation stains also lifted easily, making it a great gown for getting ready in.
Key specifications
| Materials | 60% cotton, 40% viscose from bamboo |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Washing instructions | Use colour-safe detergent in a warm machine wash. Tumble dry on low, do not bleach. |
Score: 90/100
Wrap yourself up in this ultra-soft faux rabbit fur dressing gown, which takes comfort to the next level. “It’s very warm and cosy, but it doesn’t make you feel sweaty,” said one tester, which we think is an important factor when rating a dressing gown. Other features, such as the deep pockets and cuffed sleeves, were also popular with our panel.
The plushness does mean it takes slightly longer to dry, but it maintained its quality during our wash tests, with minimal shrinkage measured, earning it top marks in this specific test.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL |
| Washing instructions | Cold machine-wash on a gentle cycle, with mild detergents. Can be tumble dried. |
Soak & Sleep Turkish Cotton Bathrobes
Score: 88/100
Waste no time and step out of your blissful bubble bath straight into this extra-cosy bathrobe. It’s made from a plush, soft, Turkish cotton, which means the fibres are combed before spinning, resulting in an extra soft-to-touch feel. It’s the perfect way to extend your zen, post-soak.
The long belt keeps it securely in place, and the well-positioned pockets are convenient for stashing your phone and snacks in. The shawl collar looks great and adds an extra layer of comfort, too.
Though some panel members thought it could be a little more absorbent, one tester said it was “hard to find much wrong with this robe”.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% Turkish Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S/M, M/L, L/XL |
| Washing instructions | 30ºc-40ºc wash and a low heat tumble dry. Do not bleach. |
Oodie Paisley Summer Dressing Gown
Score: 87/100
Dressing gowns aren’t merely reserved for cosy winter nights, as this summer design proves. Firstly, the cropped fit means that you aren’t completely submerged in material, and the cotton fabric is comfortable yet breathable. “It kept me cool and comfortable, and the length was perfect for my shorter frame,” said one tester who wore it during a heatwave. Others liked that it was light enough to pack for a weekend away, if you can’t bear to be without it.
It’s convenient for wearing around the house when you’re going about your routine, too, with one tester saying she liked how the short sleeves didn’t get wet while she was doing the dishes or washing her face. This one excelled in our wash tests as well, with only minor shrinkage and colour fading registered after going through multiple cycles.
Key specifications
| Material | 85% cotton, 10% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL |
| Washing instructions | Cold machine wash on gentle cycle |
The White Company Unisex Organic Cotton Hooded Ribbed
The White Company Unisex Organic Cotton Hooded Ribbed
Score: 87/100
Everything about The White Company gives a luxury, five-star hotel vibe, including its gorgeously soft and fluffy towels, which scored an impressive 90/100 on our best bath towels test. With such glowing reviews, it was only right that we also put the brand’s bathrobe, which is made from that same hydrocotton fabric, through its paces.
Our testers loved the cosy and comfortable finish, which they enjoyed slipping into straight out of the shower. It also wasn’t affected by multiple washes, with minimum shrinkage. So, you don’t need to worry when the bright white sleeve inevitably ends up in your breakfast, or if the neckline becomes a little tinged from your makeup.
Its oversized, longer-length design did divide opinion – some felt it added to their comfort levels, but others found it slightly too big, especially if they were of a petite build. Overall, though, it kept our testers warm and cosy.
Key specifications
| Material | Pure organic cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Washing instructions | Machine washable |
Simba Soft Muslin Robe
Simba Soft Muslin Robe
Score: 85/100
If you prefer a layer of lightweight comfort over a thick, plush dressing gown, this is the one for you. From sleep specialists Simba, it’s made from an airy, cotton muslin fabric that feels soft against the skin. Not only did it feel good, but it looks good too, with one tester praising the “flattering fit,” which isn’t often the case when it comes to dressing gowns.
It fell slightly short, quite literally, in our shrinkage test. But this stabilised by the second wash, and the gown maintained its shape after that. There was also some colour fading too, but again, that was only after the initial wash. There are four neutral tones to choose from, from a dove grey to a dusky pink.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% cotton fibres |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL |
| Washing instructions | Machine washable using cold water on a gentle setting. Hang to dry. |
Dusk Monaco Plush Ribbed Cotton Robe
Dusk Monaco Plush Ribbed Cotton Robe
Score: 84/100
Looking to add a little something special to your evening wind down routine? This is the bathrobe for you, according to our testers. It made them feel like they were in a fancy spa, but in the comfort of their own home.
We recommend wearing it while using one of our best foot spas or best facial steamers, for the ultimate pamper session. At under £40, this good-quality robe comes at a great price too.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Washing Instructions | Machine wash at 30ºc, can be tumble dried and ironed both at low temperatures |
La Redoute Haxel 100% Cotton Bouclette Hooded Bath robe
La Redoute Haxel 100% Cotton Bouclette Hooded Bath robe
Score: 81/00
For days when it’s just too much to use a towel when you get out of the shower, this bathrobe is “nice to slip into if you’re feeling lazy”, according to one chilled-out tester. The added hood helped to dry wet hair, although one person said it could have been bigger.
Hood aside, it scored well for fit, with testers liking that they didn’t have to turn up the cuffs or deal with any excess material. Plus, if you become particularly emotionally attached to this bathrobe, it’s compact enough to slip into your weekend bag. One of our panellists said she packed it for a spa weekend, without it taking up too much room.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6/8, 10/12, 14/16, 18/20, 22/24 |
| Washing instructions | Machine washable at 60ºc, tumble dry at medium temperature |
How we test dressing gowns
We test thousands of products every year at the Good Housekeeping Institute, prodding them and pulling them apart in the lab and sending them out to our panel to try them out at home. And we know comfort when we feel it.
We believe that finding the right dressing gown is essential for enhancing everyday comfort. After all, we spend a considerable amount of time wrapped up in them.
So, in pursuit of the perfect design that ticks all the boxes, we recruited a panel of testers to wear each dressing gown for a minimum of two weeks and give us detailed feedback on fit, design and comfort. Tough gig! We also asked them to assess the quality both pre- and post-washing. Did it keep the fresh, plush cosiness? Did the colour run? These are details that matter.
In the lab, each dressing gown was measured and washed five times to assess any shrinkage. We also analysed stain-resistance, seeing how well they washed after smearing them with tomato sauce, mustard, foundation, red wine, coffee and tea. Because a crisp white robe has a habit of attracting spills on TV dinner nights.
Finally, each one was examined with our DigiEye machine, which detects any colour fading during washing.
What is the best material for a dressing gown?
It really comes down to personal preference. But, if warmth, comfort and breathability are priority, opt for a thick 100% cotton like our Tbco winner, which is also fast-drying so you can pop it on after the shower.
Prefer something a little lighter? Consider a waffle fabric, like our other joint top-scorer from M&S.
What makes a good dressing gown?
Dressing gowns are the ultimate comfort essential, and there are a few key features that can really elevate the experience. Look for styles with pockets – perfect for storing your phone, or the odd biscuit (or three) to enjoy with your cuppa.
Most dressing gowns should come with a belt to keep everything in place. But similar to how socks mysteriously vanish, belts can also go missing, so it’s worth making sure it’s reattached after washing.
Some have hoods, like our tested pick from The White Company, perfect for hibernation mode.
Are expensive dressing gowns worth it?
There’s a wide range of price points to choose from. While quality doesn’t always correlate with cost, our winning robe from TBCo is one of the pricier ones, and its impressive score of 94/100 proves it’s well worth the investment.
That said, our most affordable pick from M&S achieved the same 94/100 rating. Where it stands apart is its lightweight feel, which some may prefer.
What is the difference between a dressing gown and a bathrobe?
The terms are quite interchangeable, but strictly speaking, a bathrobe is usually made from a towelling material, which in theory you can step straight out of the shower, or bath, into, thanks to the absorbent fabric. A dressing gown, however, is something that you throw on over your pyjamas for staying cosy around the house. There are no rules on where and when you wear each, though!
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts put thousands of products through rigorous testing every year to find the very best on the market, from the best mattress to the best hairdryers,
Kim Hawley, our sleep and wellness tester, was responsible for developing the rigorous protocols we reviewed each dressing gown against. She has over 30 years' experience in the wellness industry, working in leading fitness clubs across the UK.
Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, works closely with Kim and our testing team to create accurate, easy-to-understand reviews you can rely on. When she’s at home, she practically lives in her dressing gown, so knows the importance of finding a cosy, stain-resistant design.
The verdict on dressing gowns
Our best value winner, M&S’ Jersey Waffle Dressing Gown, took the top spot in terms of comfort and affordability, with testers loving how lightweight yet cosy it was. Scoring the same, but our overall top pick for design and comfort is the Tbco Terry Cotton Bath Robe. Its thick fabric will keep you cosy, but doesn't feel too hot.
Another affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality is La Redoute’s Cotton Hooded Bath Robe. It’s made from a plush towelling material, which is great for stepping straight into when you’re fresh out of the shower.
In a ‘treat yourself’ mood? Then look no further than Cozy Earth’s Luxe Bath Robe, a luxe, premium dressing gown that’s worth its price tag. You deserve it.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Reshma is the Junior Commercial Testing Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the commercial testing team, working with partners across a wide range of categories, including household cleaning products, home appliances, sports apparel, skincare, and travel experiences. With a master’s degree in chemistry from UCL, Reshma has a sharp eye for detail and product research, ensuring her market knowledge remains up to date.
Reshma has also appeared on the BBC’s ‘Inside the Factory’ feature representing the Good Housekeeping Institute on their Carpet Stain Removal Segment. While she enjoys dealing with numbers and the more technical aspects of testing, Reshma is also an enthusiastic foodie – and loves to explore London’s newest hot spot cafes and restaurants. She is also a whiz in the kitchen, keeping her team’s collective sweet tooth consistently at bay!
