Slipping into one of the best dressing gowns for women is exactly what you need after a nice hot bath, or when the morning chill bites as soon as you step out of bed. In fact, in our opinion nothing quite beats that feeling of instant snugness.
When it comes to selecting the best ladies dressing gowns, fit, fabric, and warmth should all be considered as a priority. Whether you want to pretend you’re swanning around a fancy spa in a waffle robe or want to fully cocoon yourself in a fluffy blanket-style gown, the best designs have lounging potential that has no bounds. A lazy day wardrobe essential, you can throw one on over your best pyjamas, or a leggings and t-shirt loungewear combo, just add in slippers and you've got the ideal ensemble for a Netflix binge on the sofa.
Before shopping for a dressing gown, consider your own microclimate to avoid costly mistakes. While we automatically think of dressing gowns as being big fluffy affairs, if your home is particularly warm, or you usually wear the best pyjamas for night sweats, you might want something lighter, crafted from silk or cotton. If you're looking for ways to add warmth for when you're at home, fluffier designs, with looped fabrications that trap heat, or that are blended with cashmere or wool will help you to stay snuggly. Silk and satin dressing gowns can feel particularly opulent if you’re looking for something high-end with a touch of nostalgic, Hollywood glam; and a luxurious bathrobe makes a crowd-pleasing gift too, so certainly one to consider if you’re after the best gifts for her.
The best dressing gowns for women chosen by our fashion team
RRP: £65 | For the ultimate hotel experience, opt for fluffy 'his and hers' dressing gowns. The White Company make those core luxe pieces so well and this super soft, classic cotton robe is ideal for sinking into. "We have these at home in navy and they are the perfect thing to slip on over pjs or after a shower," explains woman&home fashion editor, Rivkie Baum.
RRP: £65 | Want to feel like you're still in bed? This duvet-inspired number features a quilted pattern that is reminiscent of some of the best puffer jackets, and even has a hood for extra snugness. Sealed with a self-tie fabric belt, pair this with your best slippers for the ultimate at-home wardrobe. The light grey hue, plus trend-driven quilt gives this a fresh feel.
RRP: £30 | Leopard print is always a fashion favourite, but here, British clothing brand M&S gives the timeless print a seasonal makeover in this exquisite green-blue hue. Featuring two front patch pockets - perfect for phone and snack storage, this dressing gown is made from fleece fabric, promising plenty of warmth over your pyjamas in dipping temperatures.
RRP: £49 | If you're home is fairly warm, a fleece dressing gown may be a little overwhelming. This longline jersey design offers excellent coverage and a good level of warmth, without taking you to boiling point. Crafted from jersey there is comfortable stretch too.
RRP: £45 | If you're on the tall side, you might find that even the best dressing gowns have come up a little short in the past. That's why turning to specialist brands can help you sort the perfect fit and length, like this waffle trimmed design from Long Tall Sally.
RRP: £24.99 | Made from 100% cotton, this muslin dressing gown is perfect for warm summer weather and for slipping into your holiday suitcase, for slinging over pyjamas or as a poolside cover-up. This neutral oatmeal hue is so elegant and calming.
RRP: £69.95 | Pastel hues remain key when it comes to the fashion colour trends 2024 and this candy-striped design evokes an early spring mood. The bold block colour on cuffs, collar, belt and trims helps to create a more directional piece.
RRP: £20 | Perhaps not the first place you'd think of for snapping up one of the best dressing gowns, but this waffle design is giving us luxe spa vibes. If you've already got the warmest pyjamas, a lighter waffled robe is all you need to seal the deal.
RRP: £255 | Generally speaking, we think of dressing gowns and robes as a cooler weather product, but this 100% linen gown is one you can wear easily in warmer spring and summer weather thanks to the breathable fabrication. Just take note, that it's dry clean only
RRP: £89 | Sit back and relax, a towelling robe is perfect for post-shower chill time. The cotton towelling will help to absorb moisture so you're cosy and dry. Alternatively slip this design on over a pair of chic block colour pyjamas for dressed-down style.
RRP: £28 | If you've already bagged yourself the best plus size pyjamas, add a plus sized dressing gown to the mix. This 3/4 length design is available through the size ranges, from 8-34, and is crafted from a waffle fabric for a soft and warm finish.
RRP: £48 | For a dressing gown with a little more va-va-voom, turn to silk and lace options to glam up your evening wardrobe. Much lighter and thinner than waffle or fleece iterations, this is great for summer months, as it won't add to much bulk to your layers.
Which is the warmest dressing gown?
The warmest dressing gown is made from fleece fabric, as this fabric traps the air, and is heavier than cotton or waffle iterations. Fleece fabrics tend to be synthetic and aren't quite as breathable, so if you would prefer a more breathable design that still keeps you warm, look for designs with wool or cashmere, although these may require dry cleaning.
But remember to always consider personal circumstances and micro climate. Fashion writer, Jayne Cherrington Cooke explains: "For me, a dressing gown needs to be made of natural material such as cotton or silk. Synthetic fabric is not great if you're peri-menopausal and no one wants a hot sweat in their dressing gown. Length-wise, I like it to be knee length so it keeps you decent, and while I love wide sleeves, they're not the most practical - so speaks someone who has experienced sleeves in their cornflakes one too many times. It's getting the perfect balance between practicality and style that's the hardest. Many dressing gowns are a bit mumsy so I tend to steer clear of florals and instead choose fun prints or block colours for a chic look".
How do I choose a dressing gown?
When selecting a dressing gown consider the fabric and fit as the upmost important factors. Consider the functionality you want from your dressing gown. Those looking for a post-bath style will naturally lean towards fluffing and absorbent terry towelling styles, while those who want supreme warmth should consider a fleece design or the new quilted styles that are becoming prevalent on the market.
Want an extra layer that covers your pjs but doesn't necessarily provide the same warmth as say your best jumpers? Then a waffle fabric design is likely to be sufficient. If however your microclimate is pretty warm and you're after something a bit more slinky, silk and satin designs are light but feel a little more luxurious.
Light, short-dressing gowns in linen or lightweight cotton are great as poolside and beach cover-ups, or for packing for long weekends away. They keep pyjamas or swimwear hidden but still feel expensive and elegant.
Essentially, while many of the best dressing gowns for women might appear similar, the finer nuances of weight and fabric are where you need to focus your energies to get a design that fits with your layering needs.
You may also want to factor in ease of care, if you plan to wear your dressing gown fairly heavily, particularly in winter, make sure you are happy with the care instructions of the garment, as some, might be dry clean only.
Are dressing gowns worth it?
If you're a homebody who likes to whip off your jeans and get into loungewear or pyjamas as soon as you walk through the door then a dressing gown is certainly a good investment. Perfect for lazing about it, sitting on the sofa or slipping on after a shower, a dressing gown adds an extra layer or warmth and a feeling of overall relaxation. The one major caveat to this is the temperature of your home. If you constantly have the temperature turned up high then you might find you don't need a dressing gown, or get too warm. Although a cosy dressing gown will mean you can drop that thermostat by a few degrees - making a cost saving in the long run. Think about your usage levels of your dressing gown and fabric to ensure you choose one that fits into your lifestyle.
What's the best dressing gown after a shower?
If you're primarily looking for one of the best dressing gowns for women to wear after a shower, then you'll want a design made from towelling material. This is because, and the name of the fabric is a bit of a giveaway, towelling fabric, just like the towel you would usually use to dry yourself post-shower is used to make these styles of dressing gown and offer excellent absorbency, so you can wrap up and let your robe do most of the hard work for you.
With over 22 years’ experience in journalism, Jayne’s written about a variety of subjects and is just at home road-testing new season trends as she is writing about Pokémon! She spent the start of her writing career within the world of film, pinching herself while she got paid to interview Hollywood stars, attend premieres and lust after red carpet outfits. She then moved into fashion, launching websites for big magazines such as Look, Woman’s Own and Wedding and working with top fashion brands such as Westfield, LK Bennett and Hunter.
