How to Choose the Perfect Summer Bathrobe: A Complete Guide
Even if you love the summer months, no one likes being overly hot. When the temperatures start to rise, it's time to get a new summer bathrobe. They're perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable in your home or on your summer vacation.
If you're in the market for a bathrobe for the summer, it's not the same as choosing one for the cooler months. Here's your complete guide on how to choose the perfect summer bathrobe for you.
Types of Material for a Summer Bathrobe
Before we dive into how you'll want to choose the best summer bathrobe for yourself, it's important to know about the different types and materials of bathrobes you can choose from.
Each is great in its own way, but what you might find perfect for your summer, someone else might not.
Cotton
If you were to ask most people, they'd tell you that the best robe material for summer is lightweight cotton. Not only are cotton bathrobes a lightweight option, but they also provide more breathability than some other materials on the market.
When you hop out of the shower or bath, you can toss a cotton bathrobe on and stay cool and comfortable as you get ready or lounge before changing into your clothes. You don't have to worry about sweating in your robe after a hot shower when you choose cotton.
Cotton bathrobes tend to be on the lower end of the price spectrum for those going for affordability. That doesn't mean you can't find high-quality cotton bathrobes, though. Just because they're slightly more affordable than other materials doesn't mean they're not a great option.
Linen
Linen is another one of the best materials for a summer bathrobe. They're one of the best summer bathrobes for men, but women can enjoy this material too.
These bathrobes are perfect for a summer near the water or a vacation to an island. Something linen bathrobes are known for is their durability. If you're looking to make an investment in a summer bathrobe that will last for years, then a linen one is a great option.
Waffle
Waffle robes are a great lightweight option for the summer months. These robes have a more textured appearance, which many people love. Besides the unique texture, waffle robes are another affordable option, like cotton, and provide many of the same benefits.
You can wear a waffle robe in pretty much any summer weather and feel comfortable. They're breathable, durable, and lightweight. Waffle robes are made with cotton fabric, but they have a fun texture that other cotton robes don't often have.
This material is perfect for quickly soaking up water and perfect for those who primarily wear their bathrobes when getting out of the shower or bathtub.
Silk
Silk is an excellent option for women who want a more luxurious option for summer robes.
These bathrobes look stunning on anyone and are soft on your skin. Many people choose a silk bathrobe for a special occasion, but there's nothing wrong with lounging around your house in one day.
They're still reasonably breathable, so they'll keep you cool after a shower or while you're lounging. They can lose their breathability factor if you are warm in the robe and start sweating.
The only downside to these more luxurious robes is their price tag. They tend to be more expensive due to a higher-end material, but they're a significant investment and last for a long time if you take proper care of them.
Fleece
You're probably looking at this and wondering why on Earth we'd mention fleece for a summer bathrobe, but hear us out. For those who live in or are traveling to an area with chillier nights in the summer, fleece bathrobes are key to keeping you comfortable.
Fleece bathrobes are cozy and warm, and when you choose one at a shorter length, it won't be overly hot, even on chilly summer nights. They'll keep you comfortable while you're lounging at home or whenever you want to wear them.
What to Look for In a Summer Bathrobe
Now that you know a little bit more about the various materials and types of bathrobes you can choose from, here's what you'll want to look for in the perfect summer bathrobe.
1: Lightweight Material
No one wants to be hotter than they have to be in the summer, especially when they're inside their own homes. That's where choosing a lightweight material for your summer bathrobe comes into play. The best fabric for a summer robe is anything light, like cotton, linen, or a waffle robe.
All three of these materials are lighter-weight options that won't keep you sweating after a shower while lounging around or doing household tasks.
Of course, this will depend heavily on where you live or where you plan to spend your summer wearing your bathrobe. You'll want to choose the best material for you and provide you with the most comfort through the summer months.
2: Shorter Sleeves
Most robes don't come in a "short" sleeve option, as seen on a tee shirt. That being said, some robes have shorter sleeves than the ones that go down to your wrist.
Bathrobes with a shorter sleeves are the best option for those in the summertime. Most robes that don't have long sleeves will have ones that fall right below your elbow or halfway between your elbow and wrist.
These shorter sleeves will keep you cooler in the summer months when you're wearing your robe at home and make getting ready or household tasks easier because you won't need to roll them up to get things done.
3: Shorter Length
In the winter or whenever it's colder, a robe that goes to your ankles is one of the best options. So, for the warmer months and summer, having one that's shorter in some aspects is the way to go for most people.
Some bathrobes come in a variety of lengths. You can get ones that fall just above the ankle, ones about halfway between your knee and ankle, kimono style, and ones that fall right below the knee.
Depending on your height and personal preferences, the length that someone will need will vary.
If you're spending your summer where the nights get a little bit chillier than in other areas, you might opt for a longer-length bathrobe than someone who is in warmer climates.
When shopping for a summer bathrobe, be sure to compare the length of the robe to your height to see where exactly it will fall on your legs.
4: A Style and Material You'll Actually Wear
We can offer advice on how to choose the best summer bathrobe for you all day, but if you're not choosing a style and material that you'll actually wear, then you won't be happy with your choice.
Most people would agree that having a lighter-weight material bathrobe that has short or quarter sleeves and a shorter length is ideal for summer. If you're uncomfortable in a robe with these features, you're less likely to wear it.
Be sure to think about what you want in a summer bathrobe. If you want something a little cozier, then going with a heavier material might be better for you than most people. No matter what, weigh your options and go with your gut on the style and material you want.
5: One that Fits You Perfectly
Much like with other types of clothing, there are different sizes of bathrobes that you can buy. To ensure you get one that is comfortable to wear, you'll want to get one that's in your size and fits you perfectly or however; you want it to fit.
You'll want to take your measurements as you would for other clothing for the absolute best fit. Measurements you'll want to take include your bust/chest, waist, shoulders, and hips. This way, you can base your size choice on the size chart provided, if there is one.
Besides your measurements, you'll also want to make sure you factor in your weight. Someone with the exact measurements but a six-inch height difference might need different sizes of bathrobes. Since robes come with ties on the outside and sometimes the inside, ensuring they're long enough is important too.
Typically, the larger the size, the longer the ties are, but you'll want to double-check before purchasing. Many companies offer regular, petite, and plus-size summer bathrobes for women.
Factoring in your height and weight will ensure you get the best summer bathrobe that fits and is the most comfortable for you.
6: When You'll Wear the Robe
Since certain materials of a bathrobe are more absorbent than others, you'll want to think about when you'll be wearing your bathrobe and how you'll use it.
If you put on your bathrobe the minute you get out of the shower without fully drying off, then getting a waffle bathrobe might be the best option since it's more absorbent.
For those who want their bathrobe for lounging or wearing when they're completely dry from their shower, any other material should work just fine.
7: Price
When it comes to making any purchase, you'll want to check out the price. If you have a specified amount of money you're comfortable spending on your summer bathrobe, you'll want to shop for ones that fall within that budget.
For those without a budget, your options will be far greater, but that doesn't mean there aren't some amazing bathrobes at affordable rates.
Along with thinking about the cost of the bathrobe, you'll want to ensure you're getting what you pay for. If you're spending a lot of money, you'll want a high-quality bathrobe that will last longer than a cheaper option.
Sometimes spending a little bit more initially will save you in the long run if you choose a durable and higher-quality summer bathrobe.n Regardless, choosing a summer bathrobe within your budget will be the best thing for you.
8: Color
While the color of your summer bathrobe might not be the most critical factor to consider when choosing one, it's a factor nonetheless. You can skip this factor if you don't care what color your bathrobe is.
For those who enjoy having a wardrobe each season with seasonal colors or simply their favorites, you'll want to choose your summer bathrobe wisely.
Certain colors are considered "summer" colors. Many people associate the colors of the ocean, sunshine, and vibrant colors with summer because it reminds them of happiness and fun. Some summer colors that make the perfect summer bathrobe are:
- White
- Light Yellow (lemon)
- Turquoise
- Dark Teal
- Candy Apple Red
- Periwinkle
- Berry
- Fuschia
White is a classic bathrobe color for any season, but it looks elegant, especially in the summertime. If you want a white robe, then more power to you. But remember, these stains are easier, so if you're prone to spills, maybe another color would suit you best.
The other colors are fun and vibrant and can spice up your summer lounge outfit by incorporating colors you might not typically wear.
The one color that you might not want to choose as your summer bathrobe hue is black. While it looks great, it attracts heat, and if you live in a warm area, it can make you less comfortable than other bathrobe colors.
Final Thoughts
There's nothing quite like slipping into a bathrobe after a nice shower or wanting to be in something comfortable around the house. When you have the perfect robe, it'll be hard to want to wear anything else.
When the weather starts to warm up, your warm and cozy robe might be too heavy to keep you comfortable. That's why choosing the best summer bathrobe is vital. The best summer bathrobes for women and men will be something lightweight, one with shorter sleeves and one that's the perfect length and fits well.
Be sure to check out our collection of bathrobes for men and women as you browse for your summer bathrobe.
