How to Choose a Dressing Gown: Fabric, Neckline and Size
The range splits into two families: warm polyester fleece and lighter 52% cotton knit. Choose the fabric first, then the neckline, then the size.
- Men's Fleece Shawl Collar: Fabric: 100% polyester fleece. Sizes: M, L, XL. Colours: Black, grey, navy, steel grey.
- Men's Fleece Hooded: Fabric: 100% polyester fleece. Sizes: M, L, XL. Colours: Black, grey, navy, steel grey.
- Men's Cotton-Blend Knit Shawl Collar: Fabric: 52% cotton, 48% polyester. Sizes: M to 2XL. Colours: Black, navy.
- Women's Fleece Shawl Collar: Fabric: Polyester fleece. Sizes: M, L, XL. Colours: Light pink, plum, steel grey.
- Women's Fleece Hooded: Fabric: 100% polyester fleece. Sizes: M, L, XL. Colours: Light pink, plum, steel grey, taupe.
- Women's Cotton-Blend Knit: Fabric: 52% cotton, 48% polyester. Sizes: S to 2XL. Colours: Black, burgundy, navy, royal purple.
Fleece for Warmth, Knit for Lighter Wear
Fleece is the warmest fabric in the range because it traps body heat, making it ideal for cold mornings and draughty houses. Being polyester, it does not soak up water the way cotton towelling does. Dry off with a towel first, then put the robe on. The cotton-blend knit robes are lighter and less insulating, making them suitable for year-round wear, warmer evenings and anyone who overheats in fleece.
Shawl Collar or Hood
A shawl collar folds over the chest and neck for a classic look and lies flat when you lean back on the sofa. A hood adds coverage for wet hair after a shower or for that chilly dash outside.
Getting the Size Right
Robes have a wrap front and a belt, so the fit is forgiving. The fleece styles come in medium, large and extra large; the knit robes go up to 2XL, and the women's knit also comes in small. If you're between sizes, tall or want room to layer over pyjamas, go up a size. Comparing measurements with a robe you already own is the quickest check.
Care and Gifting
All the robes are machine washable. Check the care label for the recommended temperature, and wash fleece inside out on a cool, gentle cycle to keep it soft. For a present, a fleece robe in a classic colour is a safe bet, while knit robes suit someone who runs warm.
Browse men's dressing gowns or women's dressing gowns, and keep a cotton bath sheet handy for drying off before you wrap up in fleece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Dressing Gown and a Bathrobe?
In the UK, a dressing gown usually means a warm robe worn for lounging, while a bathrobe is traditionally made from absorbent towelling or waffle fabric for wearing after a bath. Most people use the two words interchangeably. Utopia's fleece and cotton-blend robes are designed mainly for lounging and warmth at home.
Which Dressing Gown Material Is Warmest?
Fleece is the warmest common dressing gown material because its brushed fibres trap air and body heat. Cotton towelling and waffle fabrics are lighter and more absorbent, while cotton-blend knits sit in between. Utopia's warmest robes are its polyester fleece shawl collar and hooded styles, available for men and women.
How Do I Choose a Dressing Gown Size?
Choose a dressing gown size based on your usual clothing size, then size up if you are tall, between sizes or want to wear it over pyjamas. Robes have a loose fit and wrap front, so the fit is forgiving. Utopia's fleece robes come in M to XL, while its knit robes go up to 2XL.
Can You Wear a Fleece Dressing Gown Straight After a Shower?
A fleece dressing gown is warm but not very absorbent because fleece is usually polyester rather than cotton towelling. Towel off first, especially your back and hair, then put the fleece robe on to stay warm. Wearing fleece while still wet can leave it damp and slower to dry.
What Is the Best Dressing Gown to Give as a Gift?
A full-length fleece dressing gown in a classic colour is one of the safest gifts because it suits many people and the wrap fit is forgiving. For someone who feels the heat, a lighter cotton-blend knit robe is a better choice. If you are unsure about the size, choosing one size up may be wiser.
