A dressing gown as a gift
Short answer: A dressing gown typically comes in only three or four sizes and has a loose cut. That makes it one of the easiest gifts to get right, because a single size covers a wide range of bodies and it gets used every morning.
Why a dressing gown is easy to give
A dressing gown normally comes in only three or four sizes and has a loose cut. There are few choices to get wrong, and the fit is far more forgiving than on a sweater or trousers. That makes it one of the gifts where you rarely need to worry that it will not fit.
One size covers a lot
The gown is closed with a belt that you tighten yourself, so one size covers a wide range of bodies. If you are torn between two sizes, choose the larger. A slightly big dressing gown is comfortable and warm, while a small one can pull across the shoulders and not close properly.
Length decides how it is used
A short gown is typically used after a bath, where it dries off and keeps you warm, while a long one serves as a layer in the morning. Think about where the person will wear it. For the bathroom, short is practical, and for coffee in the kitchen a long gown feels more like loungewear. See bamboo dressing gown for men.
Thickness decides the season
A thin gown is easy to wear all year and does not feel so warm, while a thicker one is welcome in winter. If the person warms up fast, choose thin, and if they feel cold easily, choose thicker. If you have no idea, something in between is the most versatile choice in most homes.
The material should be soft
A dressing gown sits against the skin right after getting up or after a shower. Choose a soft, comfortable material that feels good on the body. Feel the fabric if you can, and read the fibre label so you know what the gown is made of and how it should be washed.
When it gets used
A dressing gown is used in the morning, after a shower and as an extra layer in winter. It hangs on a hook and is at hand when you cannot be bothered to get properly dressed. It is often used several times a day. See also home and homewear in bamboo for other things for the home.
Combine it with sleepwear
A dressing gown goes well with sleepwear, and the two can be given as a set to someone you want to treat. The colour can match, so it looks coordinated. For those who prefer sleepwear, there is bamboo sleepwear for women, which matches most gowns in style and material.
Is a dressing gown old-fashioned
Some think a dressing gown belongs to the past, but it is used every morning by those who own one. It gives a layer of warmth without having to find proper clothes. It is rarely old-fashioned to give something that is used daily, and most people are glad to receive one.
Care and lifespan
A dressing gown does not wear down from bags, chairs and belts the way other clothes do, so it often lasts many years. Wash it by the label, avoid unnecessary tumble drying and hang it up after use so it airs. That keeps the fabric soft and the shape lasts longer.
Frequently asked questions
Which length is most common?
To the knee is the most common and fits the broadest range. It covers enough for warmth but is not so long that it gets in the way when walking around at home.
Is a dressing gown an old-fashioned gift?
It is used every morning, so it is rarely old-fashioned. Many use it as an extra layer in winter and after a shower, and they miss it when it is in the wash.
What if they already have one?
A second one means there is always a clean one when the other is being washed. Choose a different colour if you like, so they can swap and get the most out of both.
