A dressing gown for guests and for everyday use

Short answer: A jersey dressing gown is worn as an extra layer indoors in the morning and evening. It is lighter than a terry bathrobe, takes up less room in the wardrobe and is meant to be worn over nightwear rather than used for drying off.

Jersey rather than terry

A terry robe is made to absorb water after a shower, while a jersey gown is meant as a layer over your nightwear. Jersey is knitted, soft and light, so it feels more like a large cardigan than a towel. For men, you can see an example in bamboo dressing gown for men.

For guests

A gown in the guest room makes it easier for a guest to go from the bathroom to their room without unpacking the suitcase first. It is a small thing, but it makes a visit more relaxed. Choose a neutral size and colour and hang it visibly on a hook. See more in home and homewear in bamboo.

Length

A knee-length gown covers you when sitting down without dragging on the floor or catching on stairs. Long gowns feel cosy but can be impractical in a home with many steps. Short gowns are light but cover less when you sit at the breakfast table. Knee length is therefore the most versatile choice.

The belt

Look for a gown with a belt held in loops at the sides. That way the belt does not disappear when the gown hangs on its hook or goes in the wash. A belt without loops often ends up at the bottom of a drawer or tangled in other laundry, and the gown is less practical without it.

Morning and evening

The gown is mostly worn in the first hour of the morning and the last hour of the evening, when you are at home and have not yet changed. A light layer over nightwear is then enough to stay warm in a cool house. For women, it pairs well with something from bamboo nightwear for women.

Washing

Wash the gown on its own or with a few light items, because the belt easily wraps around other laundry and pulls on it. Tie the belt loosely in a bow before washing. Use a gentle programme, skip fabric softener and let it dry in the air. All the rules are gathered in the washing guide.

Storage

Hang the gown on a wide hanger or a sturdy hook at the neck. A thin hanger can pull the shoulders out of shape, so jersey hangs unevenly over time. Avoid hanging it by the belt, as the weight then drags the fabric down. If you rarely use it, fold it loosely on a shelf.

Bathrobe or dressing gown

Many people use the words interchangeably, but there is a difference in what the two types are made for. One is for drying off after a shower, the other is for wearing as a layer. The difference and when to choose which is explained in bathrobe or dressing gown.

How many you need

One gown per person is enough in most homes, because it does not get dirty as quickly as clothing worn close to the body. If you often have guests, a spare gown for the guest room can be practical. Wash it between visits so it is fresh for the next person who comes to stay.

What to look for

Look for a soft fabric that does not feel heavy, a length that covers you when sitting, and a belt with loops. Pockets are handy for a phone or keys. Choose a size that leaves a little room over your nightwear without being too big, because a gown should sit loosely without hanging off you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a jersey gown be used after a shower?

It is meant as an indoor layer over nightwear. For drying the body after a shower, a terry robe or a towel works better, because terry absorbs more water.