Bamboo dressing gown for men and what you use it for

Short answer: A bathrobe is handy for the twenty minutes after a shower and for sitting in over morning coffee. It should absorb water quickly and not get heavy when it is wet.

After the shower

A robe that absorbs quickly means you can get dressed ten minutes later without a damp back. That is its main job. You do not need to towel off thoroughly, and can shave or make coffee while the robe does the work. See bamboo bathrobe for men.

Morning and evening

Besides the shower, the robe is for quiet moments at home. For morning coffee, the paper and breakfast before you get dressed, and in the evening when you want something light and warm without putting ordinary clothes back on. A bamboo robe feels soft against the skin and does not get too warm in a heated living room.

Weight rather than thickness

A thick terry robe feels luxurious when it is new and dry, but it gets heavy when wet and takes a long time to dry. A lighter bamboo robe absorbs just as quickly and dries faster on the hook. That makes it more practical for daily use, when it needs to be ready again the next morning.

Fit and length

The robe should close well over the chest without sliding open when you sit down. A length to the knee or just below is the most practical, because it covers you when seated but does not drag on the floor. The sleeves can be a little short, so they do not get wet when you wash your hands.

Belt and pockets

A belt held in loops stays in place and does not disappear in the washing machine. Two front pockets are handy for a phone, glasses or keys when you step out for the paper. A hood is a matter of taste, but can be nice for drying your hair a little if you do not want a towel on your head.

The rest of the bathroom

Towels in the same material behave the same way in the wash and dry at the same pace. That makes it easy to wash them together and have everything ready at once. Use a bamboo towel for your hair and the robe for your body, and you are dry quickly. See bamboo towels.

Washing without fabric softener

Wash the robe at 40 degrees and skip fabric softener. Softener makes the robe feel soft, but it coats the fibres so they absorb less. If the robe has become less absorbent, a wash without softener can help. See washing and care.

Drying between uses

Hang the robe on a hook or hanger where air can reach it after every use. Left crumpled on the floor or in a basket, it dries slowly and can start to smell. A bathroom with a window or fan helps, and in summer it can hang outside for a couple of hours.

One robe or two

If you wear the robe every day, it is good to have two, so one can be washed and dried while the other is in use. That way there is always a dry robe after the shower, and both last longer because each is washed less often.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo absorb as well as terry?

It absorbs faster but holds less water in total. After a shower that is an advantage, because the robe takes up moisture quickly, stays light and dries faster on the hook afterwards.

Can a bathrobe go in the dryer?

On low heat. High heat makes the fabric stiff and can shrink the seams. It is better to hang it up to dry, since bamboo dries quickly on its own anyway.