Dressing gown or sweatshirt in the morning
Short answer: A dressing gown is warm, open and quick to put on right after bed, while a sweatshirt is more practical if you need to go out or work from home. Choose by morning routine, home and season.
The morning starts with what you have on
The first minutes of the day often still take place in the body heat from bed, and this is where you choose clothes to keep you warm on the way to the bathroom and kitchen. Both a dressing gown and a sweatshirt can do the job, but they suit different mornings. It depends on whether you are going round the house, out with the rubbish or off early in work clothes.
The dressing gown: warmth, air and calm
A dressing gown wraps around the body and closes with a belt, so you can adjust the warmth. It covers from neck to calf and is quick to put on over nightwear, without having to find trousers. It suits calm mornings at home and after a bath. The drawback is that it can ride up on the stairs and is less practical if you need to go out. See bamboo dressing gown for men for a soft style.
The sweatshirt: practical and ready for the day
A sweatshirt can be put on over an undershirt and light trousers and is ready for both the kitchen and a quick errand. It is practical if you work from home and want something that looks decent in a video meeting. The drawback is that it covers the legs less and is not as easy to put on when you have just got up and are still in nightwear.
The layers underneath matter
Whatever you choose, the layer closest to the body does a lot for the warmth. A thin undershirt keeps the body warm and gives a smooth surface, so the clothes do not chafe. See bamboo undershirt for men for a layer that sits close and adds little bulk. Under the dressing gown you can wear nightwear, and under the sweatshirt light trousers. See bamboo sleepwear for men for a soft base.
Fabric and fit
Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth against the skin and absorbs moisture, so you do not get clammy after a bath or at a few cold degrees in the living room. The fabric should be thick enough to give warmth, but breathable enough that you do not get too hot as you go round the house. The dressing gown should reach the calf and have a belt, and the sweatshirt should have soft ribbing at sleeves and waist.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose the dressing gown if you potter round at home, need warmth right after bed or bathe in the morning. Choose the sweatshirt if you need to go out, work from home or want to be ready for the day. Many have both and choose by the day's plan. Hang the dressing gown to air, and wash both at 30 to 40 degrees without fabric softener so they stay soft.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dressing gown warmer than a sweatshirt
Often, because it covers more of the body and can be closed tight. But it depends on the thickness of the fabric.
Can I work from home in a dressing gown
Yes, if you feel comfortable with it. For video meetings a sweatshirt is more practical and looks more put together.
How often should I wash a dressing gown
Air it between wears and wash it when it starts to smell or is dirty. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees.
