How to choose the size of a dressing gown

Short answer: A dressing gown should close with a generous overlap at the front and have room across the shoulders. Choose by chest width, and go up a size if you will wear it over nightwear.

Overlap at the front

The gown should cross over well, or it will slide open when you sit down. That is the most common reason a gown ends up unused. A good overlap also keeps the warmth in and means the belt does not need to be pulled tight to keep the gown closed all morning.

Chest width decides the size

Measure around the chest at the widest point and find the number in the chart. A dressing gown is cut to fit loosely, so the chart already allows for some extra room. If you are in the middle of a range, that size usually fits. If you are at the top, the next size is often more comfortable.

Over nightwear

If the gown will be worn over a set of nightwear, there needs to be room for the layer underneath. Going up a size makes sense here, especially if the nightwear has long sleeves. Otherwise the gown pulls across the arms and back when you reach. See bamboo dressing gown for men.

The shoulders

The shoulder seam should sit on the shoulder or slightly beyond it. If it sits too far in, the gown pulls across the back when you move your arms. A gown with raglan sleeves or a dropped shoulder is more forgiving, because there is no fixed seam to match. Check the photos to see the cut.

The length

Knee length covers you when you sit without collecting dust. Longer models are warmer but more in the way on stairs and in the kitchen. Shorter models are practical in summer and after a shower. More thoughts on length and style are in the dressing gown guide.

The sleeves

The sleeve should end at the wrist so it does not hang in the sink or the breakfast. Slightly long sleeves can be rolled up, but sleeves that are too short cannot be fixed. If you have long arms, choose by the sleeve and not only by chest width. That makes the gown more practical.

For women

Women's models are often cut with a narrower shoulder and more room over the hips. Use the same approach and choose by chest width and the length you prefer. See the models alongside the nightwear in bamboo nightwear for women, so you can put gown and nightwear together.

Between two sizes

Choose the larger one if the gown will be worn over nightwear or loosely. Choose the smaller one if you mostly wear it directly on the body after a shower. A gown that is slightly too big is rarely a problem, while one that is too small will not close properly when you sit.

After washing

Wash the gown on its own, as the belt wraps around other clothes and can pull them out of shape. Use 40 degrees and skip the tumble dryer so the fabric keeps its size. Hang the gown on a hanger to dry. More advice is in the washing guide.

The belt and loops

The belt should be long enough to tie in a loose knot, even if you go up a size. The loops at the side hold the belt in place, so it does not disappear in the wash. A good belt keeps the gown closed without pulling and keeps the overlap where it belongs.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go up a size?

Only if the gown will be worn over nightwear or loosely. If you mostly wear it directly on the body after a shower, the size that follows your chest width fits best.

Which length is most practical?

Knee length. It covers you when sitting without getting in the way on stairs or in the kitchen. Longer models are warmer but less practical day to day.