Dressing Gowns & Bath Robes

Dressing Gowns & Bathrobes – Cotton Towelling, Waffle & Velour, All Sizes

A bathrobe that goes thin after fifteen washes isn't a bargain. It's a delayed replacement cost. The difference between a robe that lasts three years and one that doesn't make it through a season comes down to two things: GSM and construction. Both are on every product page. We've been making cotton towelling robes in Bolton since 1999. No minimum order. Free UK delivery over £35. 

Types of Bathrobe 

Not every robe is built the same. The right choice depends on how and where you'll use it.

100% Cotton Towelling Dressing Gowns The most popular choice for homes and hotels. The loop construction pulls moisture in and holds it. That's why terry towelling is absorbent rather than just thick. These get softer with every wash. They hold their structure through heavy use too. Available in shawl collar and hooded styles, for men and women, from 400 GSM everyday weight through to the Egyptian Collection at 470 GSM.

Waffle Weave Dressing Gowns Lighter than terry and significantly faster drying. The honeycomb weave creates airflow through the fabric. That's why waffle robes are standard in spas and salons where robes go through the wash daily. Still absorbent — just not as heavy as a towelling robe. If you want both absorbency and a lighter feel, the 2-in-1 waffle outer/towelling inner is worth looking at.

Velour Dressing Gowns Smooth cut-pile surface on the outside, soft cotton terry on the inside. Warmer and visually more considered than standard terry. Popular for gifting, bridal suites and Airbnb properties where the robe is part of what guests notice. Less absorbent than looped terry at the same GSM — better suited to leisure wear than stepping straight out of the bath.

Turkish Cotton Bathrobes Longer fibre than standard cotton. Silkier drape, faster dry time, noticeably different against the skin. These suit anyone who wants a boutique spa feel without the weight of a 600 GSM robe.

Hooded Dressing Gowns The same cotton or waffle construction as the standard range, with a built-in hood. Good for warming up after swimming, drying hair, or cold mornings where a shawl collar isn't enough. If you're deciding between hooded and shawl collar, this style guide settles it quickly. Browse the full hooded dressing gown range.

Thick & Heavyweight Dressing Gowns If weight and warmth are the priority — winter mornings, cold bathrooms, or simply preferring a robe that feels substantial — look at 500 GSM and above. The Egyptian Collection shawl collar sits at 470 GSM. For maximum density, the 700 GSM Royal Egyptian uses double yarn construction: more fibre per square metre, denser pile, holds its structure through more washes than any standard heavyweight alternative. If someone has described what they want as a thick dressing gown, this is the range they mean.

High-End & Egyptian Collection Robes At the top of the range — 500 GSM Egyptian Collection upward — the difference you're paying for is double yarn construction and a denser pile. It holds its weight through significantly more wash cycles than standard alternatives. That's what makes a robe feel and perform differently three years in. Not a marketing claim. A construction fact.

If you're unsure which style suits you, the bathrobe buying guide covers every decision in one place.

Men's Dressing Gowns & Bathrobes

Men's dressing gowns in the range are cut with a generous, relaxed fit. Broader shoulders, straight body, adjustable belt and deep side pockets. Available in shawl collar and hooded styles, sizes S–XXL. Cotton terry is the most popular choice — heavier, more absorbent, built to take regular washing without thinning. The mens towelling robe range runs from the lightweight kimono at 400 GSM through to the Egyptian Collection. All cut with the same generous fit and adjustable belt. Whether you need one robe for home or bulk mens bathrobes for a hotel, the construction is the same.

Women's Dressing Gowns & Bathrobes

Women's bathrobes and ladies dressing gowns include cotton terry, waffle and velour — cut with a more tapered body than the unisex styles. Towelling dressing gowns for women are the consistent bestseller. The waffle robe is a close second for anyone who finds cotton terry too heavy. All styles have adjustable belts, sizes S–XL. Not sure whether waffle or towelling is right for you? This covers it directly.

Bathrobes for Hotels, Spas & Airbnb

The most requested commercial robe is the 500 GSM shawl collar cotton terry. It has the weight guests expect and handles commercial laundering without thinning early. For spas and salons where robes are washed daily, 400–450 GSM ring-spun cotton is the practical choice. Easier to manage. Faster to dry between uses. Ring-spun construction holds its structure longer than open-end alternatives at the same GSM.

We supply hotels, care homes, spas, holiday lets and Airbnb properties across the UK. No minimum order — a small guesthouse ordering six robes goes through the same process as a hotel ordering three hundred. Trade pricing is available for larger quantities.

If you're buying for a commercial property, the guide to choosing bathrobes for hotels, spas and Airbnb covers GSM, fabric and wash cycle lifespan in detail. For trade pricing, volume orders and specification advice, visit our wholesale bath robes page.

Choosing the Right GSM

GSM is grams per square metre. It tells you how dense the fabric is — not just how heavy the robe feels off the hanger. It's the most useful spec to check before buying.

Most hotel dressing gowns sit at 500–550 GSM. For spa or salon use where robes are washed daily, 400–450 GSM is easier to manage and dries faster. If you're not sure which weight suits your situation, the bathrobe GSM guide covers every range with real-use examples.

Deciding between hooded and shawl collar? The style comparison settles it in one read.

Why Buy From The Towel Shop?

Buying direct from a UK manufacturer means the spec on the product page is the spec in the box. No rebranded imports. No inconsistency between batches when you reorder six months later.

We've supplied hotels, care homes, spas and Airbnb hosts across the UK for over 25 years. We know which robes hold up to commercial laundering and which ones don't make it through a full season.

No minimum order on anything. Free delivery over £35. 365-day returns — no time pressure if something isn't right. Price match available if you find the same spec cheaper elsewhere.

Our robes carry OekoTex Standard 100 certification — independently tested and confirmed free from harmful substances. That matters when fabric sits against skin for extended periods, especially in care and commercial settings.

For trade enquiries or larger orders, call 01204 455755.

Care Instructions

Cotton dressing gowns are straightforward to look after. They genuinely improve with washing.

• Machine wash at 40°C with a mild detergent
• Tumble dry on low heat to restore loft
• Avoid fabric softener — it coats the fibres over time and reduces absorbency
• No bleach, even on whites
• Shake the robe out before drying to help it keep its shape

Cotton terry becomes noticeably softer after the first two or three washes. If your robe feels stiff straight out of the packaging, that's completely normal. It settles with use.

FAQs

Q: What's the best dressing gown for everyday home use? 

For most people, 100% cotton terry at 500 GSM hits the right balance. Absorbent enough to use straight after a bath or shower. Heavy enough to feel warm in a cold bathroom. Durable enough to wash twice a week for years without thinning. If you run warm or prefer something lighter, drop to 400–450 GSM or look at the waffle range.

Q: What's the difference between a bathrobe and a dressing gown? 

In the UK, nothing. Dressing gown is the traditional British term. Bathrobe is more common in hospitality and spa settings. Both refer to the same garment. The word changes by context, not by product.

Q: What GSM dressing gown is best for a hotel or spa? 

Hotels typically use 500–550 GSM shawl collar cotton terry. It has the weight and feel guests associate with quality and handles commercial laundering well. Spas where robes are washed daily are better served by 400–450 GSM ring-spun cotton. Faster drying, easier to manage in volume, lower energy cost per laundry cycle.

Q: What's the difference between a hooded and shawl collar dressing gown? 

The hood adds warmth at the head and neck and helps dry hair after bathing or swimming. Useful if you wash your hair daily or use the robe post-swim. The shawl collar is the traditional hotel standard — easier to put on, more adaptable across temperatures. Full comparison: hooded vs shawl collar.

Q: Do cotton dressing gowns shrink in the wash? 

Minor shrinkage on the first wash is normal for 100% cotton. Washing at 40°C and tumble drying on low reduces this significantly. After the first couple of washes the robe stabilises and won't shrink further with normal care.

Q: Can I buy dressing gowns with no minimum order? 

Yes. No minimum on anything in the range. One robe or one hundred — same process. Trade pricing is available for larger quantities. Call 01204 455755 for a quote.

Q: Do you supply dressing gowns to care homes and NHS facilities? 

Yes. We regularly supply cotton dressing gowns to care homes and residential facilities across the UK. Cotton terry at 400–450 GSM is the standard choice — washes at commercial temperatures, dries quickly, holds up to daily use. No minimum order, trade pricing available for larger quantities.

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Pair your robe with our 100% cotton bath towels for a consistent feel out of the shower. Go larger with a bath sheet if you prefer full coverage. Complete the bathroom with a cotton bath mat or browse towel bale sets for better value across the full range.