Luxury Dressing Gowns & Bath Robes

Dressing Gowns & Bathrobes – What's the Difference?

In the UK, dressing gown and bathrobe are used interchangeably — they refer to the same garment. Dressing gown is the traditional British term, while bathrobe tends to be used in hospitality and spa contexts. At The Towel Shop, our range covers both: absorbent cotton towelling robes for post-shower use, and lighter waffle or velour styles for everyday comfort at home. If you're searching for a cotton dressing gown, a luxury towelling robe, or something in between — you're in the right place.

If you're unsure which style suits you best, read our guide on what to look for when shopping for dressing gowns.

Types of Bathrobe & Dressing Gown Available

Not all robes are the same — and 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. Pure cotton terry construction — looped on both sides — gives you strong absorbency and that familiar plush weight. These get softer with every wash and hold their quality through heavy use. Available in shawl collar and hooded styles, for men and women.

Waffle Weave Bathrobes

Lighter than terry and faster drying. The textured honeycomb weave still absorbs well but allows airflow — practical, packable, and smart-looking. Very popular for spas, Airbnb properties, and salon use where robes are laundered frequently.

Turkish Cotton Robes

A step up in softness. Turkish cotton has a longer fibre and a silkier feel compared to standard terry. These drape well, dry quickly, and are a strong choice for hotel use or anyone who wants a boutique spa feel at home.

Velour Dressing Gowns

Soft cotton terry on the inside, smooth velvety surface on the outside. Warm, sleek, and noticeably more premium — popular for gifting, bridal suites, luxury Airbnb, and winter lounging.

Hooded Dressing Gowns

The same cotton or waffle construction as our standard robes, with a built-in hood for drying hair, warming up after swimming, or added comfort on cold mornings.

For a deeper understanding of towel materials, weights and absorbency, see our complete guide to bath towels.

Men's Bathrobes & Towelling Dressing Gowns

Our men's dressing gowns and bathrobes come in a generous, relaxed fit with adjustable tie belts and deep side pockets. Available in shawl collar and hooded styles, sizes S–XXL. Cotton terry is the most popular choice for men — heavier, more absorbent, and built to last through regular washing. Whether you need a mens towelling robe for home or bulk mens bathrobes for a hotel, these hold their quality wash after wash.

Women's Bathrobes & Dressing Gowns

Our women's bathrobes and ladies dressing gowns include cotton terry, waffle, and velour options — cut for a comfortable fit that works for lounging, post-bath, or spa use. Towelling dressing gowns for women are our bestseller, but the waffle robe is a close second for those who prefer something lighter. All styles have adjustable belts, with sizes from S to XL.

Bathrobes for Hotels, Spas & Hospitality

We supply bathrobes wholesale to hotels, care homes, spas, holiday lets, and Airbnb properties across the UK. Our most requested hotel bathrobe is the 500 GSM shawl collar cotton terry robe — it has the weight and feel guests expect and handles commercial laundering well. Waffle and kimono robes are popular in spa and salon settings where a lighter, faster-drying option is more practical.

Available in both shawl collar and hooded dressing gown styles for added warmth and comfort.

There's no minimum order, so smaller guesthouses and holiday cottages can order exactly what they need. Trade pricing is available for larger quantities — contact us for a quote.

If you're buying for a guest property, see our guide on choosing hotel-quality towels for Airbnb and holiday rentals.

BathRobe Design Styles

Choosing the Right GSM for Your Bathrobe or Dressing Gown

GSM (grams per square metre) tells you how heavy and dense the fabric is — one of the most useful specs 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.

Why Buy From The Towel Shop?

We manufacture and supply bathrobes and dressing gowns direct — which means consistent quality, no middleman pricing, and stock that's genuinely held in the UK. Our robes are used by hotels, care homes, spas, and Airbnb hosts as well as everyday customers who want something that lasts.

A few things worth knowing before you order:

✔ UK manufacturer and wholesaler — direct pricing, no inflated retail margins

✔ No minimum order — buy one or one hundred

✔ Stock held in Bolton — no overseas delays

✔ 365-day returns — complete peace of mind

✔ Trade pricing available for hotels, care homes, spas and hospitality businesses

For bulk purchasing advice and cost-saving tips, read our guide on buying towel bundles and institutional towel supply.

Care Instructions

Cotton bathrobes and dressing gowns are straightforward to look after — and they improve with washing.

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

Cotton terry in particular becomes noticeably softer after the first few washes. If your robe feels stiff out of the packaging, that's completely normal.

FAQs

Q: What's the best material for a bathrobe or dressing gown?

For absorbency and durability, 100% cotton terry is the most practical and suits both home and hotel use. If you want something lighter and faster drying, waffle cotton is excellent. Turkish cotton sits between the two — softer and smoother than standard terry, still absorbent. Velour is best when feel and appearance matter more than quick drying, such as for gifting or luxury stays.

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

In the UK, the two terms mean the same thing. Dressing gown is the traditional British term; bathrobe is more commonly used in spa and hospitality settings. Both refer to the same type of robe.

Q: What bathrobe is best for a hotel or spa?

Cotton terry shawl collar robes at 500 GSM are the industry standard for hotels. For spas and salons, waffle or kimono robes work better — they're lighter, dry faster, and handle repeat laundering well.

Q: Can I buy bathrobes in bulk with no minimum order?

Yes — there's no minimum order on any of our robes, so you can order one or one hundred. For larger trade orders, discounted pricing is available. Get in touch for a wholesale quote.

Q: Do cotton robes shrink in the wash?

Minor shrinkage can happen on the first wash, which 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 in size.

Q: Do you supply dressing gowns to care homes?

Yes — we regularly supply cotton dressing gowns to care homes and residential facilities across the UK. Easy-care cotton terry is the usual choice. No minimum order, and trade pricing is available for larger quantities.

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