Best Dressing Gowns for Gifts – UK Buying Guide

Best Dressing Gowns for Gifts – How to Get It Right First Time

A dressing gown is a good gift. It's also an easy gift to get wrong — too small, wrong fabric, feels cheap on arrival. The difference between a robe that gets worn every day and one that sits unused in a wardrobe is usually one of three things: size, GSM or construction. Here's how to get all three right.

Why dressing gowns work as gifts

Most people don't buy a dressing gown for themselves. They wear the one they've had for years, or the one someone gave them at some point. A new robe — well chosen — is something they wouldn't have bought themselves but will use every day.

The key is buying on specification rather than appearance. A robe that photographs beautifully but goes thin after ten washes is a disappointing gift. A robe built from ring-spun cotton at 500 GSM with a proper shawl collar is one they'll still have in three years. The difference in cost is smaller than you'd think.

In the UK, a well-constructed cotton terry robe sits between £15 and £30 at direct manufacturer pricing. Below £15 and the construction is usually open-end cotton that won't hold up past a season. Above £30 at retail you're often paying for brand margin rather than better fabric. The Egyptian Collection sits at the right point — ring-spun cotton, 470 GSM, well under what the same specification costs through a high street brand. 

Getting the size right

This is where most gift buyers go wrong. Dressing gowns are sized differently to clothing — and the consequence of buying too small is a robe that never gets worn. Too large is comfortable. Too small pulls across the shoulders and won't be used.

Rule: always size up if you're unsure.

Our 365-day returns policy means there's no pressure to get it perfect first time. But if you'd rather get it right on the first order:

For men: L/XL fits most adult men up to 6'2" with a chest of 40–46". If in doubt, XL over L. For women: M/L fits most adult women up to 5'10". If the person is taller or broader, go XL. For a couple sharing: L/XL unisex in a shawl collar style covers most bases.

Which fabric to choose as a gift

For someone who uses a robe after bathing — cotton terry The Egyptian Collection at 470 GSM is the right choice here. Ring-spun cotton, dense pile, softer with every wash. It feels considered from the moment they open it and performs properly after fifty washes.

For someone who wants something lighter — waffle The 100% Cotton Lightweight Waffle is the choice for anyone who finds heavy robes uncomfortable or who lives somewhere warmer. Still cotton, still washable, just less weight. Works well as a spa-style gift.

For someone who cares about how it looks — velour Velour has a smooth surface that looks elevated in a way that basic terry doesn't. It's less absorbent than terry but makes an immediate impression. Good choice for gifting to someone who values appearance as much as function.

The best gift dressing gown for men

For most men, the Egyptian Collection 100% Cotton Towelling Dressing Gown — either hooded or shawl collar — is the right choice. Heavy enough to feel like a proper robe. Well-constructed enough to last. Available in multiple colours.

Hooded works well for men who swim or wash their hair daily. Shawl collar works for everyone else. If you don't know which he'd prefer, shawl collar is the safer default.

The best gift dressing gown for women

The Egyptian Collection in shawl collar is the most consistently gifted option in the range for women — the construction and weight feel considered without being heavy, and the colour options are wide. For someone who prefers something lighter, the waffle dressing gown is the alternative.

Velour is particularly popular as a women's gift — the smooth surface looks premium and feels different to standard terry from the moment it's unwrapped. If the woman you're buying for cares about how a robe looks and feels rather than purely its function, velour is worth considering.

Is the Egyptian Collection worth it as a gift?

Yes — and the reason is specific. Double yarn construction at 470 GSM produces a denser pile than standard cotton terry at a similar weight. That means it holds its loft and feel through significantly more washes than a standard robe at the same price point. You're not paying for a brand name. You're paying for a construction difference that's visible after thirty washes.

For a gift that will still feel good in two years — the Egyptian Collection is the right answer.

Practical notes before ordering

Colours: The Egyptian Collection is available in grey, navy, charcoal, cream, latte and white. Choose based on the person's bathroom colours if you know them. If not, grey or white works for most.

Returns: 365-day returns — if the size is wrong, it can go back. No rush, no awkward conversations about receipts.

Personalisation: Embroidery is available on request — initials, names or a short message. Contact us before ordering to confirm lead times as these vary by design and quantity. 

Delivery: Free over £35. Most robes in the range qualify with one item.

No minimum order: One robe is fine. No pressure to bundle.

For a complete bathroom gift, pair the robe with hotel towelling slippers — same cotton construction, available in white. 

Browse the full dressing gown and bathrobe range — or read the men's vs women's dressing gown guide for more detail on fit and sizing.

Note: Images are for illustration purposes only. Due to lighting, photography and screen settings, the actual product colour or shade may vary slightly from what appears in the images.

FAQs

Q: What's a good dressing gown to buy as a gift? 

The Egyptian Collection cotton terry robe — either shawl collar or hooded — at 470 GSM. Ring-spun construction, soft from first wash, holds its quality through repeated washing. It feels considered without being over-engineered. Available in multiple colours and sizes. If you want something lighter, the waffle robe is the alternative.

Q: What size dressing gown should I buy as a gift? 

Size up if you're uncertain. A robe that's slightly too large is comfortable and wearable. One that's too small pulls across the shoulders and won't be worn. For most adult men, L/XL. For most adult women, M/L. If the person is taller or broader than average, go one size up. 365-day returns if it's still wrong.

Q: Is a velour or cotton dressing gown better as a gift? 

Velour makes a stronger first impression — the smooth surface feels different from the moment it's unwrapped. Cotton terry performs better over time and is more absorbent. For a gift where appearance on the day matters most, velour. For a gift they'll use daily for years, Egyptian Collection cotton terry.

Q: What's the best dressing gown for a man as a gift? 

Egyptian Collection 100% Cotton Towelling — hooded for men who swim or wash their hair daily, shawl collar for everyday use. Size L/XL for most adult men. Ring-spun cotton at 470 GSM — dense enough to feel proper without being impractical.

Q: Can I get a dressing gown gift-wrapped? 

Check current gift-wrapping availability on the product page. For size exchanges, 365-day returns apply — no time pressure.

Q: What colour dressing gown should I buy as a gift? 

If you know the person's bathroom colours, match to those — white, grey, cream and latte are the most versatile. Navy and charcoal suit men slightly better as general choices. If genuinely unsure, white or grey is a safe default for both men and women.