The Guide to Buying the Perfect Robe
"You brought me a robe!?" That was the exact phrase I quietly uttered in my head as I opened my Xmas gift from my wife three years ago. She had an adorable enthusiasm that made it impossible not to appreciate the gift, even though, truth be told, I wasn't quite sold on it, at least not right away. But, from that moment, my life has never been the same! My gray cozy robe has become so ingrained in my life that it's the first thing I reach for once I'm out of bed, followed by my half-charged phone that I forgot to keep connected to the charger. Once I'm up, my morning begins, and I pretty much have my robe on until I have my second cup of coffee around 1030. I'm pretty sure at this point my neighbors have seen me in my robe more times than me wearing actual clothes, which I should be ashamed of, but I'm not (for the record, I do have a t-shirt and joggers underneath).
With COVID, working from home, and settling into my mid-30s, my robe has honestly been the lounging piece I never thought I needed until that fateful Xmas day three years ago. If you haven't experienced life with a robe but are a little curious about the lifestyle, let me be your official coffee-drinking guide! I'll gladly make suggestions as you slowly embrace the lifestyle. So, first thing first, let's begin by sliding on your comfy slippers paired with the wool socks and pouring a cup of coffee, and let's get started!
Select your Material
As we start this journey, it's important to keep in mind that your robe is a part of your lounge wardrobe. So, shopping for the perfect robe requires the same attention to detail as if you were shopping for a pair of raw denim jeans or for that perfect cashmere sweater. The first consideration is what kind of material you prefer? For some, having a cozier fabric is perfect to keep you warm, like a plush robe or a waffle material, especially for the colder months. For others who may prefer something cooler, choosing a material with breathable cottons such as linen or a silky satin option may be better for you. Forewarning, the comfier the robe is, the harder it will be to part ways with it when it's time to actually get dressed, so choose wisely!
Sizing your Robe
Now that we’ve got the fabric selected, it's time to choose your sizing! Let's be honest, you weren't expecting this experience to be so elaborate, were you? Don't give up hope, you're doing just fine. Let's start with length. When trying on your robe, you want to measure the distance from the collar to the robe hem. If you prefer a shorter-length robe you can certainly opt for something shorter. Just keep in mind that longer robes may be better in the colder seasons. The second part you want to measure is the sleeves. There's no sleeve length that's written in stone, it's based purely on your preference. If you're anything like me, you may prefer having sleeves just short enough so they’re not dipping in the pancake syrup when reaching for orange juice.
The Overall Fit
Now here comes the last and most important part, and that's the overall fit! Does your robe feel bulky, or does it fit like a well-tailored dress coat!? How the robe fits will determine how comfortable you will be, especially if you plan to be in your robe for hours every day! If you're only looking for a robe to be that transitional piece from the shower to the closet, then the overall fit may not be as important! Having a robe with a waist belt can come in handy when you need to adjust the fit. If you feel too restricted in your robe, that's not the one for you, so you may have to go up a size. Also, a good bonus feature is to choose a robe with front pockets. This feature is perfect for the days you need to store your phone, your Air pods, or those little doggy bags for when your dog has to go!
Well, there you have it! You are officially a robe-wearing, coffee-drinking gent! As work from home becomes more widespread and common for many, why not invest in a quality robe to make your mornings and weekends more luxurious and comfortable? It's truly the gift that keeps on giving!