SOFT TOUCH® / Bathrobes

Bathrobes are generally made of four different fabrics.

• Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber consisting primarily of cellulose and is one of the most commonly used fibers in textile manufacturing. Due to the hydrophilic nature of cellulose, cotton absorbs water easily and is frequently used by the beach, pool, or following a shower. Cotton robes are especially suited to use in hot climates because cotton tends to absorb perspiration.

• Silk: Another common fabric used in robes is silk. Silk is a fine lustrous fiber composed mainly of fibroin and produced by the secretions of certain insect larvae (normally silkworms) forming strong, elastic, fibrous thread. These kinds of bathrobes can be relatively expensive due to the cost of producing silk. Such robes are very thin and lightweight. These bathrobes are not particularly suited to wet environments because they lack the surface area and polarity necessary to absorb water. However, silk dressing gowns are the traditional choice, since they are not worn after bathing.

• Microfiber: Microfiber is an extremely fine synthetic fiber, typically made of cellulose or polyester that can be woven into textiles to mimic natural-fiber cloth. Modern microfibers are developed to maximize breathability and water absorption and can be thinner than the width of human hair. Much like silk, robes made out of microfiber are light in weight and are very soft to the touch. Microfiber is flammable.

• Wool: Wool is common in colder climates.

• Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fiber occasionally used in inexpensive bathrobes. It is valued for its ability to be cleaned easily.

Bathrobes are also categorized by their shape of weave.

• Flannel: Flannel is a soft woven fabric, made from loosely spun yarn, usually cotton or wool.

• Terry: Terry is a pile fabric, usually woven of cotton, with uncut loops on both sides, used for bath towels and robes. The longer and denser the loops are, more absorbent the bathrobes are.

• Velour: Velour is a fabric with cut loops. Velour bathrobes are typically made with terry inside, as terrycloth absorbs water better than velour. Velour gives the bathrobe luxury, coziness, and makes the garment softer to the touch.

• Waffle: Waffle fabric has good water absorbency, is loose and has a distinctive "gridlike" appearance. For most part, these bathrobes are designed for their light weight. "Pique" is a type of waffle weave that can be applied to cotton, velour, silk, and other fabrics.