What is the Difference Between Bathrobe and Dressing Gown

The main difference between bathrobe and dressing gown is that bathrobe is made from towelling material while dressing gowns are not.

Bathrobes and dressing gowns are loose-fitting robes both men and women wear inside the home. Basically, both are garments for casual relaxation. People usually wear them during the time between getting out of bed and getting dressed. Although there are many similarities between them, they are not the same.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Bathrobe 
     – Definition, Design, Use
2. What is a Dressing Gown
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Bathrobe and Dressing Gown
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Bathrobe and Dressing Gown
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bathrobe, Dressing Gown, Housecoat, Morning Gown

What is a Bathrobe

A bathrobe is a loose-fitting outer garment that both men and women wear. They are mostly worn after a bath or body wash or around a pool. Bathrobes are made of absorbent materials (towelling) and have the ability to absorb the excess water from your body. You can wear bathrobes when you are inside your home, but they are not suitable for outdoors unless you are going to the pool or spa.

Uses of Bathrobes

• Keeps you warm

Bathrobes can make you warm if you are feeling cold after a bath or shower. In the morning, if you are feeling a little chilly when you are lying on the bed, a bathrobe will make you feel cosy and warm.

• Protects your modesty

If you are half dressed or undressed, you can wear a bathrobe to cover yourself, especially if you have houseguests staying over or unexpected visitors.

• Helps to Dry off

Since bathrobes are made of absorbent fabrics, it can easily help you to dry off.

What is a Dressing Gown

A dressing gown is a long and loose robe or coat worn informally inside the house. This is also known as a morning gown or a housecoat. A dressing gown has an open front which can be closed with a fabric belt. It can be put on over nightwear when you rise from the bed, or you can wear it over day clothes when you are partially dressed. Dressing gowns are very similar to bathrobes, but they are not usually made from absorbent material. Moreover, dressing gowns are worn by both men and women.

Although dressing gowns were once a fashionable garment, they are not very much in use in modern times. Dressing gowns actually originated from a robe-style coat called a ‘Banyan’, which was popular in the 17^th and early 18^th centuries.

Similarities Between Bathrobe and Dressing Gown

• Bathrobes and dressing gowns are loose-fitting robes with an open robe that can be closed by a belt.
• Both men and women wear them inside the home.
• You shouldn’t wear it outside the home (unless you are in a spa or lounging around the pool).

Difference Between Bathrobe and Dressing Gown

Definition

A bathrobe is a loose-fitting outer garment both men and women wear while a dressing gown is a long and loose robe or coat worn informally inside the house.

Material

Bathrobes are made from thicker, towelling and absorbent materials while dressing gowns are not.

Design

Moreover, bathrobes have a pretty basic, plain design while dressing gowns may have intricate designs.

Popularity

Bathrobes are more commonly used than dressing gowns.

Conclusion

Basically, both bathrobes and dressing gowns are garments for casual relaxation. Bathrobes are made from thicker, towelling and absorbent materials while dressing gowns are not. Thus, this is the main difference between bathrobe and dressing gown.

Reference:

1. “Dressing Gown.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 July 2020, Available here.
2. “What Is a Bathrobe Used For?” Morning Gown, 20 Feb. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Dressing gown wiki” By Janmad – Own work (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Woman in White Robe Standing in Front of Glass Door” By Andrea Piacquadio (CC0) via Pexels