If you're unsure whether to choose a bathrobe or a dressing gown, one question helps straight away: do you mainly want to dry off, or mainly want to walk around feeling warm and comfortable? A bathrobe is made for after a shower, bath or sauna visit. A dressing gown is mainly worn over your pyjamas or loungewear, for softness, warmth and ease. You’ll also often come across the word housecoat. That is usually a slightly smarter or more luxurious name for a robe you wear at home. Because online shops regularly use these terms interchangeably, it’s smart to look not only at the name, but especially at the material and how you want to use it.
How to make the right choice quickly
If you’re looking for something to wear on still slightly damp skin, choose a bathrobe. If you want something to put on during a chilly morning or quiet evening, a dressing gown is a better fit. If you’re mainly looking for an elegant, airy or slightly more classic robe for around the house, you’ll often be looking at a housecoat. In practice, these names overlap, but when you plan to wear it makes the difference much clearer. Not sure yet? Browse the badjassen collectie.
What is the difference in use?
A bathrobe is made for after a shower, bath or sauna
A bathrobe has a practical function. You wear it after drying off, or as part of drying off. That is why moisture absorption matters here. A terry bathrobe or cotton bathrobe is often the best choice, because these fabrics absorb moisture well and feel pleasant against the skin. This is also useful if you’re looking for a sauna bathrobe. So with a men’s bathrobe or women’s bathrobe for daily use, it’s not just the fit that matters, but above all how well the fabric performs after contact with water. See: Badjas-materialen uitgelegd.
A dressing gown is more about warmth and comfort
You usually put on a dressing gown over your pyjamas, nightshirt or everyday clothes. You wear it in the morning, during a quiet evening, or simply at home when you want something soft around you. Absorbing moisture is then much less important. That is why you more often see fleece, velour or a lighter fabric in a dressing gown. A long dressing gown often feels extra cosy in winter, while a short kimono or airy dressing gown can be more comfortable in summer. Whether you’re looking for a women’s dressing gown or men’s dressing gown, the purpose stays the same: comfort, without the fabric necessarily needing to be absorbent.
A housecoat is usually the smarter or more luxurious option
By housecoat, people often mean a robe you wear indoors, but not directly on wet skin. The word sounds a bit more classic, but online shops still use it for elegant or more luxurious styles. Think of a soft fleece housecoat, a satin style or an airy kimono. In that sense, a housecoat is usually closer to a dressing gown than to a true bathrobe.
Look at the material first, not just the name
The product name does not always tell the whole story. A fleece bathrobe does exist, for example, but it absorbs less moisture than cotton or terry cloth. On the other hand, a cotton dressing gown can be ideal if you want an airy style that is not too warm. You can recognise terry cloth by the loops in the fabric, which help absorb moisture well. Waffle fabric often feels lighter and airier, and is popular for the sauna or warmer days. Fleece feels extra soft and warm, so it is better suited to a dressing gown or housecoat. Satin or a thin kimono fabric is chosen mainly for a light, smooth and elegant feel. If you only see the word bathrobe or dressing gown online, always also check the fibre composition, the thickness of the fabric and the intended use. For a step-by-step chooser, see Badjas kiezen: tips voor maat, materiaal en stijl.
Frequently asked questions about bathrobes, dressing gowns and housecoats
What is another name for a dressing gown?
Housecoat is the best-known alternative name. Sometimes robe or peignoir is also used, depending on the style. Still, there is often a slight nuance: dressing gown sounds more practical and comfortable, while housecoat or peignoir can come across as smarter or more luxurious.
What is the point of a bathrobe?
A bathrobe helps keep you warm after showering, bathing or swimming and often also absorbs any remaining moisture. That makes your routine feel calmer and more comfortable. A bathrobe made of terry cloth or cotton is especially suitable for this.
What is the difference between a housecoat and a bathrobe?
A bathrobe is basically more functional and intended for after contact with water. A housecoat is more often meant to be worn indoors for comfort, warmth or a more put-together look. So the biggest difference is usually moisture absorption and choice of material.
How often should you wash a dressing gown?
That depends on how you use it. If you wear your dressing gown over pyjamas and mainly for short periods around the house, you do not need to wash it as often as a bathrobe you wear after showering. As a guideline: wash it sooner if the fabric sits directly on the skin, has been worn after heat or perspiration, or no longer feels fresh. Always follow the care label on the product. For care specifics, see Badjas wassen: temperatuur en verzorging.
