Bathrobe Buying Guide: Towelling, Waffle or Fleece?
The right robe depends on when you wear it. A thick towelling robe after a winter bath, a light waffle robe on a humid summer morning. Here is how the fabrics compare.
Choose a towelling (terry) robe if you want to dry off in it: it is the most absorbent. Choose a waffle robe for warm weather and travel: it is lighter and dries fastest. Choose fleece or plush for winter lounging: it is the warmest but absorbs the least. In most of Australia, waffle is the best all-year choice, with towelling a close second.
A good robe turns the minutes after a shower into part of the ritual. But fabrics behave very differently: some soak up water, some keep you warm, some dry overnight in a humid bathroom. Before you buy, it helps to know what each fabric is good at.
Towelling, waffle and fleece compared
| Towelling (terry) | Waffle | Fleece / plush | Microfibre | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Thick, looped | Light, textured | Soft, fluffy | Smooth, light |
| Absorbency | Highest | Good | Low | Good |
| Warmth | Warm | Light | Warmest | Light to medium |
| Drying time | Slow | Fast | Medium | Fastest |
| Best for | Straight out of the bath | Summer, travel, humid homes | Winter lounging | Beach, pool, surf |
Towelling robes: for drying off
Towelling, also called terry, is the same looped cotton as a bath towel. It is the one to wrap yourself in straight out of the bath, because it absorbs water quickly. The trade-off is weight and drying time: in a small bathroom without a window, a thick towelling robe can stay damp for a day.
Waffle robes: the Australian all-rounder
Waffle robes use a honeycomb weave that traps a little air, so they feel light yet cosy. They absorb reasonably well, dry fast and pack flat. That makes them ideal for humid summers in Brisbane or Sydney, for travel, and for anyone who wants a robe that is not bulky. It is the same weave as our best-selling waffle shower curtains, chosen for the same reasons.
Fleece and plush robes: for cold evenings
Fleece and coral fleece robes are the warmest and softest, perfect for a Melbourne or Hobart winter. They absorb little water, so dry off with a towel first, then put the robe on. Our coral fleece baby towels use the same soft fabric.
Robes for the beach and surf
Outdoors, a microfibre changing robe does the job of a robe and a towel at once. It is light, dries quickly in the sun and often has sleeves and a hood. Read our hooded towel guide for sizes.
Surf Changing Robe
A long changing robe with a lining, for early surfs and ocean swims.
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Zip-Up Hooded Changing Robe
A zip-up microfibre robe with sleeves and a hood.
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Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel Hoodie
A light pull-over towel hoodie for beach days.
Shop now →How to choose the right bathrobe size
- Length: knee length is practical; ankle length is warmer but can drag on wet floors.
- Fit: the front panels should overlap by at least 15–20 cm when tied.
- Sleeves: wider sleeves are easier to slip on, but can catch on taps. Shorter sleeves stay dry at the basin.
- Unisex sizing often runs large: check the chest and length measurements.
How to care for your robe
Wash robes every three or four wears, on a warm cycle for cotton and a gentle cycle for fleece. Skip fabric softener on towelling and microfibre, as it reduces absorbency. Hang robes on a hook rather than folding them damp, and let steam out of the bathroom so they dry between uses.
ShowerNest bathrobes
Looking for a gift in the meantime? See our wellness gift ideas for Christmas.
Changing robes and hooded towels.
Microfibre changing robes and towel hoodies that dry fast in the Australian sun.
Shop adult hooded towels
FAQs
Which is better, a waffle robe or a terry robe?
A terry (towelling) robe absorbs more water, so it is better straight out of the bath. A waffle robe is lighter and dries faster, so it suits warm weather and humid bathrooms.
What is the difference between a bathrobe and a towelling robe?
A towelling robe is a type of bathrobe made from looped terry cotton, like a towel. Bathrobes can also be waffle, fleece, microfibre or satin.
What are waffle robes good for?
Warm weather, travel and humid homes. They are light, absorb well, dry fast and pack flat.
What type of bathrobe is most comfortable?
It depends on the season: fleece or plush for cold evenings, waffle for summer, towelling if you want to dry off in it.
How often should you wash a bathrobe?
Every three or four wears, or more often in humid weather. Let it dry fully between uses.
