Choose your luxury bathrobe in towelling or cotton velvet

More than just an item of bathroom linen, the bathrobe is an essential accessory for when you get out of the shower or spa to prolong the feeling of comfort. Available in a wide variety of materials and thicknesses, it forms a bubble of softness around the body and, in certain contexts, provides a welcome touch of luxury. This is why the question of material choice arises. Terry cotton or velvet? Which style of bathrobe should you choose depending on its use?

For swimwear: cotton or nothing

Cotton is a natural fibre and certainly the most suitable for making swimwear. First of all, for its absorbency, which can vary depending on the weave, but also for reasons of hygiene and maintenance. Cotton has the particularity of drying easily and therefore limiting skin irritation when wearing damp clothing. It is also a hypoallergenic material, making it the universal choice for sensitive skin.

Terry towelling: a weave inspired by nature

The fibre used to make towelling robes is woven to make an even more absorbent fabric. This weave, inspired by natural sponges (hence the name), allows the material to breathe by creating air pockets in the fabric. This gives the fibres more room to expand, while wicking away moisture more quickly.
As terry towelling is mainly made up of air wrapped in very fine, loosely woven fibres, it is naturally not very suitable for low temperatures. To enjoy time outdoors when it is cold (for example, an outdoor spa in winter or in the evening), you will have to turn to another, slightly more expensive alternative: the cotton velour bathrobe.

The luxury of cotton velour

Cotton velour is used to give swimwear a much more luxurious and plusher look. It is made from a particularly tight weave of criss-crossed cotton threads, the fibres of which are cut short to provide a smooth surface that is soft to the touch. Much heavier and warmer than towelling, it is found in many luxury establishments, particularly hotel rooms and spas.

Choosing between towelling and velour

The choice between the two styles of bathrobe depends on the desired compromise between luxury and utility.
Terry towelling bathrobes have a fairly classic look, and for good reason: just like a towel that you slip on, what you expect from them is to dry the body quickly. They are not intended to be worn for long or to keep the body warm. They are perfect when you get out of the shower or the pool, before putting on something warmer and more flattering.
On the other hand, cotton velvet bathrobes are best used after a sauna or steam room, to absorb surface moisture from the body and relax in the warmth. The most luxurious models can be worn at home for a relaxing evening, or even to move around within certain hotels.
There are of course intermediate options between the towelling robe and the velvet ones, such as waffle cotton, which offers a very good compromise between style, comfort and absorption.
That said, the choice will have to be made according to the context: depending on whether you simply want to dry off after a shower at home with your family, or if you want something more aesthetic and warmer. Most large hotels offer this kind of luxury bathing attire to their clientele. Nevertheless, it is a luxury that more and more people want to treat themselves to at home.

Pockets and hoods: the little something extra

Some bathrobes are equipped with pockets, hoods or buttons to improve the comfort of the person wearing it. Far from being insignificant details, these additions should be taken into account when choosing a bathrobe, depending on whether you need to keep small objects with you (such as a room key) or simply keep your head warm when your hair is wet. From a purely aesthetic point of view, it avoids the classic towel wrapped around the head, while creating that bubble of warm comfort around the body that we generally look for when getting out of the water.