The history of bathrobes

Have you ever wondered the origin of bathrobes? The bathrobe essentially started with the robe. Robes have played an important role throughout history, and there are numerous dressing gowns in addition to bathrobes. Robes are worn in religious ceremonies, as clothing for judges and lawyers, and are also worn as part of academic graduations. With the passage of time, these various robes have morphed into today’s bathrobes.

From robes to bathrobes

To understand the history of bathrobes, you have to start with the robe. Defined as a loose-fitting outer garment, the English word robe was taken from the French word meaning “woman’s dress.” The tunic differed from other similar garments, such as capes or cloaks, by its sleeves. One of the best-known tunics in history is the seamless tunic worn by Jesus Christ at the time of his crucifixion. This seamless robe currently sits on an altar in the Roman Catholic Church and was last seen publicly in 1996.

The Chinese are well known for their use of robes. Chinese robes were made of fine, silk-like fabrics and were worn as outer garments. These dresses were also adorned with intricate embroidery. These dresses have been worn since the 19th century, during much of the Chinese dynasties.

One style of robe that is an inspiration for bathrobe design is the Japanese kimono-style robe. These dress styles also date back to the early 19th century. Kimono-style robes were considered works of art by the Japanese. These garments were usually created from silk fabrics, or even gold foil, and also had elaborate embroidery. Ancient Chinese and Japanese robes are still used today as traditional clothing in these countries.

The transformation of the bathrobe

As the story progresses, the robe has gradually morphed into the bathrobe. Bathrobes can be defined as gowns that are worn after bathing or similar activities, such as swimming. In European countries, baths were commonly taken in bathhouses where other people bathed. Bathrobes were commonly used in these countries to cover the body and provide warmth, as well as provide privacy. The bathrobes of modern times are used in this same way and for similar purposes. Both men’s and women’s bathrobes of today are inspired by the robes of the past and are available in a wide range of fabrics, colors and styles.