What Robe Fabric Is Best? TENCEL Modal, Silk, Waffle, Plush and Terry Compared

The best bathrobe fabric depends on when you wear it: cotton terry is best for drying off after a shower because its looped pile absorbs water, while TENCEL™ Modal, silk and lightweight viscose blends are best for lounging and layering over pajamas. For warmth on cold mornings, a plush or waffle bouclé robe is the coziest choice. Here is how each Eberjey robe fabric compares, with lengths, care and who each one suits.

The short answer: match the fabric to the moment

• Post-shower or pool: terry. Of the robes here, the cotton terry robe is the one Eberjey describes as water absorbent.
• Lounging over pajamas, all year: TENCEL™ Modal, which drapes and is machine washable on most styles.
• Dressing up a night in: washable silk or a modal robe with lace trim.
• Cold mornings and couch time: plush or waffle bouclé in recycled polyester.
• Warm weather: a lighter viscose and cotton blend.

Looking for picks by occasion rather than fabric? See the best robes for women or shop all robes.

Terry: the robe for drying off

Terry cloth is a looped pile fabric, usually cotton, and those protruding loops are what soak up water. That absorbency is why terry is a classic fabric for towels and bathrobes.

The Terry Gender Neutral Robe ($225, sizes XS/S, S/M and L/XL) is made from 100% cotton, and Eberjey describes it as water absorbent, so you can step out of the shower or pool and right into it. It has a removable tie belt, patch pockets and a wide lapel, and it's sized in three gender-neutral sizes.

TENCEL™ Modal: the everyday lounging robe

Modal is a type of rayon, a manufactured fiber made from regenerated cellulose. Our modal robes use the same fabric as our Gisele pajamas, 95% LENZING TENCEL™ Modal and 5% elastane, which is why they match so easily. Learn more in what is TENCEL™ Modal fabric.

• Ankle length: the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Long Robe ($168, sizes XS–XL) has a shawl collar, delicate piping, a patch pocket and a relaxed fit that drapes.
• Midi length: the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Everyday Long Robe ($148, sizes XS–XL) is a relaxed-fit midi robe with kimono sleeves, side pockets and an adjustable belt.
• Short length: the Lara TENCEL™ Modal Short Robe ($168, sizes XS–XL) is a relaxed, long-sleeve short robe with an adjustable belt, an interior tie and lace at the neckband and sleeves.
• Lace trim: the Mariana TENCEL™ Modal Robe ($168, sizes XS–XL) has a 95% TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane body, flowy sleeves and lace detailing; Eberjey describes its drape as lightweight. It's hand wash cold and line dry.
• For him: the William TENCEL™ Modal Robe ($148, sizes XS–XL) is a long-sleeve wrap robe with functional pockets and an adjustable sash.

Modal is not a drying-off fabric the way terry is; think of it as a soft layer over pajamas.

Silk and lightweight blends: for warm nights and travel

• Washable silk: the Inez Washable Silk Robe ($278, sizes XS–XL) is a long robe in 100% mulberry silk with an adjustable belt. Eberjey describes the fabric as hypoallergenic and thermoregulating. Care: hand wash or machine wash cold on a delicate cycle, separately, then lay flat to dry; a mesh wash bag is recommended. See how to care for washable silk.
• Viscose and cotton: the Nautico Midi Robe ($198, sizes XS–XL) is 63% viscose and 37% cotton, with a relaxed fit, adjustable belt, side seam pockets, side slits and a locker loop. It's machine washable and tumble dry low.

For travel or warm nights, reach for these lighter fabrics rather than plush or bouclé.

Plush and waffle bouclé: the warmest robes

These are our warmest robes, both made from recycled polyester.

• The Recycled Boucle Waffle Robe ($248, sizes S–L) is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with a waffle bouclé texture. It's mid-length, with a shawl collar, rib trim, side seam pockets and a removable tie belt. Care: machine wash cold, lay flat to dry, do not iron.
• The Renew Plush Long Robe ($248, sizes XS–XL) is 100% recycled post-consumer polyester with a plush exterior and a soft, sweater-like interior, relaxed sleeves with cuffs, front pockets and a removable tie belt. Care: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low, do not iron.

One tradeoff: polyester absorbs very little moisture, so these are robes for warming up after you've dried off, not for drying off. Explore the full Recycled Bouclé collection.

Robe fabrics compared

Frequently asked questions

What is the best fabric for a bathrobe?

For drying off after a shower, cotton terry is best because its looped pile absorbs water. For lounging, TENCEL™ Modal or silk feel lighter, and for warmth, plush or waffle bouclé is coziest.

Is a terry robe or a plush robe better after a shower?

Terry is better for drying off. Terry cloth's loops absorb water, while plush robes made of polyester absorb very little moisture, so they are better for warming up once you are dry.

What is a waffle robe?

A waffle robe has a textured, waffle-like surface. Eberjey's Recycled Boucle Waffle Robe has a waffle bouclé texture in 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.

Can you machine wash a modal robe?

Most Eberjey TENCEL™ Modal robes can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle, inside out, and tumble dried low. The Mariana TENCEL™ Modal Robe is an exception: hand wash cold and line dry.

What length robe should I choose?

Choose a short robe for warm rooms and layering, a midi for an easy everyday length, and an ankle-length or long robe for the most warmth and coverage.

Is a silk robe worth it?

A silk robe is a lightweight layer for dressing up a night in. The Inez Washable Silk Robe is 100% mulberry silk and can be hand washed or machine washed cold on a delicate cycle, then laid flat to dry.

Sources

• Wikipedia, “Terrycloth”
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, CAMEO, “Terrycloth”
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, CAMEO, “Modal fiber”
• Cornell Law School LII, “16 CFR § 303.7 Generic names and definitions for manufactured fibers”
• Wikipedia, “Polyester”
• Georgia Tech News Center, “Stay Cool: Top Fabrics to Wear to Survive the Summer Heat”