If you want a dressing gown to wear straight after a shower or bath, choose towelling. Cotton towelling absorbs water and breathes, so it dries you off. Fleece is warmer for lounging on cold evenings, but it is usually polyester and does not absorb water well.
Towelling vs fleece at a glance
| Cotton towelling | Fleece | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cotton woven with small loops (terry) | Usually polyester |
| Absorbs water | Yes, it works like a towel | Poorly, water sits on the surface |
| Breathability | Good | Lower, can feel warm and clammy |
| Warmth | Moderate | High |
| Best for | After a shower, bath, swim or spa | Lounging in a cold house |
Why towelling is better after a shower
Towelling, also called terry, is woven with thousands of small cotton loops. Those loops soak up water from your skin in the same way a bath towel does. That is why hotels and spas use towelling robes. Fleece feels soft and warm, but because it is synthetic it tends to push water around rather than absorb it.
When fleece makes sense
If you mainly want something warm to wear over pyjamas on winter evenings, and you will be dry when you put it on, a fleece dressing gown is a good choice. Many people own both: towelling for the bathroom and fleece for the sofa.
Comfort through the year
Cotton towelling breathes, so it is comfortable after a hot shower in summer as well as in winter. A lightweight towelling robe is also easy to pack for holidays, swimming and spa days.
Care
Both are machine washable. Towelling stays soft and absorbent if you avoid fabric softener and dry it on a low heat. Our guide on how to wash a towelling bathrobe explains how.
Choosing a towelling robe
- Material: look for 100% cotton for the best absorbency.
- Collar: a shawl collar is classic and easy to wear; a hood adds warmth for wet hair.
- Details: deep pockets and a belt you can tie loose or snug.
- Size: towelling robes are worn loose, so check the measurements. See our bathrobe size guide.
Our unisex cotton towelling dressing gown has a shawl collar, two pockets and a self-tie belt, in 6 colours and two sizes.
