The Ultimate Comfort
The moment I put on one of those plush hotel bathrobes (or dressing gown) and matching slippers I know my vacation has started. I suddenly feel all comfy and relaxed 😉. And you?
The History of Robes
Robes were among the first clothes ever worn, and their use dates back centuries. They were the easiest garments to produce and were typically made of flat, easily measured and sewn panels of cloth.
Dressing gowns, bathrobes, and pajamas migrated to Europe during the 1500s and 1600s. The dressing gown and bathrobe evolved from the Turkish and Persian “Banyan”, a loose-fitting robe worn for comfort. The word “pajamas” comes from Iranian words “Pai Jamahs”, referring to the soft, loose-fitting pants worn by people in the Middle East (especially in Turkey, India, and Iran).
Up to the 20th century, shirts of any kind were seen as underwear, to be worn under one’s regular day clothes. It was considered unseemly to appear in the presence of guests ‘in your shirtsleeves’. If you had to, you were expected to wear your dressing gown over your shirt .
In the 19th century, dressing gowns became more elaborate and extravagant. Women’s dressing gowns were often made of luxurious fabrics like satin, adorned with lace or embroidery. They were designed to be worn while entertaining guests at home or during morning routines. Men’s dressing gowns also became more refined, incorporating elements of tailoring and featuring fine fabrics like velvet or brocade.