Bathrobes

Fabric and comfort

Terry and cotton velour absorb water and take the place of a towel - the heavier the fabric, the warmer and weightier the robe. Fleece and microfibre keep you warm and dry quickly, but absorb less well. Satin, viscose and styles with silk are light and cool, chosen for summer and as a layer thrown over pyjamas rather than for after a shower.

Look at the length and at the width of the overlap. A robe whose front edges merely meet will fall open - a well-cut one has a wide wrap front and a belt threaded through loops rather than stitched loosely in place. A hood adds warmth, though it can be redundant if you are drying your hair.

Take the larger size, as a robe is meant to wrap loosely. Wash terry at 60 degrees, satin and viscose at 30. Dispatch in 1-2 working days, free delivery over PLN 199, 60-day returns.

What to look out for

A dressing gown is a piece of homewear chosen above all for absorbency and weight. Terry, the looped knit, absorbs water best and is the natural choice after a bath. Velour has the same base but with the loops sheared - it is smoother and nicer against the skin, though a little less absorbent.

Which style to choose

The lighter options are viscose and satin robes. They are not for drying off, but they are airy, cool and work well thrown over pyjamas in summer. Fleece styles give the most warmth for the least weight, but they do not absorb water.

The collection holds styles by Key, Henderson and Kleo, in women's and men's versions. To go with them, it is worth choosing pyjamas. Wash terry at 40-60 degrees without softener, which clogs the loops and reduces absorbency.

Worth checking before you buy

Fabric weight also affects comfort - the heavier it is, the warmer and more absorbent the robe, but the longer it takes to dry. For everyday use it is worth checking the sleeve length, whether there are pockets, and whether the belt has loops, because without them it shifts constantly.

When choosing a size, remember that a robe is worn over pyjamas or on bare skin after a bath, so it needs room across the shoulders and hips. A style that fits too closely falls open when you sit down and restricts movement while you dry off.