Who knew the humble dressing gown would become such a pivotal fixture in our lives? 2020 was the year we donned our PJ’s and bathrobes for almost every occasion, allowing ourselves a freedom we’d never been able to indulge in previously.

As we emerge from our lockdown cocoons, many of us are desperate to hold onto the comfort and liberation our newfound loungewear wardrobes allow.

Well, fellow dressing gown lovers - the forecast for men’s and ladies bathrobes is good. They are most certainly not just for Christmas or a non-committal, inoffensive, size-neutral gift option. The typical dressing gown is now officially an extension of our working wardrobes, as necessary as our daywear choices and, thankfully, a million more times inspiring than the classic towelling spa white bathrobe we associate with luxury hotel breaks.

Our bathrobes are fast becoming a garment we can’t bear to leave home without and as intrinsic to travel as our passports and Covid vaccinations! And this is precisely the reason that the lightweight dressing gown is becoming a travel staple.

The obvious benefit of a lightweight bathrobe is that it’s easy to stash in your suitcase, carry-on or weekender. Lightweight gowns, by their nature, tend to be crafted from crease-resistant cotton, forgiving polyester or of silk and satin origin. This makes them easy to roll, fold or squidge into one of those terribly clever and convenient packing pods.

Of course, it’s not just the physical weight of a ‘Summer’ dressing gown that makes it such a worthwhile investment piece for your wardrobe. Though it might be tempting to take your velour dressing gown with you wherever you are going, a lighter weight robe is more versatile – especially if you are heading to warmer climates.

For starters, a lightweight cotton dressing gown can pass as a beach cover-up for stylish lounging poolside. Slip it on over your bikini or one-piece like a coat and avoid the arms-above-head distress position frequently encountered when trying to disrobe from a tunic dress or kaftan.

If you’re feeling eco-conscious, you could also use your lightweight robe to help cut down on in-room towel use. Use instead of a towel after the shower and hang out to dry. In these times of heightened hygiene and sanitation, you might also prefer to take your own dressing gown to the in-resort spa.

If you’re opting for a lightweight cotton robe, as is our preference, you’ll find there’s a beautiful choice of patterns and prints to add a fashion-focused approach to proceedings. Not only does this inject some energy into alfresco dining and private balcony coffee breaks, but it presents another mode for wearing if you’re feeling confident. Yes, you’ve guessed it. The kimono dressing gown worn as a spring jacket. It’s not a new thing, and you only have to look to the catwalk and celebrity style inspo to see evidence of this trend. Think Meghan Markle’s distinctly dressing gown inspired Tom Ford coat worn for her engagement, Burberry’s iconic dressing gown coat or the slightly more Boho-enthused kimono and denim shorts combo.

It might seem out of the question but trust us on this one. Team the effortlessly stylish Gatsby lightweight dressing gown with a killer pair of jeans or cut off denim shorts and strappy white vest, and you have a ready-made Coachella worthy outfit. If it’s good enough for Katie Holmes, it’s good enough for us.

Tie the waist belt at the back and let the dressing gown flow open or fasten with a bow at the front for a slightly more formal approach.

So, the evidence is clear. A lightweight travel robe is an essential. It’s a multi-functional garment that allows you to take a little piece of home wherever you roam. It serves up a multitude of style options, and it’s practical. A lightweight dressing gown occupies little space in your carry-on and more than covers its payload in utility. You can even afford to pack more than one or go one better and layer up for the flight with a second option.

Opt for easy-care fabrics and look for styles with pockets – they’ll come into their own for mobile phones and room key cards.

2021 might look set to be the year of the staycation, but a lightweight robe will always serve you well, home or away.

Who knew the humble dressing gown would become such a pivotal fixture in our lives? 2020 was the year we donned our PJ’s and bathrobes for almost every occasion, allowing ourselves a freedom we’d never been able to indulge in previously.

As we emerge from our lockdown cocoons, many of us are desperate to hold onto the comfort and liberation our newfound loungewear wardrobes allow.

Well, fellow dressing gown lovers - the forecast for men’s and ladies bathrobes is good. They are most certainly not just for Christmas or a non-committal, inoffensive, size-neutral gift option. The typical dressing gown is now officially an extension of our working wardrobes, as necessary as our daywear choices and, thankfully, a million more times inspiring than the classic towelling spa white bathrobe we associate with luxury hotel breaks.

Our bathrobes are fast becoming a garment we can’t bear to leave home without and as intrinsic to travel as our passports and Covid vaccinations! And this is precisely the reason that the lightweight dressing gown is becoming a travel staple.

The obvious benefit of a lightweight bathrobe is that it’s easy to stash in your suitcase, carry-on or weekender. Lightweight gowns, by their nature, tend to be crafted from crease-resistant cotton, forgiving polyester or of silk and satin origin. This makes them easy to roll, fold or squidge into one of those terribly clever and convenient packing pods.

Of course, it’s not just the physical weight of a ‘Summer’ dressing gown that makes it such a worthwhile investment piece for your wardrobe. Though it might be tempting to take your velour dressing gown with you wherever you are going, a lighter weight robe is more versatile – especially if you are heading to warmer climates.

For starters, a lightweight cotton dressing gown can pass as a beach cover-up for stylish lounging poolside. Slip it on over your bikini or one-piece like a coat and avoid the arms-above-head distress position frequently encountered when trying to disrobe from a tunic dress or kaftan.

If you’re feeling eco-conscious, you could also use your lightweight robe to help cut down on in-room towel use. Use instead of a towel after the shower and hang out to dry. In these times of heightened hygiene and sanitation, you might also prefer to take your own dressing gown to the in-resort spa.

If you’re opting for a lightweight cotton robe, as is our preference, you’ll find there’s a beautiful choice of patterns and prints to add a fashion-focused approach to proceedings. Not only does this inject some energy into alfresco dining and private balcony coffee breaks, but it presents another mode for wearing if you’re feeling confident. Yes, you’ve guessed it. The kimono dressing gown worn as a spring jacket. It’s not a new thing, and you only have to look to the catwalk and celebrity style inspo to see evidence of this trend. Think Meghan Markle’s distinctly dressing gown inspired Tom Ford coat worn for her engagement, Burberry’s iconic dressing gown coat or the slightly more Boho-enthused kimono and denim shorts combo.

It might seem out of the question but trust us on this one. Team the effortlessly stylish Gatsby lightweight dressing gown with a killer pair of jeans or cut off denim shorts and strappy white vest, and you have a ready-made Coachella worthy outfit. If it’s good enough for Katie Holmes, it’s good enough for us.

Tie the waist belt at the back and let the dressing gown flow open or fasten with a bow at the front for a slightly more formal approach.

So, the evidence is clear. A lightweight travel robe is an essential. It’s a multi-functional garment that allows you to take a little piece of home wherever you roam. It serves up a multitude of style options, and it’s practical. A lightweight dressing gown occupies little space in your carry-on and more than covers its payload in utility. You can even afford to pack more than one or go one better and layer up for the flight with a second option.

Opt for easy-care fabrics and look for styles with pockets – they’ll come into their own for mobile phones and room key cards.

2021 might look set to be the year of the staycation, but a lightweight robe will always serve you well, home or away.