Start with where the robe will be used
The same hotel often needs two robes. In the guest room a robe is put on after a shower and worn while getting ready or relaxing; softness and look matter most. In a spa or by the pool it is worn between treatments, in steam rooms and in humid air; it must dry quickly and survive frequent laundering. Deciding the use first narrows every other choice.
Waffle, terry and velour
Waffle robes have a honeycomb weave. They are light, breathable and dry fast, which makes them the standard choice for spas, saunas and warm climates. They feel crisp rather than plush and pack small, so they suit hotels with limited storage.
Terry robes have loops on both sides, like a bath towel. They absorb water well and feel warm and soft, but they are heavier and take longer to dry. Terry is the classic choice for in-room robes in temperate and cold climates and for ski hotels.
Velour robes are terry with the loops sheared on the outside, which gives a smooth, slightly shiny surface while keeping terry inside. They look more formal and take embroidery very cleanly, which is why they are common in luxury hotels.
There are also lighter options — cotton-polyester blends, microfibre and lined kimono robes — that suit hot climates or retail sale. Each has a place, but the three above cover most hotel needs.
What GSM means and what to choose
GSM is grams per square metre: the weight of the fabric. A higher number means more yarn, more weight and usually more warmth and absorbency. As a rough orientation:
- Around 200–300 GSM: light waffle and summer robes; quick-drying, easy to launder.
- Around 300–400 GSM: medium terry and heavier waffle; a comfortable in-room standard.
- Around 400–500 GSM and above: heavy terry and velour; luxury feel, longer drying time, higher laundry cost.
Heavier is not automatically better. A heavy robe in a beach resort is uncomfortable and expensive to wash; a light robe in an alpine chalet feels cheap. Weight should follow climate and use. GSM also only tells part of the story: yarn type (combed or ring-spun cotton), loop length and finishing affect how the robe feels just as much.
Composition
100% cotton remains the reference for comfort and absorbency. Cotton-polyester blends are stronger and dry faster, which is why they appear in spa and high-turnover robes. Bamboo-viscose blends feel very soft but are less robust in hot commercial laundry. If you need certified fabrics, ask for materials with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification; the certificate covers the fabric and confirms it has been tested for harmful substances.
Sizes
Hotels keep sizing simple. Many use one size or two unisex sizes — often S/M and L/XL — to reduce stock and sorting work. A kimono collar fits a wider range of body shapes than a shawl collar, which is one reason it is common in spas. Measure the length you want: knee length is standard; longer robes look more luxurious but use more fabric. Children's robes for family rooms come in age-based sizes and are a separate item.
Collars, belts and details
- Shawl collar: the classic hotel robe, warm and formal.
- Kimono collar: lighter and more flexible on fit; standard for waffle and spa robes.
- Hooded: popular in ski and pool settings.
- Belt loops on both sides keep belts from being lost in the laundry.
- A hanging loop and two pockets are expected by most guests.
- Piping in a contrast colour adds a finished look and brand colour without extra embroidery.
Colour
White remains the hotel default because it can be bleached and signals cleanliness. Coloured robes — grey, navy, sand, sage — are increasingly used in spas and boutique hotels to stand apart and to separate spa stock from room stock. Darker colours hide wear but need colour-safe laundry processes. Ask for a wash test on a coloured sample before ordering.
Embroidery on robes
Embroidery is the right method for robes: print loses definition on looped fabric, while embroidery keeps its shape through repeated laundering. Points to specify:
- Position: left chest is the standard. Pocket, collar or sleeve are alternatives; a large back design suits spa or retail robes.
- Size: a chest logo is usually 6–9 cm wide. Very fine lines and small text need simplifying.
- Thread colour: tonal (white on white, grey on grey) reads as discreet and expensive; contrast is more visible.
- Monograms: guest initials can be added in small batches for VIPs and spa members.
Our page on branding methods goes into more detail, and the bathrobes page lists the styles we produce.
How many robes to buy
Par levels for robes are usually calculated per room: one set in the room, one in the laundry and one in reserve, multiplied by the number of guests per room for which you supply robes. Spas calculate per treatment room and per daily guest instead. Add a margin for robes that are lost or bought by guests — selling a retail version of the robe in the lobby or spa shop is a way to turn that loss into revenue.
Before you order
Ask for a sample in your colour with your embroidery and wash it in your own laundry several times before approving. That test, more than any specification sheet, tells you how the robe will look after a season.